F
Full Time Permanent

Des Plaines, Illinois · USA job

Export Specialist - Air

Forward Air

Des Plaines, Illinois

Job description

Compensation: $30.00-$36.00 per/hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

The Export Specialist - Air manages international air export operations and ensures the successful execution of complex shipments across global networks. They plan routings, resolve service exceptions, and balance customer requirements with operational and financial considerations. They serve as a primary point of contact for customers, carriers, and overseas partners, owning shipment performance from initiation through departure. They play a critical role in supporting business objectives and maintaining strong customer and carrier relationships.

Responsibilities

  • Own and manage assigned air export accounts and shipments, exercising independent judgment in planning, execution, and issue resolution.
  • Coordinate international air export shipments from booking through departure, determining optimal routings, carriers, and service levels.
  • Prepare, review, and approve air export documentation, including MAWB/HAWB, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export filings, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Ensure adherence to applicable international trade regulations, airline requirements, TSA/IATA standards, and internal operating procedures.
  • Utilize CargoWise and other systems to manage shipment data, track milestones, and maintain accurate operational records.
  • Serve as a primary customer contact, providing proactive communication, managing expectations, and resolving service exceptions.
  • Analyze shipment requirements and constraints to anticipate risks, mitigate delays, and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Collaborate with airlines, overseas agents, trucking providers, warehouses, and internal teams to ensure seamless execution.
  • Review and validate rates, charges, and billing details to support accurate invoicing and margin control.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement, service enhancements, and cost efficiencies within air export operations.
  • Support onboarding, training, or informal guidance of less experienced team members as needed.
  • Represent the organization professionally with customers, carriers, and partners, supporting long term relationship development.
  • 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.
  • Certification/Licensure: IATA, FIATA, or other freight forwarding certifications preferred but not required.
  • Experience: 2+ years of professional experience in international air export operations, freight forwarding, or global logistics.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and make sound operational decisions in a fast paced environment.
  • Strong knowledge of air export documentation, Incoterms, and international shipping practices.
  • Hands on experience with CargoWise; experience with other transportation management systems/forwarding tools is a plus.
  • Proven customer facing communication skills with the ability to manage complex or escalated issues.
  • 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.

Explore related USA jobs

Similar jobs you may like

Related roles with a similar title and location.

Same category Same location Same country

Artwork Installer/Delivery Driver

Artists Frame Service

Chicago, Illinois, United States · 60601

Same category Same location Same country

Garage Door Technician

Anytime Garage Door

Chicago, Illinois, United States · 60601

Same category Same location Same country

Sheet Metal Installer

Clark Roofing Company

Broadview, Illinois, United States · 60155

Same category Same location Same country

Delivery Technician (Driver)

Hometown Veterans Medical, LLC

Alma, Illinois, United States · 62807

Same category Same location Same country

Delivery Professional - Bulk/Straight Truck (Cover Driver)

MCKESSON

Bartlett, Illinois, United States · 60103

Same category Same location Same country

Distribution Lead I

Advent Global Solutions INC

Countryside, Illinois, United States

Same category Same location Same country

Seasonal Package Delivery Driver (HAMMOND)

United Parcel Service

Hammond, Illinois, United States · 61929

Same category Same location Same country

Account Executive- Intermodal Carriers

Forward Air

Chicago, Illinois, United States · 60290

Need help finding a job?

Chat with our AI assistant.