1

Import Operations Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Qualifications * 1-5 years of experience in ocean import operations, freight forwarding, or international logistics. * Ability to coordinate end-to-end ocean shipments, ensuring accurate ...

Ocean Import Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience in ocean import operations or international freight forwarding preferred * English and Korean bilingual a plus * Excellent organizational and communication skills. * Proficient in MS Excel ...

Ocean Import or Export Coordinator

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ocean Import or Export Coordinator Location: Chicago - Various locations Job Type: Full-Time, ... This role is responsible for managing end-to-end international freight operations. The ideal ...

Air & Sea Import Operation

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform other duties as assigned by manager What we offer If you are an experienced Air & Sea Import Operation professional who enjoys operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer ...

Be Seen First

Air Import Coordinator

Itasca, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to efficient supply chain operations while supporting our commitment to timely and accurate import processes. Duties * Coordinate and monitor air ...

New

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The ideal candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of import operations. Duties for this position will include compliance reviews of import transactions, data entry for transmission ...

Import Agent II

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$44K - $69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operations and import logistics. Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Assist with the breakdown of consolidated import air freight shipments, including preparing master airway ...

Showing results 21-40

Import Operations information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$23

$47

How much do import operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for import operations in Illinois is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an import operations specialist?

To thrive as an Import Operations Specialist, you need a thorough understanding of international trade regulations, logistics procedures, and documentation, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Familiarity with customs management software, freight tracking systems, and compliance certifications such as CITT or FIATA is highly valuable. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with vendors and regulatory authorities set top performers apart. These abilities ensure smooth and compliant import processes, minimizing delays and optimizing the supply chain.

What are import operations?

Import operations involve managing the process of bringing goods into a country from abroad, including tasks such as coordinating shipments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and handling documentation. Import operations professionals often work with logistics software and require knowledge of international trade laws and procedures.

What is the difference between Import Operations vs Customs Compliance Specialist?

AspectImport OperationsCustoms Compliance Specialist
Required CredentialsLogistics certifications, import/export knowledgeCustoms regulations, compliance certifications
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, shipping ports, logistics firmsCustoms offices, compliance departments
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, import/export firmsCustoms agencies, multinational corporations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding import processesEnsuring legal compliance in imports

Import Operations focus on managing the overall import process, including coordination with carriers and documentation. Customs Compliance Specialists concentrate on adhering to customs laws and regulations. Both roles are essential in international trade but differ in their primary responsibilities and expertise areas.

What are some common challenges faced in an import operations role, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the main challenges in Import Operations is navigating complex international regulations and ensuring timely customs clearance. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, changing tariffs, or unforeseen inspections, which require strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with customs brokers, carriers, and internal teams is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep shipments on schedule. Staying updated on regulatory changes and building positive relationships with partners can help minimize disruptions and improve overall efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Import Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Import Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Import Operations jobs in Illinois?

For Import Operations jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Import Operations jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Import Operations jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Import Operations job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,683 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$27.80 - $39.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


AIT Worldwide Logistics rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 362 rated logistics


Job description

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!

We’re problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction.

Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT. Find out what our people deliver.® means when you come move the world with us! 

Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.


AIT Worldwide Logistics is seeking an Air Import Agent II that will coordinate the day-to-day import of international freight forwarding shipments into and out of the USA across all modes of international transportation based on customer requests. The Air Import Agent’s primary focus is providing a high-level of operational excellence and a world-class customer service experience to all customers.  


  • Receive and validate customer order (Cargowise Org, Credit, Import POA, Restricted Commodities, Cargo Value, Embargoes/Sanctions, Additional Services, Documentation Requirements, Incoterms)
  • Identify best routing / transit option per customer request/SOP
  • Anticipate and secure quotation from vendors/agents for all potential order costs
  • Issue customer or overseas office/agent quotation & confirm acceptance
  • Receive and validate customer documents
  • Track and confirm flight arrival and update system milestone
  • Issue Arrival Notice and distribute per customer requirement
  • Dispatch inland carriage with subcontractor if applicable
  • Track and confirm shipment arrival to final cfs (if applicable)
  • Obtain Pick Up # from Carrier & forwarded to relevant parties (if applicable)
  • Confirm timely delivery/release of cargo and update system milestone
  • Accrue for all costs in CargoWise and perform initial profitability check
  • Confirm final costs, ensuring all are accrued and final profitability check complete
  • Issue Invoice to customer/overseas office as required
  • Distribute documents as per shipper requirement / SOP
  • Manage customer reporting and/or additional system milestones as required
  • The wage range for this position is $27.80-$39.20 and may vary based on geography as well as relative knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.

  • A team player who works well with others – being respectful to our teammates is a Core Value
  • A strong work ethic with an appreciation for ownership, independence, accountability, and autonomy in your role
  • Growth mindset – being passionate about your craft, always looking for ways to improve yourself and the company, being open to change and doing things differently
  • Customer service focus – we serve a wide variety of customers, both internal and external, and building relationships is a part of our culture

Other Skills We Hope to See:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2-4 Years Freight Forwarding experience preferred
  • Dangerous Goods Certification preferred
  • Certified CargoWise Specialist CCO required
  • Advanced Knowledge of CargoWise
  • Advanced math & geography skills.
  • Identify and resolves problems.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to analyze numerical data and understand components, relationships, find patterns and draw conclusions.
  • Intermediate knowledge of freight movement, air vendors, air space configurations, container loads, special loading constraints, regulatory requirements, pricing, service routings, AIT product offerings, equipment types, incoterms, and shipment profitability.
  • Intermediate knowledge of country regulations and AIT policies & procedures that minimize risks to the customer and company.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
  • Basic to intermediate experience using MS Office
  • Applies acquired job skills and company policies and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
  • Ability to read, comprehend and write routine correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate and interact effectively with a variety of people; can effectively present information in one-on-one or small group settings.

In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position). Benefits offered include Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Supplemental Health, Employee Support, Paid Parental Leave, Pet Insurance, 401(k) and Tuition Reimbursement. In addition, teammates may be eligible for up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday, 5 sick days, 5 volunteer hours, and 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually.


AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.


What AIT Worldwide Logistics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom