Ryder Crowns 2025 'Top Tech' at 24th Annual Technician Skills Championship

Business Wire

01-08-2025

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the demand for skilled talent grows across the transportation and logistics industry, Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) continues to distinguish itself as an employer of choice—investing in development, recognition, and advancement opportunities for highly skilled technicians who keep freight moving. In celebration of this commitment to top talent, Ryder has named Kyle Walton of Bristol, PA its 2025 Top Technician and awarded him a $50,000 grand prize during the company's annual skills competition.
The 24th annual Ryder Top Technician ('Top Tech') Skills Competition, hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center, celebrated the 'best of the best' from Ryder's 5,000 U.S.- and Canada-based technicians. Ten finalists competed head-to-head in a full day of hands-on skills challenges simulating real-world diagnostic scenarios in commercial truck maintenance—ultimately showcasing the outstanding talent and training that keeps Ryder's fleet of 250,000 commercial vehicles running safely and efficiently. Finalists were selected after outperforming their peers through written exams and a series of demanding regional competitions.
'Congratulations to Kyle on earning the 2025 Top Tech title. And thank you to all the finalists for their commitment, teamwork, and exceptional performance,' says Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. 'Our technicians are the backbone of Ryder's fleet operations and play a critical role in ensuring our customers receive the best-in-class service. The Top Tech program not only celebrates their success but also strengthens our technician community through recognition, learning, and shared excellence.'
The 2025 competition featured ten timed stations covering advanced diagnostics in aftertreatment systems, multiplexing, electrical systems, electronic engines, preventive maintenance, and more. Each station was developed in collaboration with Ryder's OEM and supplier partners to reflect the ever-evolving landscape of commercial vehicle technology.
Ryder Top Tech finalists Jean-Sébastien Houle of Ryder's Boucherville, Quebec shop and Oscar Perez of Ryder's Pomona, CA location, placed second and third, respectively. After the competition, finalists were recognized at an awards ceremony, where each received a $10,000 cash prize.
'This year's event in Minneapolis was nothing short of spectacular,' adds Bryce Kinsley, vice president of maintenance operations at Ryder. 'It was inspiring to watch ten of our most skilled technicians apply their knowledge under pressure with accuracy, speed, and pride. Kyle Walton represents what's possible when you combine experience, ongoing training, and passion for excellence.'
'Top Tech has become much more than a competition—it's a symbol of our culture,' says Tom Havens, president of Fleet Management Solutions at Ryder. 'It showcases our commitment to skilled trades, celebrates excellence, and serves as a recruitment magnet for the next generation of elite technicians. Kyle Walton and all our finalists represent the future of fleet maintenance.'
To view highlights from the 2025 Top Tech Championship, follow Ryder on LinkedIn and Facebook. For official event photos, please contact [e-mail].
To explore technician positions and learn more about Ryder careers, click here.
About Ryder System, Inc.
Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a fully integrated port-to-door logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, contract packaging and manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, cross-border solutions, full-service fleet leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world's most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services to businesses across more than 20 industries throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 250,000 commercial vehicles, services fleets at approximately 760 maintenance locations, and operates nearly 300 warehouses encompassing more than 100 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices; technology-driven innovations; environmental management; safety, health and security programs; and recruitment and hiring initiatives. 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.
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