UPS is working to the point where they could hand the DIAD to someone off the street who, with a brief orientation, would be guided throughout their delivery day. Would it be as efficient as a seasoned driver with years of area knowledge? Of course not, but then again it may be efficient enough to meet their needs. Then again, they wouldn't be paying this new driver $32/hr, so the money lost due to lack of proficiency would be more than made up with reduced wages and a job (well?) done.
If the company learned only one thing from 1997 is that it must not only be prepared it we were to ever strike again but to be prepared to the point where they could bust the union and replace each and every one of us. Laugh if you will but why else would they be investing in all of this technology?