What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managed Trade Services Specialist position at Forward Air Corporation?
Job Description
The Trade Managed Services Specialist supports the daily execution of value-added trade compliance services, including product classification, PGA coordination, post-entry work, audit support, drawback assistance, and general customs compliance activities.
This role is responsible for ensuring data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery to internal and external customers. The specialist works closely with trade analysts, brokers, operations teams, and clients to complete assigned tasks and maintain compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery & Operational Execution
Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 " Americas Most Trustworthy Companies " publication
The Trade Managed Services Specialist supports the daily execution of value-added trade compliance services, including product classification, PGA coordination, post-entry work, audit support, drawback assistance, and general customs compliance activities.
This role is responsible for ensuring data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery to internal and external customers. The specialist works closely with trade analysts, brokers, operations teams, and clients to complete assigned tasks and maintain compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery & Operational Execution
- Perform daily tasks supporting Managed Trade Services programs, including HTS classification, valuation checks, PGA documentation, and post-entry corrections.
- Prepare, review, and maintain accurate documentation for compliance activities such as 520(d) corrections, PSCs, protests, and entry reviews.
- Follow established SOPs and workflows to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory alignment.
- Update internal systems, trackers, and client dashboards with status updates, metrics, and findings.
- Ensure assigned work complies with CBP regulations, PGA requirements, and internal quality standards.
- Support internal audits by gathering documents, reviewing data, and helping identify discrepancies.
- Escalate potential compliance risks or unusual findings to the supervisor/manager.
- Assist with continuous improvement efforts focused on accuracy, controls, and process consistency.
- Provide routine support to clients by answering basic compliance questions, gathering documentation, and assisting with service deliverables
- Assist with onboarding new clients by helping gather product data, classifications, templates, and import history.
- Draft summaries, reports, and status updates for internal and client review.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of MTS workflows by identifying process inefficiencies or gaps.
- Participate in technology and system improvement initiatives, including testing new tools or features.
- Support tracking and reporting of service KPIs and productivity metrics.
- Participate in ongoing training on HTS classification, customs valuation, PGA requirements, origin determination, and post-entry processes
- Maintain current knowledge of regulatory updates relevant to assigned work.
- Share findings and best practices with team members when appropriate.
- 1–3 years of experience in customs brokerage, trade compliance, supply chain, or import/export operations.
- Working knowledge of CBP regulations, basic HTS classification, customs valuation, and PGA requirements (training will be provided).
- Strong analytical and documentation skills with high attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Proficiency with Excel, data analysis, and trade-related systems.
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) helpful but not required
Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 " Americas Most Trustworthy Companies " publication