International Export Specialist

About the Role We're looking for an International Air Export Specialist to manage outbound air freight from booking through departure and final documentation. You'll coordinate with shippers, carriers, truckers, and overseas agents to move customer cargo on time, compliantly, and at the right cost. This is a fast-paced, detail-driven role where accuracy and communication matter as much as speed.

Location:

Itasca, Illinois Department:
Operations, Air Export

Reports to:

International Manager

Employment type:

Full-time Salary range: based on experience

Key Responsibilities Receive and process air export bookings from customers, sales, and overseas partners

Book cargo with airlines and consolidators, selecting routings based on service, cutoff times, and cost Arrange pickup and delivery to the airport or warehouse, and coordinate with truckers and dock staff

Prepare and review export documents, including house and master air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipper's letters of instruction

File and verify Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, and ensure compliance with EAR, ITAR, and Schedule B requirements

Verify cargo acceptance, weights, dimensions, and dangerous goods or special handling requirements

Track shipments and give proactive status updates to customers and destination agents

Resolve exceptions such as offloads, delays, shortages, damage, and documentation discrepancies

Provide freight quotes and support rate requests in coordination with pricing and sales

Reconcile charges, support invoicing, and review costs against quotes to protect margin

Maintain accurate shipment records in the TMS/forwarding system

Build strong working relationships with airline, carrier, and agent contacts

Required2+ years of experience in international air freight forwarding or airline cargo operations

Working knowledge of air export documentation, IATA procedures, and Incoterms Familiarity with AES/EEI filing and U.S. export regulations

Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive shipments

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook

Preferred Experience  with a forwarding or transportation management system (e.g., Cargo Wise, Magaya, or similar)
Knowledge of airline cargo systems and cargo booking portalsIATA Dangerous Goods certification or willingness to obtain itTSA Known Shipper / IAC security program familiarity

Experience with high-value, perishable, or project cargo

Bilingual skills

Skills and Attributes Calm and organized under tight cutoffs

Problem-solver who anticipates issues before they escalate

Customer-service mindset with a sense of ownership

Comfortable working with international partners across time zones

Team player who communicates clearly across operations, sales, and accounting

Working Conditions Office-based, with occasional after-hours or weekend coverage for time-critical shipments

Frequent phone and email communication; extended computer use Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick, Paid Holidays