An accelerated decline in demand for trailers and vans in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 weighed on sales for Maxitrans, Australia's largest supplier of road transport trailing equipment and solutions. Shares in the group fell almost 20 per cent on Monday after it warned that the continued slide in its tipper and wholesale parts markets, patchy enquiry levels and falling orders were likely to result in a 50 per cent drop in full-year net profit compared with the previous period. But Maxitrans said its sound balance sheet, low gearing levels and aggressive cost-cutting would leave it in a good position for the eventual upturn. The group also has the distribution network, facilities and infrastructure that it needs to take advantage of any acquisition opportunities. The company benefited from the carry over of strong orders from the previous financial year. But it still booked a 104 per cent net loss of $283,000, following a non-cash impairment charge of $6.14 million associated with a write-down of goodwill for its parts business, Colrain.