TalentPros

Top warehouse and light industrial staffing agencies.

20 light industrial & warehouse temporary staffing firms on TalentPros — verified by us, reviewed by their buyers.

20 firms

About temporary staffing

Warehouse and light industrial staffing agencies supply the hourly workers behind distribution centers, fulfillment operations, and production lines: pickers and packers, forklift operators, material handlers, loaders, shipping and receiving clerks, assemblers, and general laborers. Most clients use them to flex headcount with demand, so the agency carries the recruiting, screening, payroll, and workers' comp while the client pays one hourly rate.

Pricing is a markup on the worker's hourly pay — typically 30–50%. A $19/hour warehouse associate bills at roughly $25–28.50/hour. Forklift-certified operators and night-shift roles bill higher. Sites with steady, high volume often negotiate lower markups and an on-site coordinator who manages onboarding, attendance, and same-day replacements.

Peak seasons are where agencies earn their keep. For holiday retail, back-to-school, or a new site launch, bring the agency in several weeks early so it can recruit and train to your ramp-up plan. When comparing the agencies below, ask about fill rates, average time to fill, retention after 30 and 90 days, and how they handle safety training and forklift certification.

Temporary staffing — Frequently Asked Questions

How much do warehouse staffing agencies charge?
Usually an hourly bill rate 30–50% above the worker's pay, covering payroll taxes, workers' comp, recruiting, and margin. Forklift operators, night shifts, and short-notice orders cost more; steady high-volume programs cost less.
How fast can a staffing agency fill warehouse shifts?
Agencies with a local pool can often fill general warehouse shifts within 24–72 hours. For a peak-season or new-site ramp-up, plan two to four weeks ahead so the agency can recruit and train enough workers.
Can an agency provide forklift-certified workers?
Yes. Many agencies keep forklift and reach-truck operators in their pool and verify certification. Operators still need to be evaluated on your specific equipment and site, which is the host employer's responsibility under OSHA's powered industrial truck standard.
What should I ask a warehouse staffing agency before signing?
Ask for fill rate and time to fill for your roles, 30- and 90-day retention, how they screen and train for safety, who covers no-shows and replacements, temp-to-hire conversion terms, and whether they offer an on-site coordinator for high-volume sites.

Sources

  1. 1.OSHA — Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
  2. 2.OSHA — Protecting Temporary Workers
  3. 3.American Staffing Association