Ryder System Inc (NYSE:R) announced that Food Authority, a family-owned-and-operatedfoodservice provider that distributes produce and grocery products to Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania, has refreshed and expanded its fleet with 66 newrefrigerated heavy-duty vehicles under a Full Service Lease from Ryder.
The vehicles have been specified with Certified Clean Idle enginesand upgraded programmable transmissions to reduce emissionsand fuel consumption. With a Full Service Lease, Ryder acquires vehicles according to the customer’s specifications; provides financing, maintenance, and fleet support services; and then manages vehicle disposal to protect customers from residual risk.
“Many of our restaurant and grocery customers are focused on being more sustainable and expanding their offerings to include fresh, local and organic products,” said Dennis Reutter, Food Authority executive vice-president. “We are committed to supporting their efforts by delivering their food using a safe, environmentally sound fleet of vehicles.”
The Certified Clean Idle engines in Food Authority’s fleet deliver best-in-class fuel economy and performance while complying with the EPA’s newest emissions standards. The engines are equipped with particulate matter filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that reduce emissions to near-zero levels; emitting 99% less particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) than predecessors. The new automatic transmissions provide seamless full-power shifts to ensure efficient engine operation. All of the vehicles are equipped with RydeSmart, Ryder’s GPS fleet location, tracking, and vehicle performance management system offered to Full Service Lease customers. RydeSmart enables customers to achieve a 10% to 15% reduction in fuel and CO2 consumption by monitoring idle time, speed, hard braking events and other activities that impact fuel consumption.
Since Food Authority makes its deliveries to residential areas in the evening, reducing its fleet’s noise footprint is another high priority. The new equipment also includes an acoustic sound reduction system to lower the sound level output from the refrigeration units.
Food Authority outsourced its fleet to Ryder in 2006 to take advantage of Ryder’s large network of maintenance facilities and technicians, to prevent breakdowns and keep the fleet running as it expands its delivery service area. The company also takes advantage of Ryder’s fueling network.
In business since 1977, Food Authority maintains more than 100,000 square feet of operating space in its Long Island NY facility and more than 60,000 square feet in its Maryland facility.
For more information, visit www.ryder.com.
