Santa in a warehouse preparing for holiday rush There’s just no escaping it. Despite the fact it’s barely into the beginning of fall, the holidays are coming—quickly. And while we all know Santa’s supply chain just can’t be beat, some retailers may have an extra hard time trying to give the jolly old man a run for his money this year. Material Handling & Logistics reports frantic shoppers should have no difficulty elbowing their way through the crowds and getting their hands on perfect presents for everyone on their list. Import cargo volume at major retail container ports has been increasing steadily and is on track to meet or surpass last year’s levels. However, finding enough happy little elves to pack and ship all those gifts may prove a tall order. According to the Washington Post , the American retail industry is expected to add around 755,000 temporary workers during October and November—the same number as previous years. But due to the popularity of online shopping and the rise of free shipping policies, retailers are changing up their hiring plans, staffing more warehouse workers and fewer cashiers and greeters. As the Wall Street Journal points out , that could cause big headaches thanks to a potential labor shortage in the industry. That shortage is the result of a seven-year low in the national U.S. unemployment rate. Couple that with the fact big retailers have been rapidly building and expanding warehouse and distribution centers and suddenly hiring managers are starting to feel a lot more in tune with the Grinch. Some employment agencies are already reporting trouble finding warehouse workers to stock, pack and ship holiday inventory, forcing them to raise base pay rates. The WSJ notes starting wages are rising by up to $3 an hour in some markets […]