XPO drivers in Trenton to seek Teamster representation

Drivers at XPO Logistics' less-than-truckload (LTL) unit in Trenton, N.J., today filed to be represented by the Teamsters union, the Teamsters said.

The 33 drivers who worked at the former Con-way Freight, the LTL unit of the former Con-way Inc., want to join Teamsters Local 701, based in North Brunswick, N.J., according to the union. The rank and file will still have to vote on whether to join.

Con-way was acquired in 2015 by XPO Logistics Inc. for $3 billion.

Greenwich, Conn.-based XPO, a $15 billion a year transportation and logistics provider, has recognized workers in Miami, Philadelphia, and North Haven, Conn., who voted for Teamster representation. The Teamsters have won elections to represent XPO workers in Laredo, Texas; Vernon, Calif.; and Aurora, Ill. However, the company has filed objections to the outcomes, and the results at those locations have not been certified, according to the company.

The Teamsters have targeted XPO for their organizing efforts because its operations touch virtually every area of transportation and logistics. The union has made organizing workers across the supply chain a priority as it looks to beef up its membership rolls.

Bradley S. Jacobs, XPO's founder, chairman, and CEO, is strongly opposed to Teamster representation, saying he sees no value in what the union could bring to XPO or its workers. Late last month, Jacobs told an industry conference that "99.5 percent (of the company) is union-free, and will likely remain union-free."