Is this normal in supply chain jobs or am I being overworked?

Advice

Hi everyone,

I recently started working in a supply chain/logistics role, and I’m trying to understand whether what I’m experiencing is normal for the industry or a sign of a bad work environment.

My job is pretty operational—handling shipments, coordinating unloading, etc. The issue is that work is completely unpredictable. For example, if a client sends a truck at 6:00 p.m., I’m expected to stay and get it unloaded, no matter how long it takes.

At first, this felt temporary, but for the past couple of weeks it has become an everyday thing:

I’ve been working around 10 hours daily

Sometimes even longer (once did 11 hours on a Sunday)

No overtime pay or compensation

Colleagues are in the same situation—some have worked until 4:00 a.m.

There’s no shift system or clear boundaries—it just feels like we’re expected to stay until the work is done, regardless of time.

I understand supply chain can be unpredictable, but this feels excessive and unsustainable. I’m especially concerned because it’s becoming the norm rather than an exception.

So I wanted to ask:

Is this typical in supply chain/logistics roles?

Or does this point more toward poor planning/understaffing in the company?

For those in similar roles, how are late arrivals and overtime usually handled?

Would really appreciate honest perspectives. I’m trying to figure out if I should adapt my expectations or start looking for something better.

Thanks in advance.

Posted Apr 6, 2026, 1:07 AM UTC

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