Import Specialist - Air

Forward Air Corp.; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 41,328 - 46,838; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an Import Specialist - Air to coordinate international air import shipments from arrival through delivery. This role supports documentation, data entry in CargoWise, and coordination with carriers, brokers, and internal teams.

The position is 100% on-site, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, with travel as needed. Knowledge of air import processes and proficiency in Microsoft Office is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; bachelor's in logistics or related field preferred.
• Experience in logistics, transportation, or related operations.
• Basic understanding of air import processes and international shipping.
• Experience with CargoWise or similar TMS; ability to learn systems quickly.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines.
• Discretion and confidentiality handling sensitive information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and web conferencing tools.
• On-site role with travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate air import shipments from pre-arrival through final delivery.
• Process and review import documents such as invoices and shipping papers.
• Enter and maintain shipment data in CargoWise and related systems.
• Track arrivals, clearance status, and delivery milestones.
• Communicate with airlines, brokers, carriers, warehouses, and internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. import requirements and internal procedures.
• Identify documentation issues or delays and escalate as needed.
• Assist with billing validation for duties, fees, and charges.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding shipment status and delivery.
• Maintain accurate and organized shipment records.
• Provide on-site coverage during peak periods.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

CargoWise

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in logistics or related field preferred

Tools

CargoWise

TMS

Job description

Pay Rate: $30/hr - 34/hr

Schedule: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

The Import Specialist - Air supports international air import operations by coordinating shipment activities from arrival through final delivery. They assist with documentation processing, shipment tracking, and coordination with carriers, brokers, and delivery partners. They support timely clearance and delivery while ensuring data accuracy and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating air import shipments from pre‑arrival through final delivery.
• Process and review import documentation such as arrival notices, commercial invoices, and shipping documents.
• Enter and maintain accurate shipment data in CargoWise and other systems.
• Track shipment arrivals, customs clearance status, and delivery milestones.
• Communicate with airlines, customs brokers, trucking providers, warehouses, and internal teams.
• Follow U.S. import compliance requirements and internal operating procedures.
• Identify documentation issues or clearance delays and escalates as needed.
• Support duty, fee, and charge validation for billing accuracy.
• Respond to customer inquiries related to shipment status and delivery.
• Maintain accurate and organized shipment records.
• Assist with coverage during peak volume periods.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; undergraduate degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in logistics, transportation, or related operations roles.
• Basic understanding of air import processes and international shipping preferred.
• Experience with CargoWise or similar TMS/forwarding tools or demonstrated ability to learn systems quickly.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and time‑management skills.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).
• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.