Road haulage in the UK has slowed over recent months, as the economic downturn has had a major impact on consumer demand.
Logistics companies have seen the number of orders being placed drop considerably since the global recession took hold at the end of last year, as consumers rein in their spending and cut the amount of goods they are buying.
As a result, the Fal estuary in Cornwall has seen a growing number of ships weighing anchor, as they sit and wait for orders to come in.
"When the estuary is empty, trade is buoyant; but when it is full, things are tough," local harbour master Captain Andy Brigden explained to the BBC.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Exporters Association has urged the government to provide greater support to the sector to avoid further job losses as the recession deepens.
The organisation told the Belfast Telegraph that more needs to be done to ensure the industry can survive the downturn and come out in a strong position to help lead the recovery.
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