Prt-time,
First off, what I'm saying is strictly my own opinion and nothing more. I'm in no way connected to the decision process on how UPS does anything. Probably a good thing to because I'd screw it up and we'd all be out of work. LOL! Also what I'm saying is one potential picture of the future. The real future may be far, far different and in all probablity it will be.
The sortation process is one part of it but also data gathering for tracking purposes. Instead of loader having to scan a package the embedded label with RF device would signal a transponder upon entry into a trailer or the diversion by say a diverter into a trailer may signal the linking of the package. The nice part about this is the loader would only have to load rather than scan also. The system could also be built to check for misloads and therefore the only thing the loader would have to do is load. No scanning, no checking every package only loading.
Another interesting aspect of information is the ability to track inventory levels for companies and also track various raw materials and commodities as they are use to manufacture, build, service, etc. so we can position ourselves to help companies literally increase their bottomlines with more profit. Just in time supply chain literally means just in time at all levels. Why have capital tied up in inventory that's sitting there when you can put that money to work elsewhere and buy the widgets and have them there the moment you need them. This process can lead to more earnigns and as the commercial sez, "you do remember profits don't you?" That statement is far deeper than a little catch phrase for a commercial.
There is a central question concerning technology and that is, does it eliminate jobs? Yes, this is very true for those unwilling to change. However for those willing to adapt to change this is not the case. As time goes on we will probably see more and more technology introduced into the workplace and some jobs that are present now will no longer be needed but technology will also require different jobs to be created to meet it's own demands. Look at Worldport for example. Very heavy on the latest technolgy but it also employs 1000's of workers of which part timers are a big part of so the theory of technology eliminating jobs is not always true. Also hourlies are not the only one threatened by technology, management is as well. For starters, less hourlies mean less management also but some levels of management are nothing more than information coordinators for the upper levels of management and technology handles this and in many cases in real time. Technology in some situations can even make decisions with certain parmeters and criteria built in and thus eliminate the need for the management structure. This is only my opinion but of what I've learned of PAS (enough to be dangerous) it has the potential to head in the direction if not achieve that very thing over time. Management won't decide what get's dispatched, a computer program will based on the real need of the business. No more guess work, no more emotions involved just pure logic. Good morning drivers. I'd like you to meet your new manager, Mr Spock! LOL! So you see this is not by any means a one way street here.
Nobody likes change including me but the reality is all of us should try to look ahead and prepare as best we can for change. You spoke of the union who for most of it's years has been there for the trucking industry. Look carefully at where the union is going as far as organizing is concerned. Some trucklines yes but airlines, police officers, etc. so even the union is adapting to change. Look deeper at this move to diversify and you may also see a hint of the future of the trucking industry also. Oh yes, it's only a matter of time before the need for a driver (tractor trailer) is eliminated and technology takes over. Anytime soon? Who knows because technology changes on a daily basis and the breakthrough for this could be today, tomorrow or 50 years from now but it will happen. If we're prepared for change then when it happens it can be exciting and loaded with more opportunities than we ever imagined but if not we're in for a very rough time.