Salaries and Costs
Local recruiters place warehouse operatives, FLT drivers, planners, and HGV drivers across Sunderland and Washington. Hourly pay often starts at around £11 for entry-level warehouse work, with FLT roles from £12 and Class 1 shifts from £15, depending on licence and shift pattern. Depot supervisors, planners, and transport managers earn annual salaries ranging from £28,000 to £45,000 in the city, with senior operations roles paying higher salaries for multi-site responsibility. Temp agencies usually quote pay plus holiday accrual and a margin, while permanent recruitment fees tend to range from 12 per cent to 18 per cent of basic salary for mid-level hires. Executive search for senior logistics leaders may work on a retainer, and day cover for drivers can be costed per shift, for example, £250 to £350, depending on hours and night work.
Qualifications
Agencies look for clean driving records, the right CPC modules, and a digi card status for HGV roles. Forklift jobs often need RTITB or ITSSAR certificates and recent hours on reach, counterbalance, VNA, or clamp attachments. Planners and transport office staff benefit from TMS exposure and working knowledge of tachograph rules. NEBOSH or IOSH can help for roles with strong safety oversight, and many employers back warehouse supervisors who demonstrate strong people skills and a solid understanding of inventory basics.
Regional or geographic variations
Sunderland’s logistics scene ties closely to the A1231, A690, and A19 links, which make Doxford Park, Rainton Bridge, and Washington key pickup points for shifts. The Port of Sunderland supports marine and project cargo, while many trunking runs use routes into the Port of Tyne and inland hubs. Commute patterns follow the Wearside and Tyne and Wear Metro catchments, so recruiters often target candidates within 30 to 45 minutes of the depot to support retention.
Local hiring challenges
Night trunking and weekend rotations can be hard to fill during busy periods, and some depots face competition for the same pool of CPC-qualified drivers. Seasonal peaks test warehouse capacity, so agencies keep standby workers ready for late cut-offs. Employers who post clear shift times, breaks, and route types reduce fall-offs and attract steadier applicants.
Common job roles agencies recruit for in that sector
Typical requests include pickers and packers, loaders, forklift drivers, inventory controllers, transport administrators, planners, route schedulers, traffic office supervisors, and depot managers. Driving desks cover van multi drop, 7.5t, Class 2, and Class 1, with ADR and HIAB viewed as strong adds for specialist work. Employment firms match these roles across temporary, permanent, and contract work, depending on the project or peak.
Industry-specific training or licences
For driving, a CPC and a correct C, C1, or C+E licence are standard. HIAB, ADR, and Moffett open up better routes and pay rates. In the warehouse, counterbalance, reach, VNA, or PPT tickets are common, and many sites ask for a recent refresher. Supervisors may gain value from Level 3 or Level 5 leadership awards, and planners benefit from TMS training on platforms used in the depot.
Temporary, permanent, and contract work patterns
Sunderland agencies keep short-notice temps for volume picking and late order spikes. Contract work supports project moves and inventory counts, while permanent placements anchor the transport office and senior roles. Jobseekers often start on ongoing weekly assignments, then convert to permanent once volumes settle and attendance is proven. Employers can trial shifts before hiring staff, which helps retention and keeps agency costs more predictable.
Recruitment fees, pay rates, and agency costs
For temporary labour, the recruiter bills an hourly charge that includes pay, holiday, NI, and margin, and the employer approves weekly timesheets. For permanent recruitment, the fee is linked to the starting salary, with rebate periods covering early leavers. Clear pay bands, for example, £12.50 for reach drivers on nights, help recruiters filter candidates and cut time-to-hire. Stating shift lengths, site parking, and PPE requirements in advance helps avoid missed shifts and unexpected costs.
Job market and retention
The local labour market is steady, with competition rising near peak retail and e-commerce windows. Employers that post reliable rotas, offer paid breaks where offered, and have clean handover processes see stronger attendance. Small benefits such as paid inductions, on-site canteens, and guaranteed hours can increase interest and reduce turnover. Recruitment consultants will flag early absence patterns so managers can quickly reset expectations.
Quick Facts And Frequently Asked Questions
How do Sunderland agencies support both local employers and jobseekers?
Recruiters help businesses find employees for seasonal and steady roles, and guide candidates through checks, site inductions, and rota planning so everyone knows what to expect.
What documents should a new HGV candidate bring to registration?
Photocard licence, CPC card, digi card, right-to-work proof, recent tacho printouts, and references.
Can an employer fill a single weekend shift at short notice?
Yes, temp agencies hold standby drivers and warehouse staff for urgent cover, though pay rates may be higher for nights or Sundays.
Do agencies cover executive search for depot leaders in Sunderland?
Yes, several recruiters offer executive search for transport managers, depot leaders, and senior operations roles on a retained or milestone fee.
How can employers improve retention on night shifts?
Offer stable patterns, fair loading mix, safe kit, and simple perks like hot drinks and paid inductions, then review feedback regularly.