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Gain insight into the roles employers struggle to fill the most — and how NFA Recruitment can help.
The Dutch logistics sector is growing rapidly. Driven by e-commerce, international trade, and the increasing demand for fast deliveries, companies need more staff than ever before. At the same time, finding suitable candidates is becoming increasingly difficult.
For many employers, this means:
But which roles will be the hardest to fill in 2026?
Below, we discuss the five logistics roles for which demand currently exceeds supply.
In brief.
Order pickers form the backbone of nearly every distribution center. They collect orders, inspect products, and ensure that shipments are processed on time.
Why is there a shortage?
The explosive growth of online orders means that companies are constantly searching for reliable order pickers. Demand rises sharply, especially during busy periods such as holidays and seasonal peaks.
Key causes:
Required skills.
For employers, finding motivated order pickers remains one of the biggest challenges in the logistics sector.
Forklift operators are essential for maintaining a safe and efficient flow of goods. Without experienced operators, warehouse processes can quickly become delayed.
Why is there a shortage?
Many experienced operators are approaching retirement age, while demand from logistics and manufacturing companies continues to grow.
In addition, not all candidates possess the required certifications.
Required skills.
For employers, a shortage of forklift operators can directly lead to lower productivity and higher operational costs.
More and more modern warehouses use high-bay racking systems. As a result, demand for experienced reach truck operators continues to grow.
Why is there a shortage?
Required skills.
Demand for reach truck operators remains particularly high in large distribution centers around Schiphol, Venlo, Tilburg, and Rotterdam.
Warehouse workers support a wide range of logistics processes, from goods receiving to inventory management.
Why is there a shortage?
Required skills.
Employers are increasingly looking for employees who can perform multiple logistics tasks and be deployed quickly.
Besides operational staff, demand is also growing for logistics planners who can efficiently organize transportation flows.
Why is there a shortage?
Required skills.
A good transport planner can achieve significant cost savings and ensures an efficient logistics operation.
The tight labor market requires a proactive approach. Organizations that continue to grow successfully actively invest in their workforce strategy.
Candidates often have multiple options. A fast hiring process increases the likelihood that top talent will choose your organization.
New employees who receive proper guidance and support are more likely to stay with the company longer and reach full productivity more quickly.
More and more logistics companies are successfully filling open positions with international employees.
By training employees internally for specialized roles, companies can build a larger pool of qualified talent.
A specialized recruitment partner has access to an active network of candidates and can fill vacancies more quickly.
NFA Recruitment helps employers quickly find reliable logistics employees for warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics organizations throughout the Netherlands.
We support organizations in recruiting:
Thanks to our knowledge of the logistics sector and our extensive network, we can support employers with both temporary and long-term staffing needs.
Whether you are looking for a single employee or want to expand an entire team, we are happy to help.
Order pickers, forklift operators, reach truck operators, warehouse workers, and transport planners are among the roles for which demand currently exceeds supply.
The main causes are the growth of e-commerce, an aging workforce, increasing logistics activities, and a limited supply of qualified candidates.
By recruiting more quickly, offering attractive employment conditions, investing in training, and partnering with specialized recruiters.
Yes. NFA Recruitment supports employers in finding both national and international candidates for a variety of logistics roles.