Some of the solutions include trimming work forces, changing and closing certain routes, and even training drivers on how to be more fuel-efficient.

Despite an extensive passenger rail network, most freight in Europe moves by truck. In 2003, EU countries shipped 43 percent of exports by truck, compared to 21 percent by ocean, 10 percent by air, and 4 percent by rail. However, if road transport prices get much higher there will be a shift to trains and barges, predicts Global Insight, an economic forecasting firm.

Many European trucking companies believe that higher fuel costs are here to stay, which is why they're more willing to make changes to their business, especially in the area of labor costs. European labor costs usually account for one-third to one-half of total expenses for truckers, and usually amount to twice what a company must spend on fuel costs.

According to one European trucking company executive, cutting social security and labor taxes along with easier hiring and firing rules are the real long-term solutions.