The demand for grey-collar workers in India’s logistics sector is experiencing a notable rise as the Diwali festival approaches. Companies are actively seeking to recruit individuals capable of managing the increased workload associated with the festive season. However, the challenge lies in finding candidates who possess a suitable blend of physical and digital skills necessary for these roles.

According to Antim Suman, Co-Founder and COO of Edgistify, the demand for grey-collar talent is outpacing the industry’s capacity to adequately train workers. Grey-collar employees typically engage in hands-on tasks while also leveraging technology to enhance their productivity. This group includes warehouse staff who utilise digital scanners, individuals managing automated sorting systems, delivery personnel using mobile applications, and truck drivers handling electronic documentation.

The evolving nature of these roles has made them increasingly reliant on technology. For instance, delivery partners employ apps for navigation and to confirm successful deliveries, while warehouse workers manage inventory systems and automated machinery. Additionally, experienced workers are expected to troubleshoot technical issues and oversee shift management.

Temporary Hiring Projections

The festive season is intensifying the demands placed on logistics companies. TeamLease’s Festive Season Workforce Report for 2026 anticipates a temporary hiring surge of 15 to 20 per cent across sectors such as e-commerce, quick commerce, and logistics. Companies are expanding their search beyond traditional roles like pickers and packers, seeking automation operators, inventory coordinators, and returns executives.

Furthermore, India’s long-term workforce requirements are on the rise. NITI Aayog has estimated that the gig workforce, which encompasses many delivery and logistics roles, will reach approximately 2.35 crore by the year 2029-30. The Logistics Sector Skill Council has projected that the industry will require an additional 47 lakh workers by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for skilled personnel.

Despite these projections, training remains a significant hurdle. Data from the Logistics Sector Skill Council indicates that only around 4 per cent of the freight logistics workforce has undergone formal vocational training. Many delivery partners acquire skills through on-the-job experience, often lacking access to structured training programmes or clear pathways for career advancement.

Addressing the Skills Gap

To effectively bridge the skills gap, logistics companies must establish clearer career trajectories for their workers. Suman emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for advancement; for example, a delivery partner should have the potential to progress to a hub supervisor role, while a warehouse picker could aspire to site management positions.

Accessibility to training is also crucial. Implementing mobile-based courses in local languages could facilitate skill development for workers, allowing them to learn about the systems they engage with daily while remaining employed. Expanding social security coverage for gig workers is another area that requires attention, according to Suman.

The challenge facing India’s logistics sector extends beyond merely hiring additional personnel in preparation for the festive rush. Companies must also focus on recruiting individuals capable of managing increasingly technology-driven operations. As the demand for quicker deliveries escalates, investing in training and career development could enable logistics firms to cultivate a more skilled and stable workforce.

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