Import Export Specialist

Import & Export Specialist

Air & Ocean Freight Forwarding Houston, TX

$55,000 – $75,000 Base Full Benefits

ABOUT

We are representing an independently owned, Asian-founded international freight forwarder with a network spanning 34 countries and a U.S. operation that has been based in Houston since 1997.

They built their North American presence servicing the energy, oil and gas, and industrial sectors, and the Houston office remains the centre of their U.S. operation. They handle a consistent volume of air and ocean freight moving through the Port of Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, covering both import and export on behalf of a client base that expects precision and reliability on every shipment.

Their Houston team is lean, experienced, and commercially sharp. This is not a high-turnover environment. The people here have been doing this for years and the standard they operate to reflects that.

They have a gap at the specialist level and are looking for one person to come in and own a full file load across both import and export, air and ocean, from day one.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage end-to-end air and ocean import and export shipment files, from booking and documentation through to final delivery and file closure, ensuring accuracy and compliance throughout.
• Coordinate directly with airlines, ocean carriers, customs brokers, overseas agents, and trucking companies to arrange timely movement of cargo.
• Prepare, review, and process all required shipping documentation including House and Master Bills of Lading, AWBs, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and AES/EEI filings.
• Ensure full compliance with CBP, TSA, IATA, and FMC regulations on all import and export shipments.
• Provide proactive shipment status updates to clients and overseas partners, identifying and resolving delays or discrepancies before they become problems.
• Build and maintain accurate rate quotes for air and ocean moves, applying knowledge of carrier contracts and lane pricing to deliver competitive solutions.
• Maintain organised and complete shipment records in the company's freight management system, ensuring all files are closed accurately and on time.
• Support the wider operations team during high-volume periods and collaborate with sales on customer onboarding and RFQ preparation as required.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A minimum of two to three years of hands-on experience in air and ocean freight forwarding operations, covering both import and export.
• Solid working knowledge of international shipping documentation, customs compliance, and carrier coordination across air and ocean modes.
• Familiarity with AES/EEI filing, Incoterms, and CBP import entry processes.
• Experience with freight management systems. CargoWise knowledge is a strong advantage.
• A detail-orientated approach to file management with the ability to handle a full shipment load independently without close supervision.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage client and agent relationships professionally under pressure.
• Prior exposure to energy, oil and gas, or industrial cargo is a clear advantage in this market.

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• Base salary of $55,000 to $75,000 dependent on experience.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
• A stable, professionally run operation with genuine long-term progression for the right person.
• Monday to Friday schedule based in the Houston office.

Confidential Search | Placed by Altius Talent

Send your CV to lewis.wilson@wearealtius.com or message directly on LinkedIn. All applications handled in strict confidence.