Conf call redux: Stunning XPO – 'the cycle of all cycles...'
…is on its way, if we can just cut through the word forest
JOC TPM 2017
Events at the Transpacific Maritime conference in Long Beach almost overtook speakers and delegates on its first morning, when a group of protestors from the Teamsters Union stormed through the exhibition, blowing horns in protest at XPO Logistics chief Bradly Jacobs, the event’s keynote speaker.
Around 40 protestors entered the Long Beach Convention Centre, where this year’s TPM, organised by the Journal of Commerce, was holding a breakfast meeting for delegates.
They shouted slogans about XPO’s reported refusal to recognise the union.
The Loadstar’s interview with Mr Jacobs, due to take place at the company’s exhibition stand, was moved in case of further action.
Mr Jacobs told The Loadstar: “I don’t believe in The Teamsters. That’s not about unions – we work with unions across Europe and I never have these sort of problems there. There are work councils in Europe and the whole interaction is done respectfully and on the basis of cooperation.
“The Teamsters are completely out of control. I don’t see the value they bring to members. But I can see their problems – a few years ago they had 2.1 million members. Now they have 1.3m.”
He added: “99% of our employees [in the US] are union-free and they will remain that way.”
One of the key themes of Mr Jacobs’ speech was how technological developments are transforming the logistics business, including the development of driverless trucks, which he said was now a feature of every vehicle manufacturer’s future plans.
“We have just finished a RFP on our truck procurement programme, and every single manufacturer included a section on autonomous vehicles in their presentations. There is no doubt in my mind that they are coming to our roads.”
Mr Jacobs said it would happen in stages.
“There will some form of autonomous truck on the highways in three years; the second phase of deployment will take place after seven years; and within ten years, every single truck on the roads will be autonomous.
“What needs to be developed now is the regulatory environment to cover this,” he added.
He claimed the benefits of autonomous trucks were obvious – but so were the disadvantages.
“Computers don’t drive while drunk, they don’t suffer from sleep apnoea and fall asleep at the wheel. But there are problems, of course: they can be hacked and they can go on the blink, so you need very tight security.
“There needs to be the regulatory environment in place to make sure the technology rolls out safely, and that is still some time away. But it is inevitable.
“I also don’t think autonomous vehicles will have Teamsters to represent them,” he added.
Comment on this article
Frank Sukenik
March 01, 2017 at 12:44 amSelf driving trucks and cars is probably the dumbest thing I ever heard of.. There is no way that is ever gonna work. I’ve been driving trucks for 20 years.
James
March 01, 2017 at 10:15 amThat sounds like a threat to the driver of xpo
David
March 01, 2017 at 12:01 pmThe teamsters don’t do shit for its members anymore,they cave in negotiations they take kickbacks,shit the teamsters only care about how much of our money they can steal.
Conway blues
March 01, 2017 at 5:12 pmBrad Jacobs needs to think of his drivers. And realize what they do for XPO. He could learn a lot from the man that started Conway, Jerry Fetter.
John
March 11, 2017 at 11:25 amThe technology may be on the way but who’s going to be sued when something goes wrong? If you’re manufacturer of these truck everyone is going to point the finger at you. Not the driver, not XPO not the other guy, but you.