This year’s honorees, James “Jim” Jones, Roland Esquibel, and Mark Jones, have been inducted into Ryder’s prestigious “Driver Hall of Fame.” Together, these highly-skilled professionals share a staggering 105 years of combined experience and have collectively driven close to 6 million miles with an impeccable safety record.

“Our drivers move more than freight. They move our company and our customers’ businesses forward,” says Ryder Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez. “Jim, Roland, and Mark represent the very best of Ryder and our customers, from their skill behind the wheel to their character and commitment to their communities. They are true ambassadors of our values and our brand.”

Meet the 2025 Driver of the Year Honorees

James ‘Jim’ Jones | Supply Chain Solutions

Based in Mason, Michigan, Jim Jones is a standout driver in Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions division. With 38 years of professional driving experience, including the past eight with Ryder, Jim has safely logged over 2 million miles. Beyond his stellar driving record, Jim is a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Mason Fire Department. Known for his calm demeanor and team-first attitude, he exemplifies the values of responsibility and reliability that define Ryder.

(Source: Ryder) Jim Jones

Roland Esquibel | Dedicated Transportation Solutions

Hailing from Devine, Texas, Roland Esquibel is a driving force in Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions segment. Over a 35-year career, including the last four with Ryder, Roland has covered more than 2.3 million miles. A U.S. military veteran and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roland channels his leadership skills into every delivery. Outside of work, he contributes to his community through his local church, carrying forward his lifetime mission of service and mentorship.

(Source: Ryder) Roland Esquibel

Mark Jones | Fleet Management Solutions

Operating out of Sacramento, California, Mark Jones is the deserving winner of Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions “Customer Driver of the Year” award. Over a 32-year career, with more than 1.5 million logged miles, Mark has displayed an unwavering commitment to safety and reliability. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, earning three Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Mark also mentors new drivers, ensuring future generations of professionals continue to excel.

(Source: Ryder) Mark Jones

Ryder’s Driver of the Year Program

Ryder’s Driver of the Year program is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence on the road. Highlighting unparalleled performance, the program celebrates top-tier drivers from Ryder’s workforce of 13,400 professionals, as well as drivers from their Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) customer base. Each honoree undergoes a rigorous selection process led by Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran drivers. For over half a century, this award has been one of Ryder’s most prestigious acknowledgments of driver excellence.

Through this annual recognition, Ryder not only honors its exceptional drivers but also highlights their critical role in driving the company, its customers, and the broader community forward.

Image Source: Ryder
Source: Truckers News

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Karen Jones, Ryder’s Chief Marketing Officer and head of new product development, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “To fully optimize supply chains and transportation networks, we continue to build on the $1.7 billion in strategic investments we have made since 2018 to develop, acquire, and invest in innovative customer-centric technologies, products, and services. This recognition from Fortune is a testament to our team’s dedication to shape the future of logistics.”

This honor follows another milestone for Ryder, which was also featured on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2025 earlier this year.

The Role of Innovation and Collaboration

Its consistent collaboration with startups and tech leaders is at the core of Ryder’s forward-thinking approach. These partnerships aim to revolutionize areas such as e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse automation, robotics, digital logistics, artificial intelligence, and advanced vehicle technologies. Ryder’s strategy is designed to adapt to the shifting dynamics of modern supply chains while retaining its position as a logistics industry leader.

About the List

Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies recognizes 300 U.S.-based businesses that showcase exceptional performance in three fundamental areas:

1. Product Innovation – Assessed based on product uniqueness, usability, design, and market appeal.
2. Process Innovation – Examines how businesses optimize processes, including production, marketing, sales, and customer support.
3. Innovation Culture – Evaluates a company’s ability to nurture creativity and entrepreneurship within its workforce.

Developed in collaboration with Statista, the rankings draw insights from surveys involving 40,000+ employees and 2,500 industry professionals. The analysis also includes a comprehensive review of companies’ intellectual property portfolios.

