Ryder Launches 'RydeSmart 3.0' Next-Generation Onboard Telematics System
MIAMI, January 25, 2012 - Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced it has launched “RydeSmart 3.0,” the next generation of its innovative onboard telematics system RydeSmart , which has been enhanced to provide greater usability and vehicle intelligence to fleet management end users. In addition to its improved features, the new RydeSmart 3.0 is a software-as-a-service (SAAS) product, making it even easier for customers to access and monitor their fleets anytime, anywhere.
RydeSmart is a full-featured GPS fleet location, tracking, and vehicle performance management system offered to Ryder’s full-service lease customers. A compact hardware and software unit that is installed in the vehicle and connects to its existing computer and diagnostics systems, RydeSmart communicates wirelessly via a dedicated and secure connection to a Web-based application that can be accessed by fleet, safety and driver managers.
Key new features of RydeSmart 3.0 include the following:
- Improved User Interface: An improved look and feel allows for easier navigation around the system with fewer mouse clicks.
- Enhanced Mapping Capability: A new map engine provides faster transitions between maps, improved detail, and a “bird’s eye view” of tracked vehicles with the ability to obtain a street-level perspective.
- Multi-Vehicle Following & Route Tracing: RydeSmart 3.0 can follow multiple vehicles simultaneously and trace their routes traveled on the map.
- Vehicle History Playback: A history playback capability shows a vehicle’s 48-hour history and includes a slider with play and pause options.
- Traffic Monitoring: Information on traffic conditions is available in real-time, with four color codes representing traffic intensity.
- Analytic Reporting: A new analytics capability provides extensive fleet, safety, and travel data for vehicles.
“The expanded analytics, improved mapping, and new interface of RydeSmart 3.0 will provide fleet managers with greater visibility and easier-to-use navigation,” said John Gleason, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Ryder Fleet Management Solutions (FMS). “Because RydeSmart is a turnkey solution, companies leasing from Ryder will not have to worry about investing in the equipment, maintaining it, or learning how to use it. Ryder has already done the work for them and simply walks them through the process of using RydeSmart to manage their fleets more effectively.”
National pizza franchise, Hungry Howie’s, Inc., uses RydeSmart in its 22 leased Ryder vehicles to gain greater visibility into the management of its fleet, which covers more than 1.5 million miles a year.
“I can select a vehicle and then put in the destination address to find the estimated time of arrival and mileage, all without bothering the driver,” said Hungry Howie’s Transportation Manager George Speshock. Mr. Speshock also points to the administrative and compliance benefits gained from using the system. “Our drivers love not having to complete paper logs, and our CSA scores [Compliance, Safety, Accountability program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration] are among the very best, with the help of RydeSmart,” he added.
With more than 22,000 units installed, Ryder offers one of the largest lease fleets with a telematics product offering in the industry. Originally launched in 2007, RydeSmart enables Ryder lease customers to improve the performance of their fleets by continuously monitoring vehicles’ location, mileage, speed, and direction, as well as other key performance and diagnostic data – such as idle time, fuel consumption, average speed, miles logged, and hard braking events. RydeSmart also facilitates regulatory compliance through paperless trip reporting for interstate fuel tax calculations and Department of Transportation Hours of Service eLogs, reports, alerts, and audits for drivers. For more information, please visit www.rydesmart.ryder.com.
About Ryder
Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as a top third party logistics provider and included Ryder in its 2011 and 2010 “Green Partners” listing. Ryder has also been ranked two years in a row as one of the top 250 U.S. companies in the Newsweek Green Rankings. In addition, Security Magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector. Ryder is a proud member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, supporting national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts.