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5 Logistics Roles with the Biggest Labor Shortages in 2026

Gain insight into the roles employers struggle to fill the most — and how NFA Recruitment can help.

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Logistics Jobs 2026: The Fight for Qualified Logistics Personnel

Logistics jobs in 2026 are under significant pressure due to the ongoing labor shortages in the Netherlands. As e-commerce, international trade, and the demand for faster deliveries continue to grow, companies need more employees than ever before. In this article, you’ll discover which logistics jobs are facing the biggest shortages in 2026 and how employers can address these challenges. Looking for a job? Explore our latest logistics vacancies in the Netherlands.

According to STL (Sector Institute for Transport and Logistics), demand for qualified logistics workers will remain high in the coming years, while supply continues to fall behind.

For many employers, this means:

  • Job vacancies that remain open for longer periods.
  • Higher workload for existing teams.
  • Delayed deliveries.
  • Higher recruitment costs.
  • Less flexibility during peak periods.

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 remain the most in-demand logistics workers.
  • Forklift and reach truck operators are in short supply due to certification requirements.
  • Warehouse workers remain essential for distribution centers.
  • Transport planners are becoming increasingly important due to complex supply chains.
  • Employers need to recruit faster to avoid missing out on top talent.
Logistieke functies 2026 met de grootste personeelstekorten in Nederland

1. Order Pickers

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:

  • Growth of e-commerce.
  • High staff turnover within warehouses.
  • Increasing demand for flexible staff.
  • More distribution centers in the Netherlands.

Required skills.

  • Accuracy.
  • Team-oriented work.
  • Physical stamina.
  • Experience with scanning systems.

For employers, finding motivated order pickers remains one of the biggest challenges in the logistics sector.

Need additional workforce capacity right away? Learn more about our order picker recruitment services in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

2. Forklift Operators

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.

  • Valid forklift certification.
  • Safety awareness
  • Experience in warehouse environments.
  • Ability to work independently.

For employers, a shortage of forklift operators can directly lead to lower productivity and higher operational costs.

3. Reach Truck Operators

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?

  • Specialized role.
  • Additional training required.
  • Limited number of experienced candidates.
  • Increasing automation of warehouses.

Required skills.

  • Reach truck certification.
  • Experience in logistics environments.
  • Ability to work safely at height.
  • Accuracy and concentration.

Demand for reach truck operators remains particularly high in large distribution centers around Schiphol, Venlo, Tilburg, and Rotterdam.

4. Warehouse Workers

Warehouse workers support a wide range of logistics processes, from goods receiving to inventory management.

Why is there a shortage?

  • Increasing warehouse capacity in the Netherlands.
  • More international logistics activities.
  • Competition among employers.
  • Growth of fulfillment centers.

Required skills.

  • Flexibility
  • Logistics insight
  • Teamwork
  • Reliability

Employers are increasingly looking for employees who can perform multiple logistics tasks and be deployed quickly.

5. Transportplanners

Besides operational staff, demand is also growing for logistics planners who can efficiently organize transportation flows.

Why is there a shortage?

  • More complex supply chains
  • Increasing digitalization
  • Higher demands for delivery reliability
  • Growing pressure on transportation networks

Required skills.

  • Planning software.
  • Communication skills.
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Knowledge of transportation processes.

A good transport planner can achieve significant cost savings and ensures an efficient logistics operation.

How Can Employers Address These Shortages?

The tight labor market requires a proactive approach. Organizations that continue to grow successfully actively invest in their workforce strategy.

⚡

Shorten the recruitment process

Candidates often have multiple options. A fast hiring process increases the likelihood that top talent will choose your organization.
👥

Invest in onboarding

New employees who receive proper guidance and support are more likely to stay with the company longer and reach full productivity more quickly.
🌍

Consider international candidates.

More and more logistics companies are successfully filling open positions with international employees. Ontdek hoe internationale medewerkers kunnen bijdragen en lees meer over werken in Nederland zonder Nederlands.
🎓

Offer training and development opportunities.

By training employees internally for specialized roles, companies can build a larger pool of qualified talent.
🤝

Work with a recruitment partner

A specialized recruitment partner has access to an active network of candidates and can fill vacancies more quickly. Bekijk ook onze gids over salarissen in de logistiek 2025–2026.

Struggling to Find Logistics Personnel?

NFA Recruitment helps employers quickly find reliable logistics employees for warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics organizations throughout the Netherlands.

We support organizations in recruiting:

  • Order pickers
  • Forklift drivers
  • Reachtruckchauffeurs
  • Warehouse Workers
  • Transport planners

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. Bekijk ook onze pagina Ik zoek personeel om direct uw wervingsaanvraag te starten.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Need Logistics Personnel Immediately?

Avoid delays within your warehouse, distribution center, or logistics operation. Ensure you have sufficient capacity today with experienced logistics personnel in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Schedule a meeting.