Ryder’s Smart and Efficient Solutions

Karen Jones explains that innovation at Ryder extends far beyond technology alone. “At Ryder, we recognize that innovation is not just about technology—it’s about finding smarter, more efficient ways to serve our customers and drive the industry forward. Over the past year, we have strengthened our supply chain solutions by expanding our capabilities in AI-driven analytics, process automation, and next-generation fleet technology. These advancements ensure our customers are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of modern logistics while optimizing their transportation networks for maximum efficiency.”

Ryder’s Game-Changing Innovations

Ryder has introduced many breakthrough technologies and initiatives to enhance the customer experience and reshape the logistics landscape.

• RyderShare – A revolutionary logistics platform offering real-time, end-to-end visibility, enabling seamless collaboration for all stakeholders moving goods through the supply chain.
• RyderGyde – A unique app that allows drivers, fleet managers, and owners to manage fleet operations from anywhere on any device.
• Electric and Autonomous Vehicles – Ryder collaborates with cutting-edge manufacturers to bring electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and autonomous systems to commercial logistics.
• RyderVentures – A $50 million fund that fosters partnerships and investments with emerging startups developing next-generation supply chain technologies.
• Baton, Ryder Technology Lab – Based in Silicon Valley, this innovation hub drives research and development to improve supply chain efficiency through advanced technology.

Ryder’s dedication to innovation ensures its customers are always equipped to face new challenges, delivering smarter, greener, and more effective logistics solutions for the future of global supply chains.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Ryder

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“There’s a reason we consistently earn top marks on Fortune’s corporate reputation report card for attributes like workforce development, innovation, and product excellence,” stated Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. “For 13 years, this recognition is a testament to Ryder’s unwavering commitment to our employees, the value of investing in cutting-edge solutions, and the trust our customers place in us to keep their supply chains moving.”

13 Years of Consistent Recognition

Ryder’s inclusion on the prestigious Fortune list for the 13th year in a row highlights the company’s continuous dedication to excellence in the logistics, trucking, and transportation sectors.

Fortune develops this annual ranking based on input from industry leaders, including executives, board members, and analysts across more than 50 industries globally. Companies are scored on nine essential attributes, such as innovation, product or service quality, ability to attract talent, social responsibility, investment value, and workforce management. Achieving a spot on this list requires companies to rank in the upper half of their industry category—a benchmark Ryder continues to surpass.

Recognized Pioneer and Employer of Distinction

This latest achievement adds to a growing list of recognitions for Ryder. The company was noted by Newsweek as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” in both 2025 and 2024. Furthermore, it earned the title of one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces” in 2024 and was celebrated as one of “America’s Most Trustworthy Companies” in 2023.

These accolades demonstrate Ryder’s pioneering approach and its strong, people-focused culture, further cementing its role as a leader in the logistics and transportation industries.

Source: The Trucker

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• Darryl Tolle hailing from Georgetown, Kentucky

• Anslum Hudlin based in Waco, Texas

• Richard Landry from Winnipeg, Manitoba

Collectively, these drivers have a collective 122 years of experience on the road, and have traversed an impressive 11.3 million miles combined.

Ryder boasts that the Driver of the Year award, integral to its heritage, has been a pillar of recognition within the company for 52 consecutive years. A comprehensive selection process involving Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran professional drivers ensures only the most deserving candidates are honored. This year’s awardees have set a benchmark through their unmatched safety records, exceptional service, and high performance.

Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder, stated, “It’s an honor to have such exceptional individuals like Darryl and Anslum on the Ryder team, as well as Richard on our customer’s team, as some of the best drivers in the industry. These honorees embody the core values of our company in both their professional and personal lives.”

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Darryl Tolle of Georgetown, Kentucky, earned the Supply Chain Solutions’ Driver of the Year accolade. Tolle brings an incredible 41 years of driving experience to the table, during which he

has covered 3.5 million miles – 2.8

million of those during his 35-year career with Ryder. Additionally, Tolle is a retired Sergeant First Class from the Kentucky Army National Guard, where he was involved in disaster response, chemical security, and clearing IEDs in Afghanistan.

Representing Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions, Anslum Hudlin from Waco, Texas, was also honored. Hudlin has covered nearly 3.8 million miles in his impressive 43-year

tenure as a driver, including close to 600,000 miles over his eight years with Ryder. His background features seven years in the U.S. Army as a senior heavy-vehicle operator. Hudlin is a pillar of his community; he and his wife have fostered over 70 children. He serves as a deacon and youth director at his church, organizes important high school events, and coaches little league football in his spare time.

