Third-party logistics services provider (3PL) Geodis said it plans to hire up to 8,000 seasonal employees in the U.S. to handle an anticipated surge in freight volumes for the end-of-year holidays.
The company plans to spread the hiring across its 19 locations across the country.
Geodis said its need for the additional seasonal employees is largely due to the continued rise in online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic. The company cited a recent eMarketer report that forecasts e-commerce shipments will increase 18% to $709.78 billion this year.
John Grubor, who heads contract logistics for Geodis in the Americas, said the additional employees will help the company counter “a bevy of new challenges in logistics and supply chain heading into peak season, such as visibility of inventory, needing to constantly adjust fulfillment capacity and managing product returns efficiently.”
Geodis is particularly focused on hiring seasonal material handlers and forklift operators for its American facilities.
To promote safe and healthy work conditions, Geodis has implemented a series of measures and procedures such as temperature checks, enforced social distancing, frequent surface cleaning and use of technology for ongoing monitoring and reporting. Additionally, each employee will receive a safety kit and personal protective gear.
In recent years, the France-based 3PL has significantly expanded its network across the U.S. market.
Geodis announced that 15-year company veteran Mike Honious will take over as president and CEO of its Americas operation, effective Saturday. He succeeds Randy Tucker, who is retiring after serving five years as the company’s Americas president and CEO. Tucker is credited by Geodis for growing its presence in the U.S. market.
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Click for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Chris Gillis.