Companies in the freight and logistics sector are finding it increasingly difficult to secure high-quality candidates with long-term tenure at previous employers. Traditionally, businesses sought professionals with at least seven to 10 years of service in one company, but according to Shari Graham of Tiger Recruitment, this is becoming a rarity.“The times are changing and there are fewer candidates with decade-long tenures at a single company,” said Graham. “Many professionals move jobs for financial growth as well as to develop their skill sets. We are living in an era where self-growth and development are constantly promoted and as such, candidates are less inclined to stay in one position for too long.”This shift in candidate behaviour is prompting companies to adjust their expectations. Employers are now being urged to consider candidates with shorter tenures, particularly those who have spent two to three years at multiple companies. “Estimators, for instance, are in such high demand that they frequently move every two to three years. Sales candidates are also in high demand due to a shortage,” she told Freight News. “We are seeing a reduction in upcoming junior talent, and that is not a good sign for the future.”A significant challenge is the need for more employers willing to train and bring candidates into the industry. There is a definite skills shortage, with candidates hopping from one job to the next to increase their salary brackets and skill levels. As a result, salaries are escalating, and what was once market-related is now considered a junior salary. Some companies do not keep up with market-related salaries, contributing to the struggle of finding top candidates. In high-demand roles such as estimators, salary increases have been dramatic – juniors with just two years of experience are earning mid-level salaries, which means their next role demands a senior salary. According to Graham, the new generation of employees is steering away from long hours and high-pressure environments traditionally associated with the freight industry. Instead, they are prioritising f lexible and hybrid working conditions, making it crucial for employers to adapt their offerings if they want to attract and retain top talent. “Some clients are also looking for more tech- or system-savvy candidates, as digitalisation becomes increasingly embedded in the industry,” she said. LV
