Cost pressures put the brakes on logistics salary increases

High staff turnover and skills shortages have continued to put pressure on employers in the clearing and forwarding sector over the past year. This is one of the main findings of the recently released survey of remuneration and benefits within this sector produced by remuneration consultancy, PE Corporate Services, in conjunction with national logistics recruitment specialists Lee Botti & Associates (LB&A). The survey, which was first produced in 1983 by LB&A, has been produced bi-annually by PE Corporate Services and marketed by Lee Botti & Associates since 2003. Staff turnover in the sector averaged 18% over the past 12 months, the review period covered by the survey, and was double the average of 9% across all sectors of the economy as measured by PECS’ national remuneration surveys, said MD Martin Westcott. Salary increases – which ranged from 7-8% – were however roughly in line with national market averages. There were notable regional differences, with increases in Gauteng and the Western Cape 1-2% higher than the rest of the country, LB&A director Kim Botti told FTW. Cost pressures are however putting the brakes on future decisions, with participants anticipating awarding increases within a 6-7% range during the current twelve-month period. The survey results, which include detailed salary and benefits tables for 49 positions specific to the clearing and forwarding sector, are based on results provided by 24 major operators within this sector.