True Value Company has chosen Ryder System to handle its transportation services through a Ryder Dedicated Transportation Solutions agreement.

One of the world’s largest retailer-owned wholesale hardware cooperatives with approximately 4,400 independent retailer locations, Chicago-based True Value is in the process of converting its fleet of leased and company-owned vehicles. The dedicated agreement will include professional drivers, routing, and scheduling services. Ryder has already begun to manage the transportation services at 10 of True Value’s 12 distribution centers across the U.S. and is providing the company with access to highly skilled professional drivers, specialized vehicles, and expert maintenance.

Previously, True Value leased or owned its fleet of 275 tractors and 700 trailers. The industry's driver shortage has made it increasingly difficult for the company to recruit its own drivers.

“Our busiest season is in the spring, which is when we need the greatest level of flexibility,” said Rob Saper, Divisional Vice President Supply Chain Operations, True Value. “Given the inability to lease tractors on a seasonal basis and with drivers being tougher to source, we needed a company like Ryder to step in to help us better serve our retailers through greater flexibility with access to more resources.”

With Ryder, True Value has access to productivity tools such as optimization software and tracking/tracing technology, all of which aid True Value in developing new strategic initiatives.