ISRAEL MERCADO VELEZ
CHICAGO,IL
Summary
Extensive experience in airline ground operations, with a focus on cargo handling, and a strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Leadership and supervisory skills, proven ability to manage multiple priorities, and operate under pressure. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are needed to interact with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in relevant computer systems and software.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Operation Supervisor
LSG SKYCHEFS
Des Plaines, Illinois
04.2026 - Current
- Managed driver assignments and routes.
- Resolved transportation issues promptly to minimize service disruptions.
- Maintained accurate records of vehicle maintenance and operational logs.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure smooth coordination between teams.
- Monitored driver performance and provided feedback to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Monitored daily operations and performed safety audits to check that staff followed administrative policies and regulations.
- responsible for ensuring all flights receive the right product.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Resolved employee conflicts and facilitated effective communication within the team.
- Organized staff meetings to discuss goals, updates, and address concerns effectively.
Operation Manager
Polar Air Cargo
O'Hare Airport, USA
10.2017 - 10.2025
- Managed daily flight schedules, coordinated aircraft movements, and oversaw cargo loading processes.
- Monitored station performance metrics to enhance on-time departures and cargo-handling efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with aviation regulations, safety procedures, and customs requirements.
- Supervised ground crew members, including loadmasters and customer service representatives.
- Trained staff on cargo handling techniques, safety protocols, and company policies.
- Coordinate with third-party vendors and handlers to ensure proper handling of Polar Air Cargo/Atlas Air aircraft. Review contracts to ensure that vendors meet service-level agreements.
- Maintained accurate documentation of station operations and performance metrics.
- Facilitated communication between cargo clients and internal teams.
- Implemented training programs for new staff on operational procedures.
- Monitored performance metrics to ensure service quality and efficiency.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while providing excellent customer service skills.
- Monitored staff operations to comply with administrative policies and procedures, safety rules, contracts, and government regulations.
- Ensure all cargo handling, documentation, and aircraft loading (including HAZMAT) comply with company policies, TSA legislation, and safety regulations.
Operation
J.V Transportation
Elizabeth, USA
01.2013 - 02.2017
- Handling of inbound import cargo and outbound domestic cargo.
- Setting up local delivery and local pickup.
- Overseeing daily cargo movement.
- Work with road feeder vendors to ensure pre-determined service levels are maintained.
- Check and approve all trucking vendor invoicing for accuracy, prior to submission for payment.
- Liaise between handling vendors to ensure timely and accurate truck loading, unloading, and departures.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Operation Manager
Forward Air
Raleigh, North Carolina
04.2000 - 03.2009
- Management of the loading and unloading of floor-loaded and palletized freight operations.
- Daily performance reporting includes, but is not limited to, labor metrics, dock audit and resolution, OS&D physical support, driver release, quality control, dock audits, etc.
- Coordinate facilities and equipment repair.
- Assist in labor planning, scheduling, and evaluation.
- Support driver dispatch and routing.
- Utilize shipment boards to coordinate daily freight volume with customer service.
- Ensure accurate daily asset reporting: Trailers, Forklifts, TAP Scanners, Load Bars, and Containers. Compliance with company policies with respect to the employee handbook, safety regulations, and use of company-supplied equipment and resources.
- Ensure appropriate load plans and proper load balance to ensure safe vehicle operation.
Structural Welder
Self-employeed
Shreveport, Louisiana
11.2009 - 2013
- Fabricated metal structures through diverse welding techniques and materials.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings for precise execution of projects.
- Maintained welding equipment to guarantee optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations.
Skills
- LoadMaster weight and balance certificate
- O'Hare signatory authority certificate
- CargoSpot and Descarte systems' proficiency
- InvoiceWorks knowledge
- Forklift operation certification
- Ground security coordination (GSA)
- Dangerous goods training
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Skills And Certificates
- LoadMaster weight & Balance
- O'Hare Signatory
- CargoSpot System
- Descarte Trucking System
- InvoiceWorks
- Forklift Certified
Timeline
Operation Supervisor
LSG SKYCHEFS
04.2026 - Current
Operation Manager
Polar Air Cargo
10.2017 - 10.2025
Operation
J.V Transportation
01.2013 - 02.2017
Structural Welder
Self-employeed
11.2009 - 2013
Operation Manager
Forward Air
04.2000 - 03.2009