Ryder Names 2004 'Drivers of the Year'

- A Combination of Eight Million Preventable Collision-Free Miles -

MIAMI, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, announced today the presentation of its annual "Driver of the Year" awards to three professionals who combined, have driven eight million preventable collision-free miles and have almost 89 years of professional driving experience.

One of the Company's most prestigious recognition programs, the "Driver of the Year" award honors those drivers who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance, customer service and citizenship throughout their careers. The top awards this year were presented to two drivers employed by Ryder and a customer-employed driver for one of Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions accounts. Each recipient will receive a five-day, four-night cruise to the Bahamas, a trophy, ring and watch, and will be inducted into the Ryder "Driver Hall of Fame."

Richard Mills was named 2004 Driver of the Year for Ryder's U.S. Supply Chain Solutions Automotive business segment. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Mills has served the General Motors Service Parts Operation since 1973. He has been a Ryder employee for 32 years where he has spent his entire driving career. Mr. Mills has driven 2.6 million collision-free miles in his career.

Robert Nichols was named 2004 Driver of the Year for Ryder's U.S. Supply Chain Solutions High Tech and Consumer Industries. Mr. Nichols is based in Toledo, Ohio and has been a Dedicated Contract Carriage driver for 10 of his 23 years serving Ryder's Haas Door Company account. He has exceeded 2.3 million collision-and-violation-free miles since he began driving professionally in 1981.

Paul Beote was named Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions 2004 Driver of the Year. Mr. Beote has worked with Ryder as a member of H P Hood, LLC Dairy Products since 1968, located in the Portland, Maine facility. Throughout his 34-year career, he has logged over 3.1 million collision-and-violation-free miles.

The three drivers, accompanied by family members, were honored at a recent luncheon banquet held in their honor near Ryder's headquarters in Miami. Ryder Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Swienton, accompanied by several key Ryder executives and the drivers' local managers, was on hand to personally congratulate the honorees.