RYDER DRIVER, LOWELL LEE, TAKES TOP HONORS IN RITE AID’S NATIONAL DRIVER SKILLS CHALLENGE
MIAMI, August 9, 2010 – Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced that one of its drivers, Lowell Lee, based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has been named the top driver of Rite Aid’s 7th Annual Driver Skills Challenge National Championship.
The annual event includes drivers from each of Rite Aid’s distribution centers and one from its ice cream plant in El Monte, Calif., who were selected for their exemplary safety record. The challenge, which involves dozens of drivers, includes a written exam, a pre-trip inspection and a tough driving course. The first place winner receives a trophy, championship ring with gem inlay, and a $2,000 travel voucher.
According to Rite Aid Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Wilson Lester, “We congratulate Lowell on achieving this outstanding honor. We take great pride in our driver fleet, and this competition is one way we can recognize and reward them for the great job they do on the roadways. We are proud to have Lowell as one of our drivers and commend him for his outstanding leadership, professionalism, and commitment to safety.”
Lowell has been a professional driver for 27 years, nine of those with Rite Aid. He has logged 2.5 million safe miles and emphasizes the importance of safety because others’ lives are at stake when a driver is on the road. According to Lowell, “I am honored to receive this award. Safety is key in my life and of the utmost importance. I am humbled by this award and appreciate Rite Aid for this recognition.”
“Safety is a core value at Ryder and this award demonstrates Lowell’s commitment to safety,” said John Sonia, Ryder Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage. “We applaud Rite Aid for this recognition and congratulate Lowell on this outstanding achievement.”
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 the top third party logistics provider, and Security magazine has named Ryder the number-one company 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. For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit www.ryder.com.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
