Air Freight Specialist

Ashley Furniture Industries•Chippewa Falls, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Ashley Furniture is seeking an Air Freight Specialist to join our International Logistics & Customer Support team in Arcadia, Wisconsin. This role is crucial for coordinating and monitoring international air freight shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring timely delivery, customs compliance, and cost-effective transportation solutions. The company is described as the #1 Furniture Company and the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet, driven by a Massively Transformative Purpose to inspire the love of home and enrich lives.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
1+ year of office support, clerical, or administrative work experience
Some college coursework or equivalent work experience preferred
Strong attention to detail
Excellent communication skills – Verbal and written communication with international partners
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Time management and organizational skills
Customer orientation
Adaptability
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite
Proficient keyboarding and 10-key skills
Document management systems experience
Ability to learn import logistics, international transportation, and customs regulations
Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive shipping and financial information
Display empathy, understanding, and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in difficult situations with vendors or internal partners
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Initiating Action – Take ownership and proactively address issues

Responsibilities

Track shipments from origin to final destination across global routes.
Coordinate with Classification Team to provide accurate customs clearance information to air carriers.
Research and resolve issues preventing shipments from being delivered or dispatched.
Update inventory and shipping information manually as needed to ensure data accuracy.
Monitor and prioritize shipments imperative for production needs or market deadlines.
Provide accurate customs clearance information to ensure timely and effective clearance.
Maintain and retain international correspondence in accordance with U.S. Customs requirements.
Update internal systems with necessary customs clearance information.
Stay current with importing/exporting rules, regulations, and international shipping industry changes.
Communicate relevant findings to management to maintain compliance.
Monitor and maintain purchase order (PO) due dates in Ashley's internal computer systems.
Research and resolve POs that fall outside acceptable variance ranges.
Communicate delivery information to internal contacts as needed.
Coordinate less than container load (LCL) shipments from quote to delivery.
Process and approve wire payments for sample shipments and service providers.
Coordinate with Accounts Payable to submit payments accurately and on time.
Validate statements for accuracy and ensure records are stored properly.
Audit air carrier/broker billing to ensure accurate clearance information and competitive freight charges.
Resolve billing issues as needed to protect Ashley's interests.
Continually monitor costs and current air freight market conditions.
Ensure Ashley secures most competitive rates in the industry.
Prepare and provide costing analysis upon request.
Analyze and recommend carrier assignments based on cost and service analysis.
Coordinate export shipments including documentation compilation.
Communicate with vendors/offices at origin for seamless coordination.
Notify service providers of pick-up information and requirements.
Determine payment information as needed for international transactions.
Provide training and support to international vendors and overseas offices on air freight procedures.
Assist with maintaining standard operating procedures for the Freight Team.
Determine areas in need of improvement and make recommendations.
Assist with creating, implementing, and monitoring process improvement changes.
Collect and update information in accordance with team key process measures.
Champion Continuous Improvement in all logistics operations.