Air Export Coordinator

Air Freight Operator - Government & Defense Specialist

Location: Baltimore/Washington D.C. Metro Area (On-site, 5 Days/Week) Salary: $60,000 - $75,000

Overview

Our client, a respected and growing international freight forwarder, is seeking a highly specialized and client-focused Air Freight Operator to join their International Operations Department in the Baltimore area (near BWI). This critical, on-site role is dedicated to managing the end-to-end lifecycle of complex, high-security freight shipments, with a heavy emphasis on government and defense contracts, including specialized Class 1 commodities.

The ideal candidate possesses deep regulatory knowledge, excels at high-touch client communication, and is proactive with strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Key Responsibilities

The Air Freight Operator will manage the full A-Z shipment lifecycle, acting as the primary point of contact for clients and executing all operational tasks:

• Coordinate and monitor international Door to Door Freight shipments.
• Plan, book, and execute shipments, ensuring timely collection, final delivery, and overall compliance.
• Assemble total landed costs for each shipment, estimate accurate transit times, and manage shipping routes efficiently.
• Serve as the main client interface, providing exceptional customer service, proactive updates, managing expectations, and resolving issues promptly and professionally. Adhere to all customers' Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare, process, and audit all necessary shipping documentation through the company's Transportation Management System (TMS), including AWBs, MAWBs, HBLs, and BOLs. Ensure absolute accuracy and regulatory adherence, including compliance with Operational Process Standards (OPS).
• Coordinate the handling and routing of sensitive shipments, including government/defense cargo and dangerous goods, specifically focusing on Class 1 (Explosives) commodities.
• Negotiate rates, manage capacity, and build strong relationships with air carriers, trucking companies, and overseas agents.
• Complete accurate client and service provider billing, manage file profitability, and consistently meet Key Performance Indicator (KPI) standards.
• Work closely with the in-house Customs department to ensure documents are processed in a smooth and timely manner. Understand department process flow and constantly look for areas of improved efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Air Freight Operations within a freight forwarding environment.
• Demonstrated experience handling Government and Defense shipments.
• Proven expertise in managing Dangerous Goods (DG) shipments.
• Direct operational experience with Class 1 (Explosives) shipments is mandatory.
• Trained and understanding of Air, Ocean, and Surface Documentation Requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including timely overseas communications and email responses.
• Pro-active, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current IATA Dangerous Goods certification (initial or recurrent) and/or Hazmat certification.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and TSA regulations/work experience.
• Experience using and operating shipments in CargoWise Software or similar SAP driven TMS platforms (Magaya, etc.).
• Proficient computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proven background for excellent attendance.

Compensation and Schedule

• Competitive annual salary between $60,000 and $75,000, commensurate with experience.
• This is a full-time position requiring 5 days per week on-site presence at the Baltimore area facility.