26.8.2026 | recruitment

In this edition, we catch up with A&S Recruitment’s Amanda Harrold to explore the current logistics recruitment market in Felixstowe, the opportunities available to recent college leavers, and how those starting out in the industry can build a long-term career.

Felixstowe remains at the heart of the UK’s container logistics industry, and when trade volumes are strong, the demand for people across the supply chain follows.

At the moment, employers are recruiting across shipping, freight forwarding, transport, warehousing and customs, with particular demand for Import and Export Clerks, Customs Clearance Operators, Shipping Coordinators, Transport Planners, Fleet Controllers and Freight Forwarders. There continues to be demand for warehouse professionals too.

For Amanda, the current recruitment market reflects the increasing expectations being placed on businesses across the sector.

“Many businesses are looking to strengthen their teams as customer expectations around speed, service and compliance continue to increase,” she explains. “Companies are looking for people who can adapt quickly, communicate effectively and contribute to a fast-moving environment.”

A sector offering opportunities at every level

One of the most encouraging aspects of the current market is that opportunities aren’t limited to experienced logistics professionals. Amanda is also seeing opportunities for people leaving college who may have little or no previous industry experience.

For college leavers, employers are often more interested in attitude than experience. Reliability, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can be just as important as previous employment, particularly when combined with strong communication skills, attention to detail and confidence using technology.

For those who have already gained about a year of experience in logistics or shipping, expectations naturally begin to change. Employers are looking for a deeper understanding of processes and greater confidence when dealing with customers, suppliers and transport providers.

“At this stage, candidates begin to stand out because they can add value from day one and require less training,” says Amanda.

That first year can therefore be an important stepping stone, helping people not only develop their skills but also start to understand which direction they would like their career to take.

More than just moving goods

For someone who has never considered a career in shipping or logistics, it can be difficult to appreciate just how many opportunities exist within the industry.

In Felixstowe in particular, there are career paths across shipping, freight forwarding, transport planning, customs, warehousing, supply chain management, sales, customer service, and operations.

It’s also an industry directly connected to global trade, offering people the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than their individual role.

“Many people don’t realise just how many career paths exist within logistics,” Amanda says. “It’s a sector that supports global trade, so there’s a real sense of being connected to something much bigger.”

Another attraction is the potential for progression. While qualifications can be valuable, Amanda points out that progression within logistics is often driven by ability, commitment and a willingness to learn.

A person starting in an entry-level position can, over time, develop into a specialist or management role. In Felixstowe’s close-knit logistics community, there are plenty of examples of people who have built long, successful careers after starting at the junior level.

Attitude can make all the difference

Previous experience is undoubtedly valuable, but for entry-level positions, attitude is often the deciding factor.

Employers can teach systems and processes, but qualities such as reliability, professionalism, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are much harder to teach. Candidates who ask questions, show initiative, and genuinely want to build a career often progress much faster than those who see the role as just a job.

The fast-moving nature of logistics also means that adaptability is increasingly important. As technology, customer expectations and processes continue to evolve, employers need people who are willing to develop new skills throughout their careers.

For those who have already gained a year of experience, this can begin to open up more specialised opportunities. Candidates may progress into areas such as customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping operations or transport planning, while others may take on greater responsibility, manage key accounts or move into supervisory positions.

The sector offers numerous routes for progression, with employers often willing to invest in people who demonstrate potential and commitment.

Getting your foot in the door

For anyone considering starting a career in logistics, or taking their next step, Amanda’s advice is simple: keep an open mind and be proactive.

“Logistics is one of the UK’s most important industries, and Felixstowe sits at the centre of it,” she says. “Whether you are leaving education, changing career or looking for your next challenge, there are opportunities available for people with the right attitude.”

And for those without direct logistics experience, a lack of industry knowledge shouldn’t necessarily be a barrier.

Amanda encourages candidates to focus on the transferable skills they already have, be willing to learn, and take advantage of opportunities to build their industry knowledge. Once that first opportunity is secured, the range of available career paths can be surprisingly broad.

“The logistics industry has always been about keeping goods moving. Right now, it is also helping people move their careers forward.”

With its unique logistics community and concentration of businesses across the sector, Felixstowe offers an environment where people can start small and build something much bigger.

For A&S Recruitment, that’s what makes the current market particularly exciting. Many of the people placed by the 20-year-old recruitment company started out in junior roles, developing their skills, taking on greater responsibility, and have gone on to build long, successful, and rewarding careers within the industry.

For anyone considering logistics as a career choice, there could be no better time to explore where that first step might lead.

www.aandsrecruitment.com