Supply chains rely on the availability and development of talent, and labor is a top-of-mind concern for shippers and 3PLs. While hiring challenges have eased somewhat over the past year, 78% of shippers and 40% of 3PLs said labor challenges have impacted their SLAs.
The hardest positions to fill are hourly workers, such as pickers and packers, and licensed hourly workers, such as truck drivers and equipment operators. Those positions are also among the most difficult to retain.
Shippers and 3PLs said they’re adopting technology and automation to increase efficiency, make work safer and attract employees. Both parties said active implementation and research of technology-related solutions is ongoing.