Working as a logistics employee abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a logistics employee abroad like?

• A logistics employee is part of an invisible system that makes everything move. Without logistics, there would be no supermarkets, no construction projects, no festivals, and no relocations.
• The work takes place in warehouses, ports, distribution centers, construction sites, and sometimes in the heat or cold.
• Duties may include:
  • Order picking, loading, and unloading.
  • Warehouse work and inventory management.
  • Planning and coordinating transport.
  • Supporting international shipments.
  • Working with forklifts, pallets, containers, or simply muscle power.
  • Administrative tasks such as waybills and registrations.
• Working conditions:
  • The work is often paid, sometimes temporary or seasonal.
  • You often work shifts or variable hours.
  • The salary depends on country, sector, and experience.
  • Sometimes, housing or transportation is arranged through the employer.
• It is often physical work, but usually with clear tasks and structures. Sometimes it's more overarching work, creating schedules and checking inventory.
• A unique aspect of logistics work abroad is that language can be less important than commitment, and it's often an accessible way to combine work experience and income with life abroad.

What are the reasons for working as a logistics employee abroad?

• To develop perseverance: logistics work requires perseverance, even at high speeds.
• To train organizational awareness: gaining insight into processes, schedules, and responsibilities.
• To increase flexibility: working at varying times and locations is part of the job.
• To strengthen collaboration skills: logistics is teamwork; otherwise, everything grinds to a halt.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a logistics employee abroad?

• Being environmentally aware: working safely in warehouses, ports, and on construction sites.
• Being organizationally aware: understanding how logistics chains and work processes work. 
• Collaboration: working effectively in teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility: managing shifts and unexpected workloads.
• Independence: performing tasks without constant supervision.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a logistics employee abroad?

• Countries with major logistics hubs: the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Singapore.
• Countries with a lot of seasonal and warehouse work: Australia, Canada, New Zealand.
• Countries with growing industry and exports: Poland, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, Mexico.
• Countries with ports and international trade: the United States, South Africa, Thailand, the Netherlands.

What are the risks of working as a logistics employee abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as a logistics employee abroad?
  • Physical injuries, such as back, shoulder, or knee problems, are common.
  • Accidents involving forklifts, pallets, or heavy loads are common.
  • Long shifts often cause fatigue, which increases risks.
  • Medical care is often expensive, especially for workplace accidents. Insurance or liability issues are often unclear with temporary contracts.
  • It's not uncommon for someone to contract a contagious or local disease, be unable to work for a period, or even need to be flown home.
• Are you insured while working as a logistics employee abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.