Air Import & Export Specialist
Position Summary
The Air Import & Export Specialist is responsible for coordinating international air freight shipments from origin through final delivery while providing exceptional customer service. This position works closely with customers, airlines, trucking companies, customs brokers, overseas agents, and internal teams to ensure shipments move efficiently, comply with all regulatory requirements, and meet customer expectations.
Primary Responsibilities
Air Import Operations
- Manage import shipments from arrival through final delivery.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding shipment status, inquiries, and issue resolution.
- Collect and verify shipment information, including weight, dimensions, commodity, origin, destination, and special handling requirements.
- Coordinate with airlines, ground handling agents (GHAs), truckers, and customs brokers to facilitate timely cargo release and delivery.
- Monitor shipment milestones and provide proactive updates to customers.
- Arrange payment of applicable import service charges (ISC).
- Schedule truck pickups and deliveries while minimizing storage and accessorial charges.
- Complete shipment costing, rating, and billing in accordance with company procedures.
- Prepare customer quotations, lane pricing, and spot rates as requested.
Air Export Operations
- Coordinate international air export shipments from booking through departure and final destination.
- Prepare and review export documentation, including Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, packing lists, and export declarations.
- Book cargo with airlines and coordinate warehouse receiving and cargo acceptance.
- Ensure compliance with TSA, IATA, AES, and other applicable export regulations.
- Maintain communication with customers, overseas offices, carriers, and service providers throughout the shipping process.
- Track shipments and resolve service disruptions in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate shipment records within the transportation management system.
- Support carrier rate negotiations and identify cost-effective transportation solutions
- Customer Service & Collaboration
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and business partners.
- Respond promptly to customer requests while providing accurate and professional communication.
- Partner with Sales, Customs Brokerage, Billing, and Operations teams to ensure seamless shipment execution.
- Stay informed of market conditions, airline service changes, and industry trends to better support customers.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in freight forwarding, with air import and/or export experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of international transportation, freight forwarding, and logistics operations.
- Understanding of Incoterms, customs procedures, and international shipping documentation.
- Working knowledge of Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is preferred.
- Experience coordinating with airlines, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, and overseas partners.
- Strong computer skills and experience using freight forwarding or transportation management systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Professional demeanor when interacting with customers, vendors, and colleagues.
- Adaptable, dependable, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven logistics environment.