Richard Landry, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, earned the prestigious title of Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions “Customer Driver of the Year.” Boasting an impressive 38-year career during which he covered an

astounding 4 million miles, Landry stands out for his relentless dedication and exemplary driving skills. Distinguished as the first Canada-based recipient of this award, Landry’s focus on safety is truly remarkable. Notably, he was instrumental in rescuing a mother and her baby from a fuel-leaking vehicle that had overturned in an accident he came upon. In another instance, he aided a family trapped in an SUV that had rolled over after losing control, staying with them and contacting emergency services until help arrived.

The achievements of these remarkable drivers epitomize excellence within the trucking industry. They have demonstrated unwavering commitment to safety, performance, and community involvement, setting a stellar example for all professional drivers.

Source: Truckers News

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Ryder’s comparative analysis reveals that switching to electric would double the operational costs of its Class 8 vehicles.

Drawing from extensive data, Ryder’s assessment of Class 8 vehicles involves diesel trucks with a haul range of 100 to 500 miles, making one to two trips per day, covering an annual distance of 109,000 miles, and manned by two drivers, carrying an average payload of 29,000 pounds.

However, with current technological constraints, electric trucks can only manage a maximum payload of 22,000 pounds. This limitation, combined with longer charging and delivery times, calls for nearly doubling the number of electric trucks and drivers to match the output of a single diesel truck.

The financial implications are significant. Replacing just one diesel truck amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, mainly attributed to the high cost of electric trucks themselves. Ryder’s calculations indicate a fivefold increase in monthly payments for electric trucks, exceeding $200,000 per year.

Additionally, substantial increases are predicted in labor costs (76%), other personnel expenses (74%), and operating costs (87%). These expenses cover various aspects such as compensation, paid time off, payroll taxes, insurance, administrative expenses, and the installation of chargers—an additional $8,000 per year per fleet.

Comparing operating costs between California and Georgia, Ryder notes that while truck operations are higher in California, the percentage increase resulting from transitioning to electric trucks is more pronounced in Georgia due to fuel prices. In California, the fuel cost savings for electric trucks are more substantial compared to Georgia, where diesel remains significantly cheaper.

The impact of electric truck conversion also varies across different truck classes. For Class 4 and 6 trucks, the savings in maintenance and energy costs partially offset the increases in labor and equipment expenses. This results in a 5% cost increase in Georgia. Medium-haul straight trucks, on the other hand, are projected to face a yearly cost increase of approximately $50,000, causing a 25% rise. For a mixed fleet of 25 vehicles of vans, straight trucks, and tractors, the annual cost increase is estimated at 56% in California and 67% in Georgia.

With operational costs for tractor-trailers more than doubling in certain regions and mixed fleets experiencing significant increases, the transition to electric trucks poses a considerable challenge. Such cost increases would, without doubt, be passed down to consumers, potentially adding up to 1% to overall inflation, according to Ryder’s estimates.

Ryder’s analysis assumes easy and convenient access to fast-charging infrastructure, which is currently underdeveloped. The lack of sufficient charging stations is a critical bottleneck, with only a limited number of ports available nationwide. Meeting the demand for charging infrastructure will require substantial investment and time, with estimates suggesting the need for nearly 600,000 chargers by 2030.

Ryder’s report happened at the same time as recent federal initiatives to strengthen emission standards for trucks and passenger vehicles, including mandates for zero-emission vehicles. However, there’s also opposition to these regulations, highlighted by a Congressional Review Act resolution aiming to repeal the new truck emission rule introduced by Republicans.

Stakeholders in this issue, including professional drivers, are urged to contact their policymakers. Organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association advocate against the new regulations and encourage support for better resolutions.

“Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the EPA’s misguided mandate comes into effect,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA president. “This could have devastating effects on the reliability of America’s supply chain and ultimately on the cost and availability of consumer goods. Local mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating EV trucks.”

