How to turn a part-time, seasonal job into a full-time, permanent warehouse or logistics career

Turning a part-time, seasonal role into a full-time, permanent warehouse or logistics career starts with mastering the fundamentals: dependability, punctuality, and attention to detail. These traits build trust and show that you can be counted on when operations become challenging.

Beyond that, success in logistics also depends heavily on soft skills. Stay engaged with your team, show initiative, and maintain a positive attitude even when things do not go as planned, because in supply chain, they often will not. Take every opportunity to learn from those around you and understand the strategies behind day-to-day decisions.

Finally, build and maintain your network. The logistics field is full of complex, ever-changing challenges, and no one person has all the answers. When you can effectively leverage your relationships and learn from others’ experiences, you not only solve problems more efficiently, but also position yourself as someone who adds long-term value to the organization.

You may not master all of these skills in six months, but demonstrating consistent effort and growth in each area will set you apart and show that you are building a lasting career, not just working a temporary job.

I recently got a return offer while still interning at Rolls Right, and here’s what I think really helps:

Taking the initiative to ask a mentor for guidance and advice.

This can be anyone more experienced who is willing to help, such as a manager or even the CEO. Taking the first step to ask a mentor can often be the largest obstacle that many employees face when looking into career advancement in the logistics industry. Oftentimes, employees may not feel comfortable asking for help. However, building an employee-mentor relationship and taking the first step to ask is the most crucial part. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. By taking this initiative, an employee is set on the right track to progress in their career and create new opportunities for themselves.

Speaking from my experience so far, I know that my mentor’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping my experiences and helping me build the skills and confidence that will carry me forward. I truly appreciate the time, trust, and knowledge they shared with me along the way.

Turning a seasonal warehouse job into a long-term logistics career starts with reliability. When I was hiring for our vehicle logistics department, one part-time worker made an impression by always showing up early, checking vehicle stock before being asked, and helping others finish tasks. Consistency like that builds trust faster than any resume. Over time, he became our go-to person for urgent deliveries and was eventually offered a full-time role.

My advice is to be the person management can count on. In warehouse and logistics environments, dependable people quickly become indispensable. Show that you care about the workflow, not just the paycheck, and opportunities will follow naturally.

To transition from a part-time or seasonal warehousing or logistics worker to a full-time career in the industry, it is best to focus on three key attributes: consistency, reliability, and willingness to learn. Employers appreciate individuals who show up to work prepared, meet required deadlines, and handle tasks with care and consideration. Take the time to observe how all of the different areas of the operation are connected, from managing inventory to shipping coordination (and everything else in between), and start brainstorming ways to improve the small processes in your area.

Another important piece of building your full-time career is building relationships with team leaders and coworkers; teamwork is a large part of the logistics industry. Last, let the managers in your area or department know your interest in long-term growth as soon as possible. When managers see you are genuinely interested in some level of voluntary commitment, you will find that you become a favored option for any future, permanently available positions.

With over 40 years of experience placing professionals in both temporary and long-term warehouse and logistics roles, we know what employers look for when considering seasonal employees for permanent positions. The key is to demonstrate reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

Use your current role to understand the systems and processes your company relies on. Become proficient with inventory management software, shipping tools, and order tracking systems. Offer to help with cross-training, assist in quality checks, or support workflow improvements. Gaining certifications in forklift operation, OSHA safety, or supply chain fundamentals will also make you a more valuable candidate.

Companies notice employees who combine dependability with initiative and a clear understanding of operations. Showing that you can maintain efficiency, accuracy, and teamwork positions you as a strong candidate for a permanent role.