Import Specialist - Air

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

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an Import Specialist - Air to coordinate international air import shipments from pre-arrival through final delivery. You will process documents, track shipments, and communicate with airlines, brokers, and internal teams.

The role requires accurate data entry in CargoWise, adherence to U.S. import compliance, and strong organizational skills. This on-site position offers a Monday–Friday schedule and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Education and experience in logistics or related operations required or preferred.
• Experience with air import processes and international shipping preferred.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and data-entry skills for accuracy.

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 elevate 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.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Discretion and confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Undergraduate degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or related field (preferred)

Tools

CargoWise or similar TMS/forwarding tools

Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

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 elevate 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.