Logistics Staff Shortage in 2026: The Solution with Flexi-Jobs and Student Jobs

The logistics sector in Flanders is struggling with a persistent staff shortage. With 28,000 open vacancies for warehouse workers, order pickers and drivers, the sector is under pressure. At the same time, demand for logistics services keeps growing thanks to the rise of e-commerce and online shopping. How do you bridge that gap? Flexi-jobs and student jobs turn out to be a practical and flexible solution.

In this article you will discover why the logistics staff shortage is so severe, what opportunities exist for flexi-jobbers and students, and how employers can quickly find motivated staff for their warehouse or distribution centre.

Why is the staff shortage in logistics so severe?

The staff shortage in the logistics sector is not a temporary problem. Flanders currently counts 174,000 open vacancies, a substantial share of which are in transport and logistics. In this sector alone, 28,000 jobs remain unfilled. These are warehouse workers, order pickers, sorters, truck drivers and warehouse operators that companies are desperately looking for.

What makes the shortage so persistent?

First, the e-commerce market grows year after year. More people order online, and that means more parcels that need to be processed, packed and shipped. Distribution centres are working at full capacity, but staff cannot keep up with demand.

Second, more and more people are leaving the labour market due to an ageing population. The baby boomer generation is retiring, and there are not enough young people to replace them. According to Statbel, more people leave the labour market in 2025 than join it.

Third, logistics work is physically demanding and often less appealing. Early or late shifts, standing work, repetitive tasks: it makes it difficult to find long-term staff. At the same time, other sectors such as retail, hospitality and care compete for the same workers.

Peak periods in logistics: January as a challenge

The logistics sector has busy moments all year round, but January is particularly demanding. After the Christmas period, the returns peak begins. Customers send back gifts, exchange items, or return impulse purchases from the end-of-year sales. Research shows that e-commerce return rates peak in December, January and February, with an average of 17.9% of all orders being sent back.

This means that distribution centres must not only handle new orders, but also process thousands of returns. Products have to be checked, repacked, sorted and made ready for sale again. This requires extra staff, precisely at a time when many permanent employees are still on holiday or recovering from the hectic month of December.

At the same time, the sales period starts at the end of January, with another peak in online orders. Companies that do not have enough staff run the risk of delays, mistakes and dissatisfied customers.

Flexible workers such as flexi-jobbers and students can make the difference here. They are available at short notice, are happy to work in shifts, and can step in when things get busy.

Flexi-jobs: the ideal solution for logistics peaks

Flexi-jobs are designed for people who have a main job and want to earn extra on the side. If you work at least 4/5 in your main job, you may work extra hours through a flexi-job. This is especially interesting for employees who have financial goals, such as saving for a renovation, a holiday or simply extra income.

Why are flexi-jobs perfect for logistics?

Logistics companies regularly have peak periods when they need extra hands. Think of Black Friday, the end-of-year period, sales, or specific days when orders pour in. Flexi-jobbers can step in at exactly those moments, without the company being tied to long-term contracts.

What is more, flexi-jobbers are motivated. They choose for themselves when they work, and the extra income is tax-free up to 18,000 euros per year (from 1 April 2026). That makes it appealing to take shifts, including in the evening or at the weekend.

For employers, flexi-jobs offer tax advantages. There are no employer contributions and no holiday pay. The hourly wage is higher than under a normal contract, but the total costs remain manageable. Under the new regulations, flexi-jobbers have since 2025 also been able to work in logistics thanks to the opt-out mechanism that extends the flexi-job scheme to more sectors.

What tasks can flexi-jobbers do?

In a logistics company there are plenty of possibilities:

• Order picking: collecting products from the warehouse based on order lists
• Packing and wrapping: getting orders ready for shipment
• Sorting: distributing parcels by destination or region
• Loading and unloading: loading and unloading trucks
• Stock management: counting, scanning and storing products
• Processing returns: checking returned products and putting them back

Most tasks do not require years of experience. A short briefing and a willingness to roll up your sleeves are often enough.

Student jobs in logistics: flexible work and good pay

For students, January is an excellent month to earn extra. Exams are over, the Christmas holidays are coming to an end, and distribution centres are urgently looking for extra staff. Logistics student jobs offer good earnings, flexible hours and valuable work experience.

