"Regardless of industry or size, almost every business relies on trucks in some way to move products across the nation's highways and therefore, is feeling the impact of these price increases," stated Todd Renehan, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Fleet Management Solutions. "Now more than ever, companies can look to Ryder's expertise, experience, and extensive network of resources to help mitigate the impact of this situation on their businesses."

Operating practices that can be implemented immediately to improve the fuel efficiency of their fleets include:

Train drivers to practice fuel efficient driving techniques -- Speed is the largest single factor impacting large truck fuel economy. Simply reducing speed from 65mph to 55mph can result in an improvement in miles per gallon of as much as 22 percent.

Improve tire maintenance -- Correct tire pressure, alignment, and frequent tire maintenance have a significant impact on fuel economy. Have drivers check for visual defects before starting their work each day and use the recommended inflation pressure provided by the tire manufacturer.

Specify fuel efficient equipment -- New engine technologies, improved aerodynamics, and weight-saving designs are available to improve the fuel economy of today's fleets. Ryder, for example, recently launched a line of RydeGreen(TM) vehicles that include several "green" features designed to reduce fuel consumption, such as 2007 engine technology, an auxiliary power unit to reduce idling, frame-side fairings to reduce wind resistance, an automated direct drive transmission, and fuel efficient drive tires.

Implement an ongoing preventive maintenance program -- A well-maintained vehicle is a more fuel efficient vehicle. Consider outsourcing the maintenance of your fleet to an experienced third-party provider, or at least make sure your fleet is on a scheduled maintenance program for even the most routine care to optimize performance.

Leverage technology -- Take advantage of new telematics and onboard diagnostics systems, like Ryder's FleetCare and RydeSmart(SM), which help fleet owners analyze fuel purchases, optimize routes, and monitor idle time and vehicle performance -- all which mitigate rising fuel costs.

"Ryder is one of the largest fleet purchasers of diesel fuel in the U.S., dispensing over 400 million gallons of fuel to thousands of customers across the U.S. each year," Renehan stated. "While we can't control the price of fuel, we are in position to offer pricing that is competitive for our customers and a consistent supply of fuel in times of tight supply."

Other strategies that help reduce fuel consumption and streamline a company's supply chain include:

Integrate real-time inventory visibility in the warehouse -- Leverage innovative technology to streamline and improve the accuracy of inventory levels and reduce unnecessary trips.

Optimize distribution networks -- Establish regional distribution centers to serve customers on demand and optimize and consolidate routes, reducing the number of loads to require fewer trips and less idling.

Consider a dedicated fleet solution -- Control routes, fuel consumption, and idle time with dedicated assets, drivers, and strategic route planning.

Improve transportation management -- Coordinate supplier shipments to consolidate freight costs and negotiate better rates, and leverage multiple modes.

"Our fleet management and supply chain solutions offerings are intrinsically designed to help improve efficiencies and reduce costs," stated Tom Jones, Senior Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Supply Chain Solutions. "During tough economic times, fueled by increasing oil prices, our solutions become even more valuable as customers look to maintain profitability and remain competitive."

Ryder's Pro-TREAD driver training program, including a specific module on fuel management, is available at www.rydersafetyservices.com. For more information about FleetCare, RydeSmart(SM), and other strategies to improve transportation and supply chain efficiencies, visit www.ryder.com.

                                  About Ryder

Ryder provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Ryder's stock (NYSE: R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Ryder ranks 362nd on the FORTUNE 500(R) and 1,458th on the Forbes Global 2000. 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.

For Information Contact:
Cindy Haas
(305) 500-4526
Email Contact

David Bruce
(305) 500-4999
Email Contact

SOURCE: Ryder System, Inc.