Dépêches

Ryder Honors 2011 Top Technicians in Nation

Dépèche transmise le 29 août 2011 par Business Wire

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R), a leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced the winners of its 2011 Top Technician Recognition Program. The Ryder Top Technician Recognition Program is an annual program designed to identify, recognize, and reward Ryder’s top performing technicians. Technicians who are eligible to participate for the national award are selected from Ryder’s team of nearly 4,410 U.S. and Canadian-based technicians and are measured on technical training qualifications, outstanding customer service performance, and quality workmanship. After advancing through three increasingly demanding rounds of challenging written and hands-on tests, seven finalists competed for the top honors at Ryder’s National Top Technician competition in Charlotte, N.C.

“We thank all of our technicians for their dedication and hard work, and congratulate our 2011 Top Tech winners.”

The title of “2011 National Top Technician” was awarded to Michael Caylor of Aberdeen, Md., along with keys to a new, GMC Denali pick-up truck and a gift card. Michael is a three-time National Top Tech winner and will be inducted into Ryder’s Top Technician Hall of Fame. Second Place winner, Timothy Peters, of Hickory, N.C. and third place winner, David Berdovich of Harvey, Ill., each received cash awards. The national competition consisted of 10 rigorous, hands-on skill tests, including vehicle electronics, preventive maintenance and air conditioning. Runners-up Robert Gonzalez, Aaron Morton, David Thompson, and Jonathan Timmons also received a cash award.

“Ryder’s team of professional technicians continues to be a key component of our ability to help provide customers with safe and reliable transportation solutions,” said Ryder President of Global Fleet Management Solutions Robert Sanchez. “We thank all of our technicians for their dedication and hard work, and congratulate our 2011 Top Tech winners.”

As a result of their success in the Company’s internal recognition program, this year’s top seven finalists, joined by last year’s Top Technician champion, Michael Bogard, will represent Team Ryder and compete against the industry’s best technicians at the 2011 TMC SuperTech National Technician Skills Competition in Nashville, Tenn., beginning September 19.

Ryder’s Team for the 2011 TMC SuperTech:

• David Berdovich (Harvey, Ill.)
• Michael Bogard (Neenah, Wis.)
• Michael Caylor (Aberdeen, Md.)
• Robert Gonzalez (Tampa, Fla.)
• Aaron Morton (Jacksonville, Fla.)
• Timothy Peters (Hickory, N.C.)
• David Thompson (Santa Maria, Calif.)
• Jonathan Timmons (Columbia, S.C.)

“Ryder takes great pride in its technicians and the quality of workmanship they provide to our customers,” said Ryder Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations for Fleet Management Solutions Dennis Cooke. “These top-performing technicians have surpassed Ryder’s stringent operational and safety standards and have proven themselves to be among the nation’s most qualified technicians. I am honored that they are part of Team Ryder and proud to have them represent us at the 2011 TMC SuperTech.”

Ryder’s Top Technician Recognition Program highlights the value Ryder places on its technicians, the importance of technical training for ensuring quality maintenance of the Company’s fleet of nearly 180,000 vehicles, and a commitment to quality customer service for Ryder’s 15,000 customers.

About Ryder

Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as the top third party logistics provider and included Ryder in its 2010 and 2011 “Green Partners” listing. Ryder also ranked 114 out of the top 500 U.S. companies and sixth in its industry sector in the 2010 Newsweek Green Rankings. In addition, Security magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector. Ryder is a proud member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, supporting national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts. For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit www.ryder.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

*Editors’ Note: Photos available by request.

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