Addressing Staffing Challenges in Logistics and Freight Forwarding with Arza Employment Services

The logistics and freight forwarding industries face ongoing staffing challenges that affect efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth. Finding qualified, reliable staff who understand the complexities of supply chains, customs regulations, and transportation demands is a constant struggle. This post explores common staffing issues in logistics and freight forwarding and explains how Arza Employment Services can provide tailored staffing solutions to meet these needs.

According to a 2024/2025 industry survey, over 80% of transport, logistics, and automotive employers in Canada report difficulties finding skilled talent. Highlights from recent data show the Canadian trucking and logistics sector could see a large number of job vacancies by 2030 if staffing issues are not addressed. This reflects a systemic labour shortage, not a temporary fluctuation — highlighting the importance of reliable staffing solutions for freight-forwarding and logistics companies.

Common Staffing Challenges in Logistics and Freight Forwarding

The logistics sector is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring skilled personnel who can adapt quickly. Staffing challenges often include:

• High turnover rates: Many logistics roles are physically demanding, involve irregular hours, or fast-paced environments, leading to frequent employee turnover.

• Skill shortages: Specialized knowledge in customs clearance, freight documentation, and supply chain software is hard to find.

• Seasonal demand fluctuations: Peak seasons require rapid scaling of staff, which is difficult without a flexible workforce.

• Compliance and safety requirements: Staff must be trained and updated on regulations to avoid costly penalties.

• Geographical constraints: Logistics operations often span multiple locations, making centralized staffing difficult.

Another significant challenge is the “perception and recruitment barrier.” Many younger workers view logistics as old-school, physically demanding, or lacking modern-career appeal — making it harder to attract new talent into the industry.

Additionally, the aging workforce and retirements are intensifying the shortage: without strong training pipelines, even hiring for entry-level roles remains difficult.

These challenges can cause delays, increase costs, and reduce service quality if not addressed effectively.

Why Staffing Matters in Logistics and Freight Forwarding

Staffing is the backbone of logistics operations. The right employees ensure shipments move smoothly, paperwork is accurate, and customer expectations are met. Poor staffing leads to:

• Delayed shipments and missed deadlines

• Increased errors in documentation and customs clearance

• Higher operational costs due to overtime or rework

• Reduced customer trust and lost business opportunities

• Labour shortages — especially in driving, warehousing, and administrative roles — are expected to leave thousands of positions unfilled across the sector in the coming years.

This threatens long-term supply-chain reliability across Canada. Ensuring access to a reliable workforce isn’t just about meeting business needs today — it’s also about building resilience against future labour market volatility and regulatory shifts.

Investing in the right staffing solutions helps companies maintain a competitive advantage and operational resilience.

How Arza Employment Services Supports Logistics Staffing Needs

Arza Employment Services specializes in providing staffing solutions tailored to logistics and freight forwarding companies. Their approach includes:

• Understanding client needs: Arza works closely with companies to identify specific roles, skills, and experience required.

• Access to a large talent pool: They maintain a network of candidates with expertise in warehouse operations, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and transportation management.

• Flexible staffing options: Arza offers temporary, permanent, and contract staffing to match fluctuating demand.

• Rigorous screening and training: Candidates undergo thorough background checks and skills assessments to ensure quality hires.

• Compliance support: Arza helps clients stay updated on labour laws and safety regulations, reducing legal risks.

In today’s tight Canadian labour market — where employers struggle not only for drivers but also warehouse, administrative, customer-service, and managerial staff — having access to a pre-vetted, diversified talent pool (including candidates experienced in customs brokerage, documentation, warehouse operations, and regulatory compliance) can make the difference between seamless operations and costly delays.

Partnering with Arza isn’t just about filling immediate vacancies; it’s about building a workforce that can keep up with the complexity and demands of the modern supply chain.

This comprehensive service model allows logistics companies to fill positions quickly with qualified staff, improving operational efficiency.

Examples of Staffing Solutions in Action

Consider a freight forwarding company facing a surge in shipments during the holiday season. They need additional customs brokers and warehouse staff for three months. Arza Employment Services can:

• Quickly provide temporary workers trained in customs documentation

• Supply warehouse personnel experienced in inventory management and order fulfillment

• Manage onboarding and compliance training to ensure smooth integration

  
  

Another example is a logistics firm expanding to a new region. Arza can assist by:

• Recruiting permanent staff familiar with local regulations and transport routes

• Offering contract workers to cover initial demand spikes

• Providing ongoing support for workforce management

Compliance and Regulation-Driven Staffing

When new customs and safety regulations are rolled out, another client needed administrative and compliance-ready staff immediately. Arza supplied candidates already familiar with documentation workflows, customs processes, and safety requirements — allowing the client to stay compliant without delays or disruption.

These examples show how Arza adapts staffing solutions to meet diverse logistics challenges.

Benefits of Partnering with Arza Employment Services

Working with Arza offers several advantages:

• Reduced hiring time: Access to pre-screened candidates speeds up recruitment.

• Cost savings: Flexible staffing avoids long-term payroll commitments during slow periods.

• Improved staff quality: Skilled workers reduce errors and increase productivity.

• Regulatory compliance: Expert guidance minimizes risks related to labour laws and safety.

• Scalability and Flexibility: Staffing can quickly adjust to changing business needs.

Additionally, strategic staffing support leads to improved retention and lower turnover — by reducing strain on internal teams, balancing workloads, and maintaining predictable scheduling. It also ensures that companies can scale up or down quickly during unpredictable demand cycles, whether due to economic swings, regulatory changes, or freight-volume fluctuations.

These benefits help logistics companies maintain smooth operations and focus on core business activities.

Tips for Logistics Companies to Manage Staffing Challenges

While partnering with staffing services is valuable, companies can also take internal steps to improve staffing outcomes:

• Develop clear job descriptions to attract suitable candidates.

• Invest in employee training and career development to reduce turnover.

• Use technology to streamline recruitment and workforce management.

• Build relationships with staffing agencies for quick access to talent.

• Monitor workforce performance and gather feedback to improve retention.

• Also consider:

  
  

  Employer branding and culture: Position logistics as a modern, tech-driven, globally connected industry to attract younger talent.

  
  

  Flexible work options: For roles such as documentation, customer service, or administrative work, explore hybrid or remote-friendly arrangements to widen your candidate pool.

  
  

  Training and upskilling: Work with training providers or create internal programs to build a long-term talent pipeline to help your organization grow.

  
  

Combining these strategies with expert staffing support creates a strong foundation for success.

Final Thoughts

Logistics and freight forwarding will continue to evolve as global trade, technology, and regulations shift. Companies that invest in the right staffing strategies — and partner with specialized agencies like Arza — will be better positioned to adapt, grow, and maintain operational excellence.