Senior Import / Export Freight Forwarder

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Industry: Time-Critical Event & Project Freight

Job Summary

We are a specialized time-critical event freight forwarding company based in Los Angeles, supporting live events, exhibitions, tours, and high-profile projects worldwide. We are seeking an experienced Senior Import / Export Freight Forwarder to manage complex international shipments where precision, speed, and compliance are critical. This role requires deep hands-on expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to perform under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage end-to-end import and export freight forwarding operations for time-critical and event-based shipments
2. Coordinate international air, ocean, and ground transportation with carriers, agents, and vendors
3. Prepare, review, and process all required shipping and customs documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, AWBs, B/Ls, carnets, etc.)
4. Ensure full compliance with U.S. Customs, CBP regulations, and international trade requirements
5. Handle ATA Carnets and temporary import/export shipments for events, exhibitions, and tours
6. Provide real-time shipment tracking, proactive issue resolution, and on-time delivery assurance
7. Liaise directly with clients, overseas agents, customs brokers, and event site teams
8. Troubleshoot customs delays, routing challenges, and last-minute changes with urgency and accuracy
9. Mentor junior staff and support operational best practices
10. Maintain accurate records and provide post-shipment reporting as required

Required Qualifications

1. Minimum 5 years of experience in international import/export freight forwarding
2. Proven experience handling time-critical, event, or project cargo
3. Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and international trade compliance
4. Hands-on experience with ATA Carnets and temporary imports/exports
5. Proficiency in freight forwarding systems, documentation, and Microsoft Office
6. Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously under strict deadlines
7. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with live events, exhibitions, entertainment, or touring logistics
2. Familiarity with Los Angeles ports and airports (LAX, LA/Long Beach)
3. Customs Broker license or coursework (a plus, not required)

Personal Attributes

1. Detail-oriented with a strong sense of urgency
2. Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities
3. Client-focused with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset
4. Team-oriented with leadership capabilities

Compensation & Benefits

1. Competitive salary based on experience
2. Health, dental, and vision benefits
3. Paid time off and holidays
4. Opportunity to work on high-profile, global events

If you are interested in this position, please email your application through to operations@liveeventusa.com