Ryder in UK market exit

Commercial vehicle fleet hire giant Ryder System is planning to exit the UK market with an “orderly withdrawal” over the next 12 to 18 months.

A statement from the American-owned company said: “This is a strategic proposal and is in no way a reflection of the efforts of the great employees Ryder has in the UK.

“The company has entered into a period of consultation with its employees, customers and suppliers. The outcome of this proposal is expected to be announced in mid-April, 2022.

“Subject to the outcome of the consultation, Ryder is planning for an orderly withdrawal from the UK market over the next 12-18 months. The company will work with its suppliers and customers to help them understand the implications for their commercial vehicle fleets. The company will also be reviewing the potential for the divestment of its business operations with potential associated opportunities for employees.”

Ryder is understood to have a fleet of around 30,000 trucks, vans and trailers in the UK on contract and spot hire with operators. In 2020, it closed its network of in-house workshops, with some transferring to the hands of UK truck dealers and becoming franchised service points handling not just Ryder vehicles but those of other operators.

While the company is tight-lipped about the reasons for its exit, delays in the supply of new vehicles and the high upfront prices demanded for them cannot have helped its business.