Ryder Automotive Operations Inc history

Founded in 1933 by L. A. Raulerson, it had grown into the Southeast's largest freight carrier with some routes as long as 1,100 miles.

In 1934 he entered the truck-leasing business through a contract with a local beer distributor.

1937 The fleet expands to 15 trucks.

In 1939 Ryder took on a partner, Roy N. Reedy, and the two men set out to build a trucking empire.

1949 Ryder’s fleet grows to nearly 500 vehicles.

By 1952 Ryder was bringing in $3 million annually by renting 1,300 trucks.

Ryder System, Inc. was created in 1955 to absorb Ryder Truck Rental and Great Southern, and the new company offered shares to the public.

1957 Ryder expands truck leasing and rental operations into Canada.

1960 Ryder is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Ryder System focused on the fast-growing truck-leasing business and, despite common misconceptions, had not operated as a freight carrier since 1965.

In 1967 Ryder System introduced one-way truck rentals to compete with U-Haul, which had popularized the service several years earlier.

1968 Ryder launches its “one-way” consumer truck rental business to target self-move customers.

1969 Beverly Nannenga becomes Ryder’s first woman driver.

In 1970 Ryder purchased Mobile World Inc., a distributor of mobile homes and a mobile-home-park operator and franchiser.

1971 Ryder expands operations to the United Kingdom.

1973 New headquarters location opens.

In 1975 James Ryder, under pressure from the boardroom and his bankers, announced that he was seeking a “more professional manager” to run the still growing company.

In 1977 the company acquired a major automobile carrier, Janesville Auto Transport Company, for $10 million in common stock.

“From Wings to Wheels,” Forbes, September 18, 1978.

During the 1979 downturn in the automotive markets, Ryder’s automotive contract carriage unit, representing 16 percent of Ryder System’s turnover, made a profit.

The trucking division grew under IU’s direction until its spinoff in 1982, keeping the Ryder name.

In 1983 Ryder sold its interest in the insurance broker for $33 million.

In 1984, Ryder sold its Truckstops Corporation of America unit for $85 million to free managerial resources for more profitable businesses.

In 1985 Ryder bought Aviall, Inc., a turbine engine repair and overhaul firm located in Dallas.

In 1986 a major federal tax law revision made it desirable for private fleet operators to lease their fleets rather than buy.

In 1988 revenues from aviation neared $1 billion.

In 1989 Ryder's growth flattened out, but its potential in its existing areas of operation remained strong.

1992 Ryder establishes a distinct International Operations business unit.

In 1993 the company made a major effort to become more competitive with U-Haul in the one-way truck rental business.

1994 Ryder de Mexico launches with a ceremony at the summer home of Mexico’s president.

bonney, joseph. "ryder raises its stake in logistics." american shipper, april 1995.

No divestment was larger than the October 1996 sale of the company's consumer truck rental business, its famed yellow Ryder rental truck fleet.

"allied holdings signs definitive agreement to acquire ryder automotive carrier services." pr newswire, 21 august 1997.

1999 Chairman and CEO, Tony Burns, hires former Burlington Northern Santa Fe executive, Greg Swienton, to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer.

2000 Operations are reorganized and Greg Swienton’s role expands to President and Chief Executive Officer.

2001 Ryder launches its Asia-Pacific headquarters, following the acquisition of Singapore-based Ascent Logistics.

2002 Ryder is the first transportation industry to receive the National Safety Council’s highest honor, the Green Cross for Safety medal.

2003 Ryder acquires United States-based General Truck Leasing and RUAN Leasing Company, and expands international operations into Chile.

2005 Ryder opens smaller, more efficient global headquarters in Miami.

2006 Ryder celebrates 35 Years in the U.K.

2007 Ryder marks its golden anniversary in Canada with the acquisition of Ontario-based Pollock National Lease.

2008 Ryder celebrates its 75th anniversary.

2009 The company publishes its first Corporate Responsibility Report, highlighting Ryder’s progress in environmental innovation, governance, safety and security, and charitable giving.

2010 Ryder selected as fleet partner in groundbreaking heavy-duty natural gas truck project in Southern California - the first time natural gas vehicles will be deployed into a large commercial truck rental and leasing operation.

2011 Ryder opens its first natural gas vehicle maintenance facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. and begins taking delivery of heavy-duty natural gas vehicles.

2012 Company launches RydeSmart® 3.0, the next generation of its innovative onboard telematics system to provide greater usability and vehicle intelligence to fleet management end users.

2013 Chairman and CEO Gregory T. Swienton retires and Robert E. Sanchez, Ryder’s Chair of the Board and President is named Chief Executive Officer.

2014 Ryder unveils its first advertising campaign in nearly 20 years, using a new tagline “Ever better” to highlight its expansive array of services for business.

2015 The Company introduces the industry’s first ever female-friendly vehicle package for lease, including 15 unique specifications to better meet the needs of female drivers.