Department of Transportation Quotes
This program will not fund the purchase or installation of fully automated cargo handling equipment, or the installation of terminal infrastructure that is designed for fully automated cargo handling equipment, if the Secretary determines that such equipment would result in a net loss of good jobs or reduction in the quality of jobs within the port or port terminal. In general, fully automated cargo handling systems transfer materials without the need, or a significantly reduced need, for human assistance. Such systems may be remotely operated or monitored, with or without the exercise of human intervention or control. Applicants that propose projects that include the acquisition of eligible cargo handling equipment or terminal infrastructure for cargo handling equipment must indicate in their application whether or not the equipment is fully automated (or whether the terminal infrastructure is designed for fully automated equipment). If fully automated equipment is proposed to be acquired or terminal infrastructure for such equipment is proposed to be created, the applicant must provide information describing the job changes that will result from the project, including supporting evidence demonstrating that the project will not directly result in a net loss of good jobs or degradation of job quality.
DOT rule regarding equipment at cargo ports effectively bans automation due to longshoreman union influence. This effectively guarantees inefficiency and increasing costs for American ports. See related quotes.
Smith is commenting on the International Longshoreman Association strike and the comments by Union President, Harold J. Daggett. (See related quote).
Even Fuller would have been surprised at how fast this began to come to pass.
The DOT is the United States Department of Transportation, a federal agency which oversees interstate travel and numerous other transportation agencies.
