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, including consolidated, direct, and cross-trade shipments. The role monitors flight schedules, shipment milestones, cargo availability, and airline and terminal release status, while coordinating with customers, carriers, customs brokers, handling agents, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and company offices to support timely clearance and delivery. The coordinator reviews and processes air import documents, provides shipment updates, resolves delays and service exceptions, monitors storage deadlines and accessorial charges, and maintains accurate shipment records in the freight forwarding/TMS system. The position also reviews vendor and airline invoices, reconciles costs, supports customer billing, quotations, and rate requests, and works with Sales, Finance, and Operations to provide a seamless customer experience.

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 across internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with 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, proactively 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 in accordance with 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.