Logistics companies in Northern Ireland have warned that the sector could see more job losses in the near future unless the government steps in to support the industry.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Northern Ireland Exporters Association (NIEA) is worried that the industry could suffer further decline during the recession because of the slowdown in consumer spending and overall demand.
Many logistics firms may have little choice but to introduce cost reduction measures such as cutting staff because of the recession.
"The government has indicated that export revenue is one of the key factors in a recovering economy," an NIEA spokesman told the newspaper.
But he added: "Whilst all other industries, whether through any fault of their own or not, have been supported by government, the haulage industry has been left to carry the can."
Although several haulage companies have struggled to survive during the global recession, Stobart Group has recently shown others the way, announcing healthy profits thanks to an innovative logistics transport planning initiative.
The company has established plans to ensure its trucks do not spend a lot of time and energy travelling empty, so that they are put to maximum use and are highly efficient.
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