Air & Ocean Import Specialist

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: Up to $65,000

The Opportunity

An established international freight forwarder is looking to add an experienced Air & Ocean Import Specialist to its Chicago operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a freight forwarding professional with strong international import experience who is comfortable managing shipments from origin through to final delivery. The successful candidate will handle both Air and Ocean Imports, working closely with customers, overseas offices, carriers, customs brokers, and transportation providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage international Air & Ocean Import shipments from A–Z
• Coordinate shipments with overseas offices, agents, airlines, steamship lines, and customers
• Arrange and monitor international freight movements from origin through to final delivery
• Handle pre-alerts, arrival notices, documentation, and shipment tracking
• Coordinate customs clearance with internal or external brokerage teams
• Arrange drayage, trucking, and final-mile delivery
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and air waybills
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry within the forwarding system
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
• Troubleshoot delays, documentation issues, customs holds, and other shipment exceptions
• Ensure shipments are handled in accordance with company procedures and international regulations
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, overseas agents, and vendors
• Support billing and ensure files are closed accurately and within required timelines
• Deliver a high level of customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle

Requirements

• 2+ years of international freight forwarding experience
• Previous experience handling Air and/or Ocean Imports
• Strong understanding of international import procedures and documentation
• Experience managing shipments through the full import lifecycle
• Knowledge of customs clearance processes and transportation coordination
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment
• Experience with freight forwarding software such as CargoWise is advantageous but not essential

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $65,000, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• PTO and paid holidays
• Career development opportunities
• Opportunity to join an established international freight forwarding organization

This position would suit an Air Import Specialist, Ocean Import Specialist, Air & Ocean Import Coordinator, Import Agent, or Import Operations Specialist looking to take the next step in their freight forwarding career in Chicago.