Precarious staff shortages have been causing problems in the German logistics sector for several years now. Lorry drivers in particular, but also warehouse staff, order pickers and dispatchers are desperately sought after. Since last year, the LoadUp team has been supporting the sector with a job placement platform based on sophisticated software, thus building a bridge between job and personnel seekers. The concept has also been well received in the fruit logistics sector, says company founder Christopher Röskes.
The young, Berlin-based company uses a specially developed strategy that combines tried-and-tested recruiting practices with modern algorithms. This enables partner companies to find enough good personnel in the shortest possible time. As the son of a fruit wholesaler, Röskes is familiar with the needs and challenges of fruit logistics. Röskes: "My mum is the boss of Weitz Frischdienst Ltd, based at the Duisburg wholesale market. I also worked as a driver for the company for a while. So I learnt in practice that it was becoming more difficult to find qualified drivers. This prompted me to take the matters into my own hands."
Growing customer base in the wholesale and fruit logistics sectors
LoadUp's customers now include fruit and vegetable retailers in the Essen, Duisburg and Frankfurt wholesale markets, as well as fruit logistics companies that transport goods from Belgium and Spain to Germany. Outside the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), the company has also already acquired its first customers in France and Italy. "However, we are basically represented in all areas that require drivers, whether general cargo, steel logistics or in the construction industry."
Due to the high demand for qualified personnel, some 90 per cent of LoadUp's activities relate to the placement of drivers.
Training of new and lateral entrants
The range of services offered by LoadUp Ltd includes not only pure job placement, but also other services such as training for newcomers and career changers, continues Röskes. "There are certainly several companies that offer a similar service to ours. What sets us apart, however, is that we specialise exclusively in logistics."
With regard to the driver shortage, Röskes would like to clear up a common misconception. "It's not that younger drivers aged around 30 are unavailable. The challenge is to address this target group accordingly and to present the profession of driver in an attractive light. This means we are not only concerned with pure job placement, but we also offer new and lateral entrants training opportunities to increase their chances on the labour market accordingly."
Pictures: LoadUp GmbH
For more information:
Christopher Röskes
LoadUp GmbH
Monbijouplatz 2a
10178 Berlin
Phone: 030 75439544
Email: [email protected]
www.loadup-talent.de