Export Specialist - Air
Forward Air · Des Plaines
Pay Rate: $30 - $36 per hour
Schedule: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
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.
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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.