In the freight forwarding industry, having the right talent is essential for business success. It’s the people who make things happen - those with the right mix of skills and industry know-how who can manage complex logistics, understand international trade rules and keep operations running smoothly. Without the right team, it’s hard to stay competitive and meet the demands of customers. With the current shortage of skilled professionals, attracting the right talent is more important than ever. So, we ask: is your business equipped with the talent and expertise needed to succeed in today’s competitive market?
This guide will look at key reasons behind the talent shortages in freight forwarding. We will then look at recruitment strategies that businesses must implement to help address this growing problem and ensure they have the people they need to succeed.
What is Causing the Skills Shortages in Freight Forwarding?
The logistics and freight forwarding sector is a critical junction. A 2024 Descartes survey revealed that 76% of supply chain leaders are grappling with significant workforce shortages, with over a third describing the situation as ‘high to extreme’. This challenge is particularly acute in transportation (61%) and warehouse operations (56%), sectors foundational to the freight forwarding industry. While automation and strategic adjustments are mitigating some effects, the root causes of these shortages persist, presenting a multifaceted problem for the industry.
With such concerning figures of skills and talent shortages in the freight forwarding industry, it is vital to first look at what is causing the issues. Here are six key reasons for the rise of these skills and talent gaps:
- An Ageing Workforce - Freight forwarding has long relied on seasoned professionals with deep industry knowledge. However, the sector faces a demographic shift as Baby Boomers - who comprise a large portion of the workforce - enter retirement. Unfortunately, younger workers are not entering the field in sufficient numbers to fill these gaps. With the median age of workers in the sector surpassing 45 years, the industry is left with fewer experienced hands to manage increasingly complex operations.
- Changing Skills Requirements - The digitisation of logistics and freight forwarding has reshaped job roles, with technology adaptations accelerating post-pandemic. Employers now seek professionals who not only understand freight and customer processes but can also analyse data, manage digital platforms, and optimise supply chain efficiency. This demand for this hybrid skill set - technical proficiency paired with operational expertise - has outplaced supply, leaving roles such as management positions and data analysts among the hardest to fill.
- Declining Interest Among Younger Generations - Freight forwarding often struggles to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z workers, who priortise flexibility, career development, and work-life balance. Traditional perceptions of the industry as physically demanding and less glamorous compared to tech or creative sectors exacerbate recruitment challenges. This disconnect makes it difficult to attract the fresh talent needed to replace an ageing workforce.
- Global Competition for Talent - The skills shortage is a worldwide phenomenon, with major economies like the United States, Germany, and China competing for the same limited pool of logistics and freight forwarding professionals. The global demand creates an environment where top candidates can command premium compensation and choose among employers, putting smaller or less financially robust freight forwarders at a disadvantage.
- Post-Pandemic Workforce Shifts - The pandemic disrupted labour markets, causing many workers to leave the logistics sector entirely. Some sought opportunities in industries with more stability, higher pay, or better conditions. Others opted for roles offering flexibility, such as remote work, which is harder to provide in operational logistics roles in freight forwarding. The lingering effects of these shifts continue to impact the availability of talent today.
- Insufficient Training and Development Opportunities - The industry’s historical reliance on on-the-job learning is no longer sufficient to meet today’s demands. Freight forwarding requires expertise in areas like international trade regulations, technology platforms, and data analytics. However, many organisations have not invested enough in structured training programmes to upskill existing staff or attract new entrants, leaving a growing gap between role requirements and candidate capabilities.
What Recruitment Strategies are there to Close this Gap?
With such wide ranging issues causing the talent and skills shortages, here are six key hiring strategies that can help businesses in the freight forwarding industry attract the talent they need to succeed:
1. Build Strong Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Collaborating with universities, trade schools, and certification programmes can create a pipeline of young, skilled talent. These partnerships can help ensure a steady stream of future employees who are equipped with the necessary industry-specific knowledge. By working closely with academic institutions, freight forwarding businesses can influence curricula to better align with the skills required in the sector, making it easier for graduates to transition into roles within the industry.
2. Invest in Career Development and Upskilling Programmes
Offering clear career advancement pathways and ongoing professional development is key to both attracting and retaining talent. When employees see that a company is invested in their growth, they are more likely to stay long-term. Providing training in areas like digital freight management, data analytics, and automation can help workers develop valuable skills and stay competitive as the industry evolves.
Additionally, mentorship programmes and cross-training initiatives allow employees to expand their knowledge and take on more responsibility within the company.
3. Create Lucrative and Flexible Internship Programmes
Internships are a powerful way to attract young talent and build a strong pipeline of future employees. Offering internships to students in their academic careers allows them to gain hands-on experience in the industry, providing them with insights into logistics operations and handling complex shipments.
By providing interns with challenging projects and mentoring opportunities, businesses can assess their skills while giving them a deeper understanding of the company. A strong internship programme can help you identify potential future hires who are already familiar with your company’s culture and needs.
4. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits Packages
While salary alone isn’t always enough to attract quality talent, it plays a crucial role in recruitment. By conducting regular market research, freight forwarding businesses can ensure that their compensation packages are competitive within the industry. Offering performance-based bonuses, flexible compensation options like remote work allowances, and comprehensive benefits packages (including health insurance and wellness programmes) can make a significant difference in attracting the right candidates and retaining them long-term.
5. Embrace Technology and Continuous Learning
As digitalisation continues to shape the freight forwarding industry, staying ahead of the curve means embracing new technologies and digital tools. Providing employees with access to digital training in areas such as automation, data analytics, and AI-driven platforms not only enhances their technical skills but also strengthens the business’s overall capability.
By offering ongoing training programmes, businesses can ensure that their workforce is agile and prepared to navigate future industry changes. This commitment to digital skills development makes your company a more attractive employer, particularly to younger generations who are tech-savvy and eager to work with the latest tools.
6. Use an Expert Freight and Logistics Recruitment Partner
When it comes to finding the right talent, working with a specialist freight and logistics recruitment partner (like us!) can make a significant impact. Recruitment partners with deep expertise in the freight forwarding and logistics sectors can help you tap into niche talent pools and streamline the hiring process. They can screen candidates, manage job postings, and provide strategic insight into industry trends, all while saving you time and ensuring you’re connected with the best candidates.
By focusing on these strategies, businesses in the freight forwarding sector can close their skills gaps, create a more attractive work environment, and build a stronger workforce capable of driving success in the future.
Closing the Talent Gap in Freight Forwarding: Final Word
Closing the talent gap in freight forwarding is no small task, but with the right strategies, it's absolutely achievable. By partnering with educational institutions, investing in career development, and offering flexible opportunities like internships, businesses can build a strong talent pipeline that meets the evolving demands of the sector. On top of that, staying competitive through attractive compensation packages, embracing new technologies, and working with expert recruitment partners ensures that you not only close skills gaps but also create a thriving, future-ready workforce.
The freight forwarding industry is at a pivotal moment, and taking proactive steps today will pay off in the long run. With the right focus on recruitment, training, and retention, you can position your business for growth, ensuring that the skills needed for success are right at your fingertips. Keep embracing change, be agile, and remember that the talent you attract today is the backbone of tomorrow’s success.
Looking for Expert Freight and Logistics Recruitment Solutions
If you're ready to fill key roles and close the talent gap in your freight forwarding business, we’re here to help. At Freight Appointments, we specialise in connecting you with highly skilled professionals who understand the nuances of the industry and fit your unique needs. Whether you're looking to hire experienced leaders, operational experts, or rising stars, our global logistics and freight recruitment services provide the expertise to accelerate your growth.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your recruitment strategy. Let’s work together to build the team you need for long-term success!
