More flexible workers in logistics, transport and manufacturing despite fewer assignments

Fewer assignments, but a relatively larger flexible workforce

A 12% share of flexible workers does not mean there are more external assignments than four years ago. The figure shows the proportion of all theoretically educated workers in the sector who work as self-employed professionals or seconded workers. This distinction is important, as the assignment market and the size of the flexible workforce do not measure the same thing.

The Talent Monitor does not provide a definitive explanation for this combination. However, the figures show that the balance between permanent and flexible workers in logistics, transport and manufacturing is developing differently from the other sectors studied. At 12%, the share of flexible workers remains below the national average of 18%. However, the direction of change is more striking than the percentage itself. While other sectors are reducing their flexible workforce, the relative importance of flexible workers in this sector is increasing.

Competition is also developing differently

Across the overall market, the number of applications per assignment is now more than three times higher than at the beginning of 2022. Professionals therefore face strong competition for available assignments.

The logistics, transport and manufacturing sector follows a different pattern. For a long time, the number of applications per assignment was between 1.5 and 2 times higher than in 2022. It has now returned to the same average number of applications per assignment as four years ago. This is remarkable, considering that the number of available assignments has fallen by approximately 60% during this period. According to the Talent Monitor, fewer assignments in this sector have therefore not led to the same sharp increase in applications seen in other sectors.

Rates are lagging behind inflation

Hourly rate trends also differ. The average hourly rate in logistics, transport and manufacturing is €98. This puts the sector below the market average. Rates increased by just 1.2% over the past twelve months. This is the lowest increase of all sectors studied and is well below inflation. The national picture is different. Despite fewer assignments and significantly more applications, average hourly rates continue to keep pace with inflation. At the beginning of 2026, the average even exceeded €104.

Logistics, transport and manufacturing therefore combines three developments not seen together elsewhere: a growing share of flexible workers, a sharply declining assignment market and limited rate growth.

Significant rate differences behind the €98 average

The average rate does not tell the whole story. There are considerable differences between the most in-demand occupational groups.

Advertising and marketing specialists have the highest average rate among the ten most in-demand groups, at €113.36. Human resources and career development specialists follow at €109.49, while purchasing professionals earn €109.26. Software developers average €105.96, and business and organisational consultants €106.55. Network specialists, on the other hand, average €95.10, while business and administrative services managers earn even less at €90.29. An average sector rate of €98 therefore provides little guidance for an individual assignment. The expertise you are looking for determines the prevailing market rate.

A growing flexible workforce requires more context

The combination of figures is relevant. Simply observing that the share of flexible workers is increasing can lead to the wrong conclusion. The assignment market is significantly smaller than four years ago. Conversely, the sharp decline in assignments does not mean that flexible workers are becoming less important within this sector, as their share is actually increasing.

Logistics, transport and manufacturing demonstrates why national trends cannot be applied directly to every hiring strategy. It is important to examine the labour market by sector and occupation. How many professionals are available for an assignment? How strong is the competition for these professionals? And what hourly rates apply to the expertise required? These insights help you make better decisions about where external professionals are needed and how much their deployment costs.

Want to make strategically informed decisions about your external workforce? Explore the differences between sectors and occupational groups in our latest Talent Monitor.