This recession required trucking companies to exhibit new levels of grit and business acuity. Lessons learned and changes implemented will have implications that stretch well into the next business cycle.

Logistics and transportation companies were hit early and hard by the economic downturn. Those that survived had to adapt operations and adopt new ideas and strategies. Many of those will remain and provide competitive benefits as the recovery takes hold.

A conversation with Michael Martin, manager of global supply chain strategy at Black & Decker.