Air Import Specialist

Air Import Specialist

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL 60606

Salary: $65,000–$75,000 per year

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

About the Role

An established freight forwarding company in downtown Chicago is seeking an experienced Air Import Specialist to join its growing operations team.

This is a hands-on operational role suited to someone with strong air import experience and a thorough understanding of the entire import process, from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.

You will manage a busy desk handling 25+ import files per week, taking full ownership of shipments while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage air import shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, customers, customs brokers, and other service providers.
• Review and process air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and arrival documentation.
• Arrange customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Monitor flight arrivals, cargo availability, freight releases, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries with trucking companies, warehouses, airlines, and overseas offices.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers and maintain accurate shipment milestones.
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import files per week while maintaining high operational standards.

Skills and Experience

• A minimum of five years' experience in air imports or freight forwarding operations.
• Proven ability to manage the complete air import process independently, from A to Z.
• Experience handling a high-volume shipment portfolio in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of air import documentation, customs clearance, and delivery procedures.
• Experience using CargoWise.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• A proactive, ownership-driven approach, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

What's on Offer

• Competitive annual salary of $65,000–$75,000, depending on experience.
• The opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation.
• A collaborative and professional working environment.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Paid time off.

Additional Requirements

• Experience: At least five years in freight forwarding (required).
• Location: Must be able to commute to downtown Chicago, .
• Work arrangement: Full-time, on-site.

Applications are managed confidentially by Altius Talent , specialists in freight forwarding recruitment. All applications will be treated in confidence.