Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin, today joined the organisers of the 2013 CV Show in Birmingham for an in-depth roundtable discussion.
A range of issues were covered during the hour-long session, including the use of alternative fuels, capital allowances, creating incentives for haulage companies to expand their operations and how to encourage young people into the industry.
Attendees also discussed matters such as reducing corporation tax, the image of the workforce and, of the issue of road safety, particularly in relation to other road users.
"It's been fantastic to come here and see some of the cutting edge technology at work in today's logistics industry," said McLoughlin.
"It's also given me the opportunity to hear direct from operators, manufacturers and engineers, and that is invaluable, given the huge importance of haulage and logistics to the nation's economy."
The only downside: McLoughlin showed the depth of his understanding of the transport industry as he stepped toward a shiny new 44tonner, asking: "Does it run on diesel or petrol?"
