The Hampton Roads region—home to Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and nearby cities—has long been a logistics powerhouse, thanks in large part to the Port of Virginia. As one of the busiest and most advanced container ports on the East Coast, the Port continues to fuel the growth of regional warehousing and fulfillment operations.

But with opportunity comes growing pains. In FY2024, the Port of Virginia moved nearly 3.5 million TEUs, marking its second-best year on record. While that’s good news for trade and economic development, it also means more pressure on local distribution and fulfillment centers to meet rising volume expectations.

The Talent Pool Is Drying Up

Across Hampton Roads, warehouse and logistics managers are facing a mounting challenge: finding and keeping reliable labor.

There are a few key reasons why the labor market here is especially tight:

Increased Demand for Skilled Workers
The surge in port activity has created a ripple effect throughout the region, from third-party logistics firms to e-commerce fulfillment centers. Everyone is hiring—and the demand for warehouse associates, forklift drivers, pickers, and packers far outpaces the supply.

Labor Competition from Other Sectors
Shipbuilding, military contractors, and federal employers are all vying for the same workforce. These jobs often offer benefits or security that smaller operations can’t easily match.

High Turnover and Transient Labor
The transient nature of the workforce—due in part to military family movement and seasonal hiring patterns—means many employers are stuck in a cycle of hiring, training, and losing workers before they ever become productive.

Traffic and Commuting Hurdles
The region’s notorious tunnel and bridge congestion makes it harder for workers to get to their shifts on time, which leads to absenteeism and unreliable coverage.

So What Can Operations Managers Do?

Rather than throw more money at job boards or rely on temp agencies, some warehouse and distribution leaders are rethinking their entire approach to workforce strategy. Here are a few solutions that are making a real difference:

Recruit Smarter, Not Just More

Instead of competing in the same crowded talent pool, some companies are tapping into underutilized labor sources—like second-chance workers, veterans, or community-based programs—and focusing on long-term retention.

Build Flexibility Into Your Labor Model

Shift-based flexibility, staggered start times, and localized staffing help reduce late starts and keep lines moving—especially when commuting delays are unpredictable.

Double Down on Training and Engagement

The real cost of high turnover isn’t just hiring—it’s training time lost and productivity drag. Investing in consistent onboarding, cross-training, and upskilling pays off in both output and morale.

Create a Scalable Workforce Plan

Operations with seasonal surges (like peak e-commerce or port-related influxes) need a workforce model that can ramp up—and down—without sacrificing quality.

How iJility Helps Warehouses in Hampton Roads Stay Ahead

At iJility, we understand that the challenges in Coastal Virginia aren’t just about headcount—they’re about productivity, reliability, and cost control.

We don’t offer “bodies.” We build custom workforce solutions that align with your operation’s output goals, schedule demands, and quality standards.

Here’s how we help:

Local Talent Sourcing: We tap into alternative labor pipelines and match them with operations based on real requirements—not just availability.

Onsite Workforce Management: We don’t just place workers—we stay on the floor with you. Our embedded teams help train, lead, and optimize performance on an ongoing basis.

Retention-First Approach: We focus on reducing churn through engagement, clear expectations, and growth opportunities that turn entry-level hires into long-term contributors.

Flexible, Scalable Models: Whether you need 20 new workers for a port backlog or 5 for a new night shift, our workforce adjusts as your business does.

Let’s Build a Workforce That Works

If you’re struggling with labor challenges in Chesapeake, Norfolk, or the surrounding region, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to settle for turnover and temp help.

Schedule a discovery call today and find out how iJility can help you compete for talent—and win with performance.