The share of self-employed professionals and secondees rises to twelve percent, while organisations issue around sixty percent fewer assignments. Hoofddorp – The share of self-employed and seconded professionals in logistics, transport and production has risen from eight percent in 2022 to twelve percent today. The sector remains below the market average of eighteen percent. Still, this development stands out, as the share of external professionals is declining in many other sectors, while it is growing in logistics, transport and production. At the same time, companies are issuing significantly fewer assignments for external professionals than several years ago. This is according to the latest edition of the Talent Monitor, a joint publication by HR tech service provider HeadFirst and labour market data specialist Intelligence Group.

Growing supply amid declining demand

Demand for external professionals in logistics, transport and production is under pressure. Companies are issuing around sixty percent fewer assignments than several years ago. At the same time, the number of self-employed and seconded professionals in the sector continues to grow. This creates a market with more professionals available while demand from organisations is declining. Despite this development, working independently and on a project basis remains attractive to professionals in the sector.

The number of applications per assignment also shows how the market is changing. For a long time, the number of offers per assignment was one and a half to two times higher than in 2022. It has now returned to around the level seen four years ago.

 

Rate growth lags behind the market

For external professionals who find an assignment, rate growth continues to lag behind other sectors. The average hourly rate in logistics, transport and production is €98 per hour, compared with a market average of more than €102. Over the past twelve months, rates increased by 1.2 percent, below inflation and the lowest growth of all sectors surveyed.

There are clear differences between professional groups within the sector. Managers in business and administrative services have the highest average hourly rate (€113.36), followed by business and organisation consultants (€109.49) and information and communications technology managers (€109.26). Software developers, at €95.10, are closer to the sector average.

Sam van de Kreeke, Sector Director Smart Industry (production, logistics and retail) at HeadFirst, recognises this pattern from practice: “We see that organisations have become more cautious about hiring external professionals, while also taking a more selective approach to the expertise they need. The focus is shifting from capacity to results. Specialist knowledge remains in demand, particularly in areas such as automation, AI and supply chain optimisation. This explains why the share of external professionals is growing, while the total number of assignments is declining. Talent with the right skills remains highly valuable in a changing market.”