Hiring top local talent has long been increasingly competitive. As experienced candidates become harder to find, companies are paying more to attract and retain them.
This challenge is seen around the world, but it tends to be particularly noticeable in North America due to the region’s high demand for skilled workers on top of the rapid growth in industries such as freight forwarding.
At the same time, the rise of remote work means companies can search for skilled professionals globally, making competition stronger than ever.
One strategy that is helping many companies succeed is outsourcing. By expanding the talent pool, businesses can often find capable people at lower costs, while still attracting top talent. In fact, 70% of companies find outsourcing cost-effective because it reduces the cost of hiring in-house staff.
There’s a workaround for this challenge: OBP’s full-suite offshoring services offer the freight labor shortage solution for US and Canadian freight and 3PL operators. This article details the benefits and impact of these solutions.
Labor Trends in Logistics: Why Offshoring Matters
To see the real value of outsourcing, it’s important to understand how it addresses the bigger challenges facing freight and logistics. Outsourcing directly responds to some of the most pressing workforce shortages in the industry.
These critical issues stand out:
1 | The Short Supply of Administrative and Tech-Enabled Roles |
According to Talent Traction, demand for supply chain talent has risen by 31% year-over-year, but the number of people entering the field is only expected to grow by 17% through 2034. The biggest skills gaps are in digital systems, and roles focused on planning, coordination, and maintenance take the longest to fill.
These are exactly the types of roles that freight forwarders frequently outsource, such as:
Documentation
Data entry
Compliance
Shipment tracking
All of these functions require digital fluency. Given the limited local talent pool, outsourcing these responsibilities is often the most practical and effective solution.
2 | The Short Supply of Administrative and Tech-Enabled Roles |
Recent data also shows that logistics hiring costs have risen by 22% in 2026 compared to the previous year, with turnover remaining high. Specifically, in Employ’s 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report, survey showed that 30% of workers across industries including logistics have left a job within the first 90 days of starting. This constant cycle of recruiting, onboarding, and training drives up expenses and disrupts operations.
This impacts critical back-office roles that keep daily operations running smoothly, such as:
Customer service support
Customs clearance support
Invoice auditing and billing
Inventory tracking and reporting
Through logistics workforce outsourcing, companies can control these costs and reduce the risks associated with frequent turnover, offering continuity and efficiency even in a challenging labor market.
The Offshoring Advantage: Meeting Freight’s Staffing Needs
The numbers paint a clear picture: outsourcing tackles some of the toughest parts of the freight labor shortage, especially when it comes to administrative and tech-focused roles or the rising costs of hiring and rehiring.
Here are some specific ways US offshore staffing can help companies overcome these challenges and keep their operations moving forward:
| Fill gaps fast.Offshoring lets you fill back-office roles immediately without waiting for lengthy local recruiting cycles. You have skilled back-office help right when you need it. |
| Role coverage.Key functions like data entry, customer support, accounting, and operations coordination are handled seamlessly, all covered under one, trusted service. |
| Focus on growth.With routine tasks handled elsewhere, your onshore team can finally prioritize client-facing and revenue-generating activities. |
| Flexible scaling.Offshoring gives you the space and freedom to easily adjust your team size as business volumes and budgets change, eliminating the stress of hiring and letting go. |
Another key factor in overcoming labor shortages is having reliable, around-the-clock support. That is where OBP’s global operations make a real difference. In the video below, you will hear how our 24/7 teams deliver seamless coverage, rapid response, and the flexibility freight businesses need to stay ahead, no matter the time zone.
Strengthen Your Operations with OBP
Offshore teams can make all the difference when you need to keep your business steady, especially in an industry that never stands still. The right approach means more than surviving. You can actually get ahead, thrive in your process, and build something that lasts.
If you are curious about how offshoring could work for you, get in touch with OBP. We’ll keep things simple and guide you through every step. And if you like insights like these, sign up for our newsletter! We offer straightforward updates and insights on logistics, freight, and where offshoring fits into the picture.
Erika Dela Peña
Erika is a multifaceted writer who explores both innovative and industry-focused topics, delivering a contemporary and engaging reading experience through blog articles and digital content. With a strong background in communication arts, she transforms ideas and knowledge-rich materials into compelling narratives and practical insights across industries, from business to the creative sector.