Why Freight Forwarders Need to Rethink Their Hiring Strategy in 2025
The freight forwarding industry is evolving fast. Between rising customer expectations, global disruptions, and the digitisation of supply chains, freight forwarders are facing more pressure than ever—not just operationally, but when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.
At LogiHire, we speak to hiring managers and business owners across Australia and New Zealand every day. And there’s one recurring theme: it’s getting harder to find and keep good people.
So, what’s going wrong? And more importantly, what can freight forwarders do differently?
1. The Market Has Shifted—Have You?
Gone are the days when job ads alone could fill your vacancies. Today’s candidates—especially the high performers—aren’t trawling job boards. They’re being approached directly or are only open to a move if the opportunity truly excites them.
That’s where a proactive, relationship-first recruitment approach makes a difference. At LogiHire, we’re not just matching résumés to job descriptions. We’re building long-term networks in the freight forwarding space—so when the proper role opens up, we already know who might be perfect for it.
2. You Can’t Hire for Today’s Needs with Yesterday’s Process
We still see companies clinging to old-school hiring practices: drawn-out interview processes, vague job ads, or lowball offers. In a competitive market, these will cost you your best candidates.
Streamlining your hiring process, getting clear on your EVP (employer value proposition), and moving with pace are non-negotiables. You’re not just hiring talent—you’re competing for it.
3. Look Outside the Box (And Outside the Industry)
Some of the best recruiters we’ve placed didn’t come from logistics. And some of the most successful operators didn’t start in freight forwarding.
Yes, experience helps—but so does potential. Be open to candidates from adjacent industries with transferable skills. A hungry business development rep from a tech firm might be your next star in forwarding sales, with the right onboarding and support.
4. Retention Starts with Recruitment
Hiring doesn’t stop when the contract is signed. The first 30–90 days are crucial—and often overlooked.
Do you have a clear onboarding plan? Is someone responsible for check-ins? Are you setting new hires up for long-term success, or throwing them in the deep end?
The best talent wants growth, clarity, and a sense of purpose. If you can offer that, they’ll stick around. If you can’t, they won’t.
Final Thoughts
At LogiHire, we’re passionate about helping freight forwarding businesses build high-performing teams. We understand the industry. We know what makes a great hire. And we’re not afraid to challenge outdated thinking to get better results.
If you’re rethinking your hiring strategy—or just want a second opinion—we’re here to help.
Let’s talk.