Ryder System says it's expanding its full-service lease contract with a major logistics firm by ordering 1,044 van trailers from Utility Trailer Manufacturing. The order for the 4000D-X Composite dry vans is the largest single order it's ever received, Utility says.

The trailers are going to CEVA Logistics, which will use them to support its domestic ground business, including the company's CEVA Ground and Freight Management activities.

"We've been working with Ryder for more than 30 years and their continued loyalty, geographic coverage and operational flexibility have given us the confidence to sign on to this substantial order," said Jim Krepp, CEVA's vice president of procurement in the Americas. "This significant upgrade to our fleet provides our customers with state-of-the-art equipment and is a testament to our growing presence in North America."

CEVA offers full- and less than truckload (FTL and LTL) transportation along with dedicated fleet services, intermodal marketing and full transportation brokerage services. With a total fleet now numbering almost 4,700 trailers at 200 locations in North America, CEVA's trucking operations and driver recruitment programs continue to grow in markets across the continent.

Ryder's full service leasing relationship with CEVA started nearly 30 years ago, and has grown to over 200 power units. This year, CEVA renewed its contract and expanded the fleet with Ryder to include 1,044 additional trailers for a total of more than 1,244 vehicles under lease with Ryder.

Under the 10-year contract, Ryder will provide a dedicated fleet coordinator who will use a GPS product to oversee the movement of the trailers. The fleet will be serviced via mobile maintenance at each of CEVA's seven major hubs in North America.

Utility counts the order as a major milestone, said Mike Ashe, manager of national accounts. And it is the largest lease-account trailer order Ryder has ever placed.

"Early on in this process, both Ryder and CEVA determined that the 4000D-X Composite's superior strength and durability and its innovative composite sidewall was the best trailer for them due to its low tare weight and lower operating costs," Ashe said. "This order supports the trend that the 4000D-X Composite is the fastest growing model in our history and why it has become a leader in the thin-wall trailer market."

"Ryder values its relationship with CEVA and is pleased to support the fleet requirements of such a highly respected company," said Robert Sanchez, president of global fleet management solutions for Ryder. "We look forward to providing viable options for them now and into the future to support their growth."

Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions business segment provides full service leasing, rental and programmed maintenance of trucks, tractors, and trailers to commercial customers. Ryder provides full service lease for more than 15,000 customers in the U.S. and Canada, and manages a fleet of 185,000 vehicles.