Ryder Names Kyle Walton of Bristol, PA as 2025 Top Technician at Prestigious Skills Championship
As the transportation and logistics industry continues to evolve, so too does the need for highly skilled, well-trained technicians who can keep pace with rapid advancements in commercial vehicle technology. Amidst a growing labor shortage and heightened demand for technical talent, Ryder System, Inc. is reaffirming its commitment to investing in its workforce by honoring and developing the professionals who ensure its fleet operates with maximum safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Now in its 24th year, the Ryder Top Technician (“Top Tech”) Skills Competition has become more than just an annual contest—it stands as a cornerstone of Ryder’s culture, celebrating the achievements of the company’s most talented technicians. This year’s highly anticipated event took place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, where Kyle Walton, a technician from Bristol, Pennsylvania, was named the 2025 Top Technician and awarded the competition’s $50,000 grand prize.
A Platform for Excellence
The Top Tech Skills Competition is designed to recognize, challenge, and reward the best technicians from Ryder’s workforce of more than 5,000 professionals across the United States and Canada. These individuals are tasked with maintaining Ryder’s expansive fleet of 250,000 commercial vehicles, which serve a critical role in supporting supply chains nationwide.
To earn a spot among the final ten competitors, technicians had to demonstrate exceptional technical knowledge and problem-solving capabilities by progressing through a rigorous multi-phase qualification process. This included online assessments, written exams, and hands-on evaluations conducted during regional competitions. Only those who consistently performed at the highest level were invited to Minneapolis to compete in the national finals.
“Our technicians are the unsung heroes of Ryder’s operation,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. “They’re the reason our customers receive reliable, top-tier service every day. The Top Tech program is our way of showing how much we value their contributions—by providing opportunities for recognition, growth, and reward.”
Testing Real-World Skills Under Pressure
The final round of the competition was a true test of practical ability under pressure. The ten finalists faced off in a full day of hands-on challenges at ten different timed workstations. Each station simulated a real-world diagnostic scenario related to critical commercial vehicle systems, including aftertreatment, electrical, electronic engine controls, multiplexing, and preventive maintenance.
To ensure the competition reflected the current and future demands of the industry, Ryder collaborated with several of its OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and supplier partners in designing the stations. These partners contributed insight and technology that reflect the complexities and innovations now commonplace in commercial truck maintenance.
“The level of precision, speed, and critical thinking on display was incredible,” said Bryce Kinsley, vice president of maintenance operations at Ryder. “Watching these finalists tackle high-stakes challenges in real time was both inspiring and humbling. Kyle Walton exemplified the qualities we strive to nurture across our entire technician workforce—deep knowledge, technical agility, and a commitment to excellence.”
Celebrating Talent and Dedication
After a full day of competition, Kyle Walton emerged as the winner, outscoring his peers and earning the coveted title of 2025 Ryder Top Technician. Walton, who has been with Ryder for several years, expressed deep appreciation for the support and training he’s received throughout his career. His performance not only earned him a $50,000 grand prize, but also the respect and admiration of his peers, supervisors, and company leadership.
“I’m honored to be named this year’s Top Tech,” Walton said. “It’s a reflection of the incredible support I’ve had from my team and the investment Ryder makes in helping us grow. Competitions like this push you to be your best, and I’m grateful to be part of a company that values that.”
Second and third place went to Jean-Sébastien Houle, representing Ryder’s Boucherville, Quebec location, and Oscar Perez from Pomona, California. Both finalists demonstrated exceptional skills and poise throughout the competition and were awarded $10,000 each for their outstanding performance. All finalists were honored during a formal awards ceremony following the competition, attended by Ryder executives, sponsor partners, and members of the technicians’ families and communities.
Building a Stronger Workforce for the Future
Beyond celebrating individual achievements, Ryder’s Top Tech competition serves as a broader strategic initiative for workforce development and employee engagement. By creating a clear path for career growth, investing in training and mentorship programs, and publicly recognizing top performers, Ryder is reinforcing its reputation as a destination for skilled trades professionals.
“Top Tech has become more than a competition—it’s a vital part of our technician culture,” said Tom Havens, president of Ryder Fleet Management Solutions. “It allows us to showcase the depth of talent within Ryder, reinforce the importance of continuous learning, and draw attention to the exciting career opportunities we offer in the skilled trades.”
Ryder has long been committed to developing its technicians through industry-leading programs that include access to certifications, classroom and online learning modules, advanced tools, and career coaching. The company also partners with technical schools, military programs, and local workforce development boards to recruit and train new talent, helping to address the growing labor gap in commercial vehicle maintenance.
“By spotlighting the skills and achievements of technicians like Kyle, Jean-Sébastien, and Oscar, we’re sending a powerful message: there’s a future in this industry for those willing to learn, work hard, and strive for excellence,” Havens added.
A Symbol of Ryder’s Culture
As the transportation industry becomes increasingly technology-driven—with advanced diagnostics, AI-powered systems, and electrification on the rise—the role of the technician has never been more critical. Ryder’s Top Tech program ensures its workforce not only keeps pace with these changes but leads the way.
“This competition is a celebration of everything we believe in—teamwork, innovation, and dedication to customer service,” said Sanchez. “Kyle and all of our finalists represent the very best of Ryder, and we are proud to have them on our team.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Ryder plans to continue expanding its support for technician training and innovation. With continued investment in workforce development, recognition, and state-of-the-art tools, the company is positioning itself—and its employees—for long-term success in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
For now, however, the spotlight rightly belongs to Kyle Walton and the other finalists who have raised the bar for excellence across Ryder’s operations.