The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has expressed optimism for the long-term prospects of the transport and logistics sector.
Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the organisation, said the industry would be leaner and more efficient when the economic conditions begin to improve.
This, he said, would result in it being more cost effective than at any point in the past.
However, Mr Dunning acknowledged that the sector is currently dealing with a highly "challenging" economic climate.
"We are pulling out all the stops to ensure that our members are equipped to meet that challenge," he insisted.
Meanwhile, John Howells has been appointed as the RHA's regional director for south-east England.
Commenting on his new role, he said he plans to implement a number of changes that will make a "positive difference" to the haulage industry.
The economic downturn has fuelled concerns among businesses that their supply chain strategies could be disrupted.
However, a recent poll by SunGard Availability Services and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales found that the economy is leading to some concerns among businesses.
For instance, nearly three-quarters believe the risk of disruption in their supply chain strategies has increased in the last year.
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