Ryder makes tracks • Ryder Distribution is stepping up its
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attack on the highly competitive home deliveries market six months after its launch by fitting the latest in vehicle tracking technology, helped by experts from its US parent.
The systems — for trunk routeing, street mapping and just-in-time deliveries — are the same as those used by the Ryder empire in the US. They are on a trial run and come on-line in two months.
Managing director Jim Morris says the technology will launch the new division into home deliveries. "We're just starting to get into the market. We're firing and ready to go," he warns. "The packages are in-house which gives us more flexibility. If you want to be a big player in this game, you have to have computers." Ryder Distribution was set up in March as an offshoot of Ryder Truck Rental. It has already won two small contracts, with soap powder manufacturer Procter and Gamble for five vehicles, and with South East Thames Health Authority for 12.
Morris says the computer technology can also be offered on contract-hire packages although it will be used mainly to route home delivery vans. He says the equipment, being fitted by experts from Ryder's HQ in Miami this month, is accurate to within 50 metres and can work on a postcodematching system. Ryder is currently using software packages from outside firms. El Last week Ryder Truck Rental announced that it was spending £16 million on 800 new trucks.