Third-Party Logistics and the Need for Flexible Staffing

In the world of logistics, you can’t afford to be stuck with a rigid, unchanging workforce. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are all about adapting. The game is always shifting. Orders increase during peak seasons, deadlines become tighter, and customer expectations are higher than ever. How do you keep up? Flexible staffing is the answer.

In 3PL, things move fast. Your team needs to be able to shift at a moment’s notice—bringing in workers when demand spikes, adjusting staffing levels based on seasonal or project-specific needs, and making sure everything stays on track. If you don’t have a strategy for scaling labor quickly, you risk falling behind.

The key to staying competitive in the world of third-party logistics is flexibility. The ability to scale labor up or down based on demand without missing a beat is crucial. And that’s exactly what temporary staffing offers: flexibility to adapt to ever-changing logistics needs while ensuring operations run smoothly.

Why 3PL Providers Rely on Temp Labor

For 3PL providers, the need for a flexible, scalable workforce is critical. The logistics industry doesn’t operate on a fixed schedule, and demand can shift quickly. When customer orders increase, or holiday seasons roll in, you can’t be stuck with a fixed, overstaffed workforce. You need to adjust fast. That’s why 3PL providers lean heavily on temporary labor.

• Increased seasonal demand – Peak seasons like the holidays or special promotions create a massive spike in orders. Temporary workers allow 3PL providers to scale their labor force quickly without making long-term commitments.
• Unpredictable shipping requirements – Whether it’s rush orders or last-minute delivery changes, flexible staffing ensures that 3PL providers can adapt to last-minute demands without missing a step.
• Filling labor gaps quickly – The logistics industry faces constant turnover and shortage of workers. Temp workers are ready to jump in at a moment’s notice, keeping operations moving without interruption.

3PL providers don’t have time to waste. Temporary staffing ensures that when demand surges, they’re ready to meet it without hesitation.

Key Roles Temp Workers Fill in Warehousing and Distribution

A 3PL provider’s workforce needs are diverse and often specialized. From handling inventory to managing warehouses to ensuring on-time delivery, there are numerous roles that temp workers fill. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key positions where temporary staffing plays a huge role in logistics:

1. Warehouse Associates

• Temp workers are essential in warehousing to receive, store, and organize products quickly and efficiently.
• As inventory volume fluctuates, temporary labor fills in where there’s the highest demand, ensuring smooth operations during peak seasons without overburdening permanent staff.

2. Forklift Operators and Heavy Equipment Technicians

• 3PL providers depend on forklift operators to move inventory, and temp workers with experience in warehouse automation or heavy equipment operation fill these key roles.
• These workers ensure that the logistics process doesn’t stall during high-demand periods when warehouse traffic is at its peak.

3. Pickers and Packers

• As e-commerce orders flood in, picking and packing become some of the most crucial tasks in the warehouse. Temporary workers in these positions increase speed while maintaining accuracy, ensuring orders are packed and shipped on time.
• During peak seasons, 3PL providers rely on additional pickers and packers to handle the overflow, ensuring no order is delayed.

4. Delivery Drivers

• Same-day delivery has become a key part of the logistics process. Temp workers fill in as drivers, ensuring that packages get to customers quickly and efficiently, even during periods of increased demand.
• Seasonal drivers help keep the last-mile delivery system running smoothly without overwhelming permanent employees.

5. Inventory Control Specialists

• Keeping track of stock levels and product movement is essential. Temporary workers specializing in inventory control help manage large volumes of goods, ensuring stock is recorded accurately and orders are processed without errors.

Temp staffing ensures that the right people are in the right positions, allowing logistics operations to run smoothly even during high-stress periods.

How to Ensure Compliance When Hiring Temp Logistics Staff

Hiring temporary staff for a logistics company requires more than just filling positions. Compliance is essential, especially when dealing with government regulations, safety standards, and labor laws. For 3PL providers, ensuring that temporary workers are compliant with industry standards is non-negotiable.

1. Understanding Labor Laws

• In the logistics industry, compliance with local and federal labor laws is critical. 3PL providers must ensure that their temp workers are properly classified and paid in accordance with wage laws, overtime regulations, and other applicable standards.
• Partnering with a staffing agency familiar with logistics workforce compliance ensures that you meet all legal requirements for temporary hires.

2. Adhering to Safety Standards

• Safety is a major concern in warehousing and distribution. Temp workers must be trained on the safety protocols of the facility.
• Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations is a must, and that means making sure temporary workers receive adequate training on everything from forklift operation to warehouse safety procedures.

3. Managing Workers’ Compensation

• 3PL providers need to make sure that temporary workers are properly covered under workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that any on-the-job injuries are addressed and compensation is handled without issue.
• Working with temp agencies that specialize in logistics staffing ensures workers are properly vetted and covered under all necessary policies.

4. Training and Certification Compliance

• Certain roles in logistics require specific certifications, especially for operating machinery or handling hazardous materials.
• Temp staffing agencies help ensure that workers are certified and meet all necessary training requirements before stepping onto the job site.

MGR Workforce Helps 3PL Providers Stay Compliant and Scalable

MGR Workforce knows what it takes to keep your logistics operations moving efficiently. We provide reliable, skilled temp workers who can step in and handle every aspect of your supply chain—from warehousing to last-mile delivery.

• Experienced, pre-screened temp workers ready to jump in immediately
• Compliance-focused staffing to ensure safety and regulatory adherence
• Flexible staffing solutions for seasonal demand, filling key roles quickly

With MGR Workforce, 3PL providers can rest easy knowing that their workforce is not just effective but compliant with all necessary standards.

Request Workers Today and Keep Your Logistics Moving

Need workers for your logistics or 3PL needs? MGR Workforce connects you with skilled, reliable labor who are ready to get to work. Request workers today and make sure your operations stay scalable and efficient year-round.