Source: Land Line

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“At Ryder, we take pride in employing members of the veteran community, which is rich with unique work experiences, skills, and inherent leadership qualities that make veterans highly valued recruits for a number of positions at Ryder,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO for Ryder. “It’s a true honor to be recognized as a Best for Vets Employer by Military Times, but more than anything, we are humbled by and proud of the veterans we hire — not only because of their service to our country but also because they provide tremendous value to Ryder and our customers. On behalf of Ryder, I’d like to thank and salute all our veterans for their service and sacrifice.”

This recognition, now in its 14th year, stems from a voluntary survey that assesses and analyzes companies’ policies, practices, and benefits tailored for veterans and their families. The survey strategically addresses key aspects that are crucial for transitioning service members and veterans when assessing potential employers.

Since its enrollment in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program in November 2011, Ryder has consistently and passionately demonstrated its commitment to hiring veterans. The company has welcomed over 14,000 veterans into its ranks, with more than 350 soldiers benefitting from the Ryder Pathway Home program. This initiative facilitates the shift to civilian life for U.S. soldiers through a comprehensive 12-week diesel maintenance technician training course. Graduates are then offered employment opportunities as Ryder technicians, contributing to a seamless transition.

As part of its ongoing community engagement, Ryder is collaborating with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program during the holiday season. Ryder’s commercial rental workforce, comprising over 1,000 employees nationwide, is actively participating in the initiative. Led by former U.S. Marine and Ryder Vice President of Rental Product Management Evan Dexter, the team is dedicated to delivering toys to over 281 million less fortunate children during the holidays and providing year-round support to families facing challenges.

Recognizing the sacrifices of veterans, Ryder extends military discounts to its customers through its latest program focused on used commercial vehicles. Veterans, active military personnel, and reservists can enjoy a 10% discount off the advertised price of a used vehicle.

Ryder’s commitment to veterans also extends to internal initiatives. The Veteran Buddy Program, launched in 2015, pairs military veteran employees with new veteran hires, aiming to facilitate the often challenging transition from military to civilian life. In 2016, Ryder introduced the free Ryder Diesel Technician Career Skills Program in partnership with the U.S. Army, providing active-duty military members with training for eventual placement into Ryder technician positions post-military service.

For a comprehensive list of companies acknowledged by Military Times this year, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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The truck driving industry is full of individuals and carriers committed to safety, superior service, and seamlessly connecting the nation’s supply chain.

The Ryder Carrier Excellence Awards are based on a comprehensive range of criteria, including punctuality, customer service, economic value, claims management, and a steadfast commitment to innovation, as detailed in an official announcement. Thirteen categories were a part of this year’s recognition.

“Today, technology and innovation are the top drivers of exceptional performance and service,” said Kendra Phillips, vice president of transportation management for Ryder. “That’s why our shippers are demanding the kind of real-time visibility, collaboration, and exception management that RyderShare provides, and the carriers who have embraced Ryder’s one-of-a-kind technology continue to reap the benefits of streamlined communications, improved efficiency, increased cost savings, and the ability to provide unrivaled customer service.”

With a network encompassing over 63,000 qualified carriers, Ryder facilitates the movement of more than $10.7 billion in freight annually on behalf of its customers.

The distinguished recipients of this year’s Ryder Carrier Excellence Awards include:

• Most Innovative Carrier of the Year: J.B. Hunt Transport. Inc.
• National Dry Van Carrier of the Year: Mesilla Valley Transportation
• Regional Dry Van Carrier of the Year: Total Transportation of Mississippi, LLC
• Intermodal Carrier of the Year: J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
• Refrigerated Carrier of the Year: IWX Motor Freight
• Flatbed Carrier of the Year: Melton Truck Lines, Inc.
• National LTL Carrier of the Year: Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
• Regional LTL Carrier of the Year: Dayton Freight Lines, Inc.
• Oil & Gas Carrier of the Year: Press Energy Services, LLC
• Canadian Truckload Carrier of the Year: Kriska Holdings Limited
• Canadian LTL Carrier of the Year: Manitoulin Transport
• Freight Forwarder of the Year: Masterpiece International
• Maritime Carrier of the Year: Pilot Freight Services

Source: The Trucker

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