How much can you work as a student?

Since 2025, as a student you may work 650 hours per year at reduced social contributions. That is well over 12 hours per week on average, or you can concentrate your hours in busy periods such as January. You pay only 2.71% social contribution, and your employer also pays a lower rate. As long as you stay within the 650 hours, you keep your Growth Package (child benefit) and benefit from tax advantages.

Your first 3,000 euros of student income are tax-free. That makes a student job in logistics financially very attractive.

Why do students choose logistics?

Logistics jobs are practical and accessible. You do not need specific diplomas or experience. The shifts are flexible, with options in the evening, at the weekend or during holiday periods. On top of that, you learn discipline, teamwork and taking responsibility. Skills that come in handy later in any career.

Many students also appreciate the active side of the work. Instead of sitting behind a desk, you are physically busy. That makes it physically demanding, but also varied.

For more information about student jobs, you can visit the AnyShift Student Jobs page.

For employers: how do you quickly find staff for your warehouse?

As an employer in logistics, you know how difficult it is to quickly find reliable staff. Traditional recruitment channels often take too long. By the time you have posted ads, received applications and held interviews, the peak is already over.

Platforms such as AnyShift offer a faster solution. You post a vacancy, set your conditions (date, time, tasks, compensation), and candidates apply directly through the app. Within a few hours you can find available flexi-jobbers and students who can start right away.

Benefits of flexible staff in logistics:

• Scalable: only take on people when you need them
• Cost-conscious: pay only for hours worked, no fixed costs
• Quickly deployable: no lengthy procedures, candidates can often start the same week
• Motivated: people choose the shift themselves, so they are motivated to perform

Want to know more about how to quickly find flexi-jobbers and students? Then have a look at the page For companies: finding staff through AnyShift.

Practical tips for flexi-jobbers and students in logistics

If you are considering working in logistics, here are a few practical tips:

Get good shoes

You stand and walk a lot during a shift in a warehouse. Wear comfortable, safe shoes with non-slip soles. Many companies even require safety shoes.

Ask for a tour

If you are working in a distribution centre for the first time, ask for a tour and a clear explanation of the procedures. Where do you find the products? How does the scanning system work? Where are the toilets and break rooms? The clearer the instructions, the better you can do your job.

Communicate proactively

Suddenly unable to work? Let your employer know straight away. Reliability is important, especially in a sector where timeliness is crucial. Employers appreciate honesty and take this into account in their assessment for future shifts.

Keep working safely

Logistics work can be physically demanding. Do not lift more than you can handle, ask for help with heavy parcels, and take breaks when needed. Safety comes before speed.

Build your score

On platforms such as AnyShift, you receive a rating from your employer after each shift. The higher your score, the better your chances of new assignments. Show initiative, arrive on time, work accurately, and your score will grow. Want to know more about how to build your score? Read the article on Finding a student job and building your score through AnyShift.

New flexi-job rules 2026: what is changing?

It is important to stay informed about the legal changes around flexi-jobs. From 1 April 2026, the tax-free ceiling for flexi-jobs rises from 12,000 euros to 18,000 euros per year. This means that as a flexi-jobber you can earn considerably more without paying tax on it.

In addition, the flexi-job scheme is being extended to more sectors via an opt-out system. Where flexi-jobs used to be possible mainly in hospitality and retail, now logistics companies, manufacturing, events and other sectors can also make use of flexi-jobbers. This opens up new opportunities for both employees and employers.

For a complete overview of all the changes, you can visit the AnyShift Frequently Asked Questions.

Conclusion: solving the logistics shortage with flexibility

The staff shortage in the logistics sector is real and challenging. With 28,000 open jobs and growing demand driven by e-commerce, it is clear that traditional recruitment methods are not enough. Flexi-jobs and student jobs offer a practical and agile solution.

For flexi-jobbers and students, this means opportunities to earn extra with flexible hours and tax advantages. For employers, it means access to a pool of motivated workers who can be deployed quickly during peak periods.

January 2026 is a perfect month to start. The returns peak is in full swing, the sales period is starting, and companies are urgently looking for extra hands. So do not wait any longer. Whether you are a student, a worker who wants to earn extra, or an employer looking for staff: flexible work in logistics offers solutions for everyone.