Air Import/Export Supervisor

Overview

Nippon Express Company, Ltd. (“NX”) was founded in 1872 in Japan and is headquartered in Tokyo.  NX employs approximately 72,000 employees at 733 locations, in 47 countries and 314 cities around the world. 

Nippon Express U.S.A., Inc. (“NEU”) was incorporated in New York in 1962 as a fully owned subsidiary of NX.  NEU provides logistics solutions and comprehensive transportation services through its international freight forwarding and logistics network, including specialized handling of: air, land, sea and express packages; all types and sizes of cargo; personal effects and household goods; fragile and perishable freight; and livestock.  NEU also provides related services, such as warehousing, distribution and customs brokerage and clearance. NEU operates at 55 locations in 27 states within the U.S., with approximately 1300 employees.  NEU has enjoyed tremendous growth and success as one of the top five international freight forwarders in the world. We connect people with products throughout the world.

Position Summary

Nippon Express USA is seeking an experienced Air Cargo Supervisor (Import & Export) to lead and oversee the daily operations of our air cargo department. This position is responsible for managing air import and export activities, supervising operational staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional customer service while supporting branch growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of international transportation, customs requirements, airline operations, and freight forwarding processes. This role requires a proactive leader who can effectively manage customer expectations, resolve operational challenges, and foster a high-performing team environment.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Supervise and coordinate all air import and export activities from booking through final delivery.
• Monitor shipment movement to ensure timely execution, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage shipment exceptions, service failures, delays, claims, cargo discrepancies, and escalation issues.
• Coordinate with airlines, trucking providers, customs brokers, warehouses, and overseas offices to ensure uninterrupted cargo flow.
• Oversee handling of general cargo, time-critical shipments, project cargo, and specialized freight.

Customer Service

• Serve as the primary operational contact and escalation point for customers and business partners.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers by providing timely updates and effective problem resolution.
• Support customer onboarding and implementation of customer-specific operating procedures.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality service levels that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and develop air import/export personnel.
• Assign workloads and monitor individual and departmental performance.
• Provide coaching and guidance on operational processes, compliance requirements, and customer service standards.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. and international transportation regulations, including TSA, CBP, IATA, and export control requirements.
• Review and approve shipping documentation, including air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, dangerous goods documentation, and export filings.
• Support internal audits and maintain accurate operational records.
• Identify and mitigate operational, compliance, and financial risks.

Business Development Support

• Support customer RFQs, pricing requests, and transportation solutions.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to expand business with existing and prospective customers.
• Maintain relationships with airline partners and service providers to secure capacity and competitive transportation solutions.
• Participate in trade lane development and strategic growth initiatives.

Salary Range

Min: $70,000/year

Max: $80,000/year

This salary range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.  At NEU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of international airfreight forwarding experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience managing both air import and air export operations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of international airfreight operations and customs procedures.
• Working knowledge of export regulations, AES filing requirements, and dangerous goods handling.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with freight forwarding systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office and warehouse/airport operational environment as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move files, documents, or small packages.
• Ability to travel locally for customer visits, carrier meetings, or operational requirements, as needed.
•  

Organizational Relationships:

• This position will interact with branch colleagues, leadership staff, and office/warehouse personnel.
• Must be able to work with customers, vendors, and outside organizations.

Nippon Express offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month after 30 days.
• 401k with a company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts, HSA, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Auto and Home policies, Commuter Benefits, and much more.
• Generous Vacation and Sick time.

Nippon Express USA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.