Sortation Line Worker in the Netherlands
A sortation line is where warehouse flow becomes visible: parcels arrive in waves, scanners beep continuously, and the team keeps the lane moving. As a Sortation Line Worker, you will typically rotate between scanning, label checks, lane clearing, and quick quality fixes so shipments stay accurate and on time. Projects are site-based and can differ by region (distribution hubs around ports, city depots, or e-commerce fulfillment).
Hiring snapshot (what this role looks like on real sites)
Most sortation lines run on strict cut-off times: inbound parcels must be scanned, routed, and cleared before dispatch windows. You will work close to conveyors and chutes, with clear safety zones and pace that can spike during peak hours.
Pay (gross) and what changes it
Base range: €14.71–€16.80 gross/hour (indicative for 21+; youth rates may apply under 21). Final rate depends on project location, applicable collective agreement (CAO), experience, and shift pattern.
- Province / hub: large logistics areas can differ in premiums and staffing demand.
- Experience: stable scanning accuracy and lane discipline often lead to faster progression.
- Shift pattern: evenings/nights/weekends may include allowances (site rules apply).
Shift premiums & overtime (typical approach)
Premiums are site/CAO-specific. Overtime is usually paid when approved by the supervisor and recorded in timekeeping systems. No overtime is guaranteed.
Day-to-day tasks on a sortation line
- Inbound handling: unload onto the line, keep parcels aligned and spaced for scanning.
- Scanning & routing: scan barcodes, verify destination codes, divert to correct chute/cage.
- Label & exception checks: identify damaged labels, re-tag per site procedure, isolate exceptions.
- Lane housekeeping: clear jams safely, keep walkways clean, follow 5S-style routines.
- Quality discipline: prevent mis-sorts by double-checking unclear codes and mixed batches.
Requirements (must-have)
- Comfortable working in a paced environment close to conveyors.
- Shift readiness (including evenings/nights/weekends if required by the site).
- Basic English for safety briefings and team communication.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures and label/route rules.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Nice-to-have skills
- Warehouse experience (sortation, picking/packing, inbound/outbound).
- Scanner/WMS familiarity; consistent accuracy under time pressure.
- Safety certificates used on industrial sites (where applicable).
Physical demands & safety baseline
Expect prolonged standing/walking and repetitive handling. Lifting limits are site-specific; always follow manual-handling rules. PPE (typically safety shoes and high-visibility) is required on most sites.
Work conditions (shifts, safety, PPE, travel, accommodation)
- Shifts: commonly 2-shift or 3-shift rotation; schedules vary by warehouse.
- Safety: marked zones, lockout rules for jams, strict no-phone rules near moving equipment.
- Tools/PPE: handheld scanner, gloves (site dependent), safety shoes; ear protection where required.
- Travel: commuting requirements depend on assignment; transport options vary by region.
- Accommodation: may be available on some projects; terms and deductions (if any) are confirmed after screening. Nothing is assumed or guaranteed.
- Probation / ramp-up: first days typically focus on safety induction and accuracy checks.
Documents & legal work basics for the Netherlands (general)
Eligibility depends on your nationality, the employer, and the assignment type. After CV screening, the required route is confirmed (e.g., employer-specific authorization where applicable).
- Identity: valid passport / ID (as applicable).
- CV: English preferred; add certificates or references if you have them.
- Checks: some warehouses request background screening or conduct certificates for sensitive goods.
- Onboarding basics: bank account and local onboarding steps may be required (site/agency process differs).
- Posted-work scenarios: when working in NL via a Polish entity on a project basis, additional compliance steps can apply (handled case-by-case during onboarding).
For questions, use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
Candidate portrait
- stay accurate even when the line speeds up near dispatch cut-off times
- are comfortable scanning repeatedly and following route rules without “shortcuts”
- can work shifts reliably and arrive on time (warehouses run on tight windows)
- notice mislabels/damage early and escalate exceptions correctly
- respect safety zones around conveyors and keep walkways clear
- communicate simply in English when something blocks the flow
- prefer slow-paced work with frequent breaks outside scheduled times
- dislike repetitive scanning/handling tasks
- cannot follow strict safety rules near moving equipment
- are not available for shift work when the site requires it
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FAQ
Is this the same as “order picker” work?
No. Sortation is dispatch-flow work: scanning, routing, and keeping lanes/chutes correct. Picking focuses on collecting items for an order. Some sites rotate staff between functions, but the core routines differ.
Do I need Dutch to work on a sortation line?
Usually basic English is enough for safety briefings and team coordination. Some sites also use visual SOPs and scanning prompts. If Dutch is required for a specific project, it is confirmed during screening.
What causes pay differences between projects?
Common drivers are the site’s CAO rules, shift pattern (evenings/nights/weekends), your experience and accuracy, and local staffing demand in a given hub/province.
Is overtime guaranteed?
No. Overtime depends on volume and supervisor approval. When available, it is recorded through the warehouse timekeeping system and paid according to site rules.
What should I include in my CV for this role?
List any warehouse/logistics experience, shift work readiness, scanner/WMS familiarity, and safety habits (PPE compliance, incident-free record). Even short-term experience helps if you describe tasks clearly.
How fast can I start after applying?
It depends on project start dates, document checks, and onboarding capacity. Submitting a complete CV and being reachable for screening typically shortens timelines.