Logistics leaders condemn US Capitol violence, encourage work with Biden administration

Executives at U.S. freight forwarders, industry organizations and OEMs today weighed in to oppose Wednesday’s violent mob invasion of the U.S. Capitol and speak in favor of plans to work with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration on policies that benefit the air cargo and logistics industries. They join a growing number of U.S. business and political leaders who have spoken out to encourage a peaceful transfer of power to the incoming Biden-Harris administration after the Jan. 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol in support of outgoing President Donald Trump. [caption id="attachment_94006" align="alignright" width="450"] Demonstrators attempt to enter the U.S. Capitol building during a protest in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Photo: Eric Lee/Bloomberg[/caption] On Jan. 6, XPO Logistics Chairman and CEO Brad Jacobs called for the “chaos” in Washington to “stop immediately,” and stated that “XPO Logistics condemns political violence in the strongest possible way” in a statement on LinkedIn . Similarly, in a statement to Air Cargo World , Airforwarders Association (AfA) Executive Director and Air Cargo World contributor Brandon Fried said Wednesday’s events “will remain a painful memory for our country — and the world — for the foreseeable future.” As an industry organization working on behalf of the airfreight forwarding industry, the AfA often works closely with federal regulators and relevant transportation authorities. The AfA “remains committed to working with the newly seated Congress and the incoming Biden-Harris Administration respectfully and constructively,” said Fried. “Our organization believes in the diversity of opinions and all perspectives deserve consideration and peaceful, civil debate,” he said. “Freight transportation professionals remain committed to resolving stakeholder differences while creating reasonable policies that benefit our nation and its future.” According to Fried, the primary concern regarding the incoming Biden administration and 117th Congress is to encourage cooperation toward creating “sensible policies focused on facilitating trade and increasing our nation’s global competitiveness.” Federal U.S. transportation leaders have also spoken out against Wednesday’s events. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced her resignation today, effective Jan. 11. In her statement, Chao stated the resignation was due to the “entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed.” However, Chao’s term was drawing to an end regardless of the transition to the Biden administration, and she shared plans to work with her announced successor, Pete Buttigieg, as he prepares to take on the leadership role. Outside of the freight forwarding industry, aerospace company Boeing also shared a statement from President and CEO David Calhoun in support of a peaceful transition of power. Boeing works closely with the U.S. federal government across several of its divisions, and said, “in the spirit of bipartisanship, we encourage them to work with President-elect Biden to unify our nation.” Several airlines and express operators declined to comment on Wednesday’s events or did not return a request for comment. United Airlines did not comment on the larger political implications, but a spokesperson told Air Cargo World that the airline’s “first priority must be the safety and security of our passengers and crew.” United moved its flight crews out of hotels in downtown Washington, increased staffing at Washington-area airports, and is working with law enforcement to monitor the situation. UPS CEO Carol Tome also shared a statement on LinkedIn to “strongly condemn the actions of those individuals who participated in the illegal activities that destroyed property and cost lives.” “The outcome of the recent election is clear and a peaceful transition of power is necessary,” said Tome. Carol Tome was recently featured as an Air Cargo World Executive to Watch for 2021.

Logistics leaders condemn US Capitol violence, encourage work with Biden administration

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