Working in transport and logistics in the Netherlands: what you need to know in 2026
Working in transport and logistics in the Netherlands is a good choice for many migrant workers from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. There is plenty of work, working days are clear, and the regulations protect you as an employee. In this blog, you can read about your rights and obligations in 2026, what your workday looks like, and what you can expect regarding your salary.
What are your rights as a temporary worker?
If you work in the Netherlands through an employment agency, you have the same rights as a permanent employee at the company where you work. This means:
- You receive at least the Dutch minimum wage.
- You accrue holiday days and holiday pay.
- You are insured for illness and workplace accidents.
- You receive a clear work schedule.
- You are entitled to safe work clothing and instructions.
If your employment agency operates correctly, you will also receive a clear contract in a language you understand. Always ask for an explanation if something is not clear. More information on how the entire process works can be found in this article about how an employment agency in the Netherlands works.
What are your own obligations?
Rights and obligations go hand in hand. As an employee, certain things are also expected of you:
- You arrive at work on time.
- You follow the safety rules on the shop floor.
- You report illness to your employer or employment agency as soon as possible.
- You adhere to the agreements in your contract.
- You treat the provided housing with respect.
If you work at Charlie works, you will receive your own accommodation that meets the SNF quality mark. This is a Dutch quality standard showing that the housing is of good quality and safe. You won’t just live anywhere, but in a monitored home.
Logistics labor regulations: working hours and breaks
The regulations for working in logistics are clearly defined in the Netherlands. A normal workday is usually 8 hours. Sometimes you may work longer, but you never work more than 12 hours in a single day. There is also a maximum number of hours per week. This protects you from excessively demanding work weeks.
For a workday longer than 5.5 hours, you are entitled to a break. Your employer must respect this. If you work at night or during the weekend, you may be entitled to shift allowances. Always ask your employment agency about this so you know what to expect.
Logistics salary: what do you earn?
Your logistics salary depends on your position, your experience, and the company where you work. You will receive at least the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands. If you work in a more specialized role, such as a forklift driver or a certified order picker, you will often earn more.
Do you want to know exactly what you can earn in different roles? Then read more about working in a distribution center in the Netherlands. Also useful is this overview of taxes, health insurance, and travel in the Netherlands, so you know what remains of your gross salary.
Housing and transport
A major advantage of working through an employment agency is that you often receive help with housing and transport. You do not have to search for a home yourself in a foreign country. Transport to work is also often arranged. This makes starting in the Netherlands a lot easier.
When choosing an employment agency, pay attention to the quality of the housing, the price, and the distance to work. In this article, you can read what to look for when choosing an employment agency for logistics and production.
What changes in 2026?
In 2026, the basic rules for transport and logistics in the Netherlands remain the same. You are entitled to fair wages, safe working conditions, and decent housing. However, the oversight of employment agencies will become stricter. This is good news for you as an employee: poor agencies will have less room to operate, and good agencies can demonstrate that they follow the rules.
Therefore, choose an employment agency that is transparent about wages, contracts, and housing. Always ask for everything in writing and keep your payslips.
Getting started in the Netherlands
Working in transport and logistics offers many opportunities. You often start as a temporary worker and can grow into a permanent position. With the right guidance, a good contract, and decent housing, you will be in a strong position in your new job.
Ready to start? View all vacancies at Charlie works and find a job that suits you.
