Ryder picks Goodyear as 'preferred' tire, retread supplier in 2021

MIAMI — Ryder System Inc. has designated Goodyear as its preferred supplier of tires, retreads and tire management solutions for the roughly 290,000 vehicles it operates throughout the U.S. and Canada, starting Jan. 1, 2021.

The partnership between Goodyear and Ryder, a leader in commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation and supply-chain solutions, could be worth tens of millions of dollars in business a year for Goodyear, which is replacing Bridgestone Americas Inc. as Miami-based Ryder's tire supplier.

The new deal replaces a 30-year relationship Ryder had with Bridgestone, who continues as Ryder's preferred supplier in markets outside of North America. Goodyear said Ryder is evaluating the option of designating Goodyear to support its operations in Mexico and the United Kingdom, as well.

"Tires are one of the most critical and costly maintenance investments for us, and the decision to change supplier brands was not taken lightly," Tom Havens, senior vice president and global chief of operations of Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions business, said.

"We have chosen to partner with Goodyear for its reliable products, vast service network, commitment to innovation, technological advancements in new tire products and the many shared values that exist between our two companies."

Ryder's nearly 800 service and maintenance locations across the U.S. and Canada will be complemented by Goodyear's Commercial Tire & Service network of 2,300 locations, Goodyear said, positioning both companies to serve Ryder's customers more effectively.

Goodyear said Ryder's fleet represents over 2 million tires on the ground.

The company said independent dealerships that are part of the Goodyear CTS network should approach this new business similarly to other Goodyear national accounts, which pay a delivery commission for servicing national account partners.

Dave Beasley, vice president of Commercial for Goodyear North America, said, "One of the most exciting benefits of this new partnership is the ability for our two organizations to work together to advance the development of new tires, tire management technologies and solutions to help reduce Ryder's customers' downtime through improved cost-per-mile performance."

In a prepared statement, Bridgestone said: "We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Ryder and have appreciated the opportunity to serve them for many years. 

"In 2020 and beyond, we are focused on accelerating our efforts to deliver best-in-class products, services and solutions that make mobility more efficient for fleet customers. We remain laser focused on helping our customers grow and find success in challenging business and economic conditions."

Ryder reported $8.9 billion in revenue in 2019, with about 90% being generated in North America.