Mid-Year Freight Hiring Trends: What the First 6 Months of 2025 Have Told Us

Back in December 2024, we ran a poll asking:
“Do you see yourself changing jobs in 2025?”
The results surprised us:

• ✅ 61% said yes

• ❌ 26% said no

• 🤔 13% were undecided

Now that we’re halfway through the year, it’s safe to say: people meant it.

We've seen a noticeable uptick in candidate movement across logistics and freight forwarding — particularly in operations, sales, and branch management. The reasons? Some are chasing progression, others flexibility, and many are simply reevaluating where they want to be long term.

So what does this mean for freight businesses heading into the second half of 2025?

1. Talent is Actively Exploring — But Still Picky

We’re hearing the same thing from many candidates:
“I’m open to moving — but it has to be the right opportunity.”

✅ They want clearer growth paths
✅ Better leadership
✅ A reason to believe in your company vision

The takeaway? Generic job ads and slow hiring processes aren’t cutting it. Candidates want to feel valued from the very first interaction.

2. Retention Still Beats Recruitment

Hiring costs are rising — but replacement costs are worse.
Teams who’ve invested in internal development, regular feedback, and real flexibility are retaining their top talent, even when other offers come in.

If you haven’t had stay interviews, now’s the time.
If your team still isn’t sure where their growth lies — they’re likely already looking elsewhere.

3. Pipelines Over Panic-Hires

Some of our clients are thriving this year — not because they’re lucky, but because they’ve been building talent pipelines in advance.

When a resignation comes through, or a new client requires additional resources, they already know who to call.
They’ve partnered early, stayed close to the market, and made themselves an employer of choice.

4. Partner With a Freight-First Recruiter

Yes, this is a shameless plug. But it’s real.

At LogiHire, we speak to hundreds of freight professionals every week — across export ops, BDMs, customs brokers, import coordinators and beyond. We’re hearing what they want, what’s changing, and where they’re moving.

And when your hiring needs pop up unexpectedly (as they often do in logistics), you won’t be starting from scratch.

Final Thought

The second half of 2025 will be highly competitive, especially as end-of-year logistics volumes ramp up.

Whether you’re hiring or hoping to keep your current team engaged, now is the time to act with clarity and intent.

Don’t wait until the last quarter of the calendar year to get serious about your hiring strategy.

📩 Let’s talk now — and set your business up to finish 2025 strong.