Air Import Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics•Cranford, NJ

About The Position

The Air Import Coordinator manages air import shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance and final delivery, covering both consolidated and direct shipments. The role monitors flight schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, cargo availability, and airline and terminal release status, while reviewing and processing shipping and import documentation. The coordinator works with customers, airlines, ground handling agents, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to support timely clearance, cargo release, and delivery. Responsibilities also include tracking shipments and communicating updates, resolving delays and service exceptions, monitoring storage deadlines and accessorial charges, maintaining accurate shipment files, reviewing vendor invoices, reconciling costs, and ensuring timely customer billing. The role may also support quotations and commercial activities, coordinate cross-trade shipments, and collaborate with global Rhenus offices and partners and internal Sales, Finance, and Operations teams.

Requirements

At least 2 years of hands-on air freight forwarding experience, with a strong focus on import operations.
Demonstrated experience independently coordinating air import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery.
Strong knowledge of MAWBs/HAWBs, arrival notices, import documentation, cargo release processes, Incoterms, and international air shipping procedures.
Knowledge of U.S. air import requirements, customs clearance processes, and applicable advance cargo reporting requirements.
Experience coordinating with customs brokers, airlines, ground handling agents, overseas agents, truckers, and warehouses.
Understanding of airline and terminal storage charges, cargo availability deadlines, and other air import-related accessorial charges.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
Proactive, team-oriented mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Nice To Haves

Experience with time-critical shipments, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination.
Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous air cargo under IATA requirements.
Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Coordinate consolidated and direct air import shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance and final delivery.
Monitor flight schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, cargo availability, and airline and terminal release status.
Review and process MAWBs/HAWBs, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents.
Coordinate with customers, airlines, ground handling agents, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to support timely clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
Ensure required shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. air import and customs processes, including applicable advance cargo reporting requirements.
Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, communicate status updates, and resolve flight delays, documentation issues, customs holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
Prepare and distribute arrival notices and required documentation to customers, customs brokers, consignees, and other parties.
Monitor airline and terminal storage deadlines, cargo availability, and potential storage and other accessorial charges.
Maintain complete and accurate shipment files in the freight forwarding/TMS system according to company standards.
Review airline and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing.
Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required.
Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
Work with Sales, Finance, and Operations to support a seamless customer experience.