Export Specialist - Air

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.

Forward Air is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. We provide expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, we offer truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean, and ground services for mission-critical freight. We are more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs

We move freight, but we’re powered by people. Whether you’re in the warehouse, on the road, or behind the screen, every teammate keeps our global business in motion and brings logistics to life.