Goodyear forges new partnership with Ryder System

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, which could be worth tens of millions of dollars for Goodyear. The deal will replace a 30-year relationship Ryder had with Bridgestone Americas Inc., 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.

"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," said Dave Beasley, vice president of commercial tires for Goodyear North America.

Ryder—a leader in commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation and supply-chain solutions—reported $8.9 billion in revenue in 2019, with about 90 percent being generated in North America.