Ryder System, Inc. Recognized as Toyota North America’s “Cross Dock Supplier of the Year” for 2025
Ryder System, a leading provider of supply chain, logistics, and transportation solutions, has been named Toyota North America’s “Cross Dock Supplier of the Year” during the automaker’s 2025 Annual Supplier Conference held in Plano, Texas. This marks the second consecutive year that Ryder has earned this prestigious recognition, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and collaborative partnership with Toyota.
The award was presented to Ryder in acknowledgment of the exceptional performance demonstrated at its cross dock facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Toyota evaluates suppliers based on a comprehensive set of performance indicators, including safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. In Ryder’s case, the decision also reflected the company’s deep alignment with Toyota’s management philosophy, which emphasizes continuous improvement and respect for people—a core tenet of Toyota’s globally recognized production and operational standards.
Frank Bateman, Vice President of Automotive Supply Chain Solutions at Ryder, underscored the significance of the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. “Our relationship with Toyota spans nearly four decades, and over that time, we’ve truly become one integrated team,” Bateman said. “We share common values, particularly a dedication to continuous improvement and cultivating a culture of respect and excellence. By investing in our workforce and prioritizing collaboration at every level, we maintain high service levels and ensure Toyota’s supply chain operates efficiently and resiliently. This recognition is a reflection of our shared commitment to excellence.”
A Legacy of Excellence and Recognition
Ryder’s partnership with Toyota is built on decades of performance, innovation, and consistent delivery of value. Over the years, Ryder has been recognized multiple times for meeting Toyota’s highest standards in areas such as innovation, quality, delivery, operational performance, cost savings, value improvement, strategic management, quality engineering, and safety leadership. These accolades reflect Ryder’s ability to integrate industry-leading logistics solutions with Toyota’s rigorous requirements for manufacturing and supply chain operations.
At its core, Ryder’s approach to partnership with Toyota extends far beyond simple transportation. The company provides comprehensive supply chain support across North America, encompassing a wide range of services designed to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and support Toyota’s manufacturing operations. These services include over-the-road transportation throughout the United States, cross-border transportation between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as well as management of border-crossing processes.
In addition, Ryder operates specialized services such as free trade zone consolidation, cross docking in Mexico, plant yard management and shunting, and in-plant third-party logistics and engineering. These solutions are tailored to meet Toyota’s unique operational needs and ensure that materials flow seamlessly from suppliers to production facilities, minimizing disruptions and maximizing productivity.
Cross-Border Expertise and Operational Scale
One of Ryder’s most significant contributions to Toyota’s supply chain is its expertise in cross-border logistics. The company facilitates more than 320,000 cross-border freight movements annually between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ensuring that Toyota’s manufacturing plants receive the right materials at the right time. Ryder’s cross-border operations are supported by advanced logistics management, technology-driven tracking, and an experienced team of professionals who navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining high standards for safety and reliability.
The San Luis Potosi cross dock, which earned Ryder the Supplier of the Year award, exemplifies the company’s operational capabilities. This facility serves as a critical node in Toyota’s supply chain, enabling rapid sorting, consolidation, and distribution of materials to multiple destinations. Ryder’s performance at the facility reflects a meticulous focus on safety, accuracy, efficiency, and cost management—all key factors that Toyota considers when evaluating supplier performance.
Commitment to Toyota’s Philosophy and Culture
Beyond operational metrics, Ryder’s recognition is also rooted in its alignment with Toyota’s corporate philosophy. Toyota’s management principles emphasize continuous improvement, known as “Kaizen,” and respect for people—a dual focus that drives innovation, operational excellence, and workforce engagement. Ryder mirrors these principles in its own operations by fostering a culture that encourages employees to identify opportunities for improvement, collaborate across teams, and implement solutions that enhance both efficiency and safety.
This shared philosophy has strengthened Ryder’s long-term partnership with Toyota. By maintaining a focus on both process excellence and human capital development, Ryder ensures that its teams are empowered to deliver results consistently. The Supplier of the Year award reflects not only Ryder’s operational achievements but also the company’s ability to uphold Toyota’s values and contribute positively to its supply chain ecosystem.
Decades of Service to the Automotive Industry
Ryder’s impact on the automotive industry extends far beyond its current work with Toyota. For more than 56 years, the company has provided comprehensive logistics and transportation services to automotive manufacturers across North America. Notably, Ryder implemented the first large-scale just-in-time (JIT) supply delivery system in North America, setting a benchmark for efficiency and reliability in automotive logistics. This pioneering approach has since been adopted widely across the industry and remains a cornerstone of Ryder’s operational philosophy.
Today, Ryder continues to leverage its extensive experience, technological expertise, and dedicated workforce to support automotive customers in achieving seamless supply chain operations. By integrating real-time data analytics, advanced logistics planning, and process optimization, the company helps manufacturers reduce costs, improve delivery performance, and maintain operational flexibility.
Ryder’s recognition as Toyota North America’s Cross Dock Supplier of the Year underscores the company’s continued leadership in logistics and supply chain management. As global supply chains face increasing complexity and evolving customer demands, Ryder’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and collaboration positions it as a trusted partner for Toyota and other industry leaders.
Frank Bateman highlighted the forward-looking aspect of Ryder’s partnership with Toyota: “As the automotive industry evolves, so too must our supply chain solutions. We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance efficiency, incorporate emerging technologies, and support Toyota’s mission to deliver high-quality vehicles to customers around the world. This award is a testament to the dedication of our teams and our ongoing pursuit of operational excellence.”
With decades of experience, a robust cross-border logistics network, and a deep alignment with Toyota’s values, Ryder continues to set the standard for automotive supply chain solutions in North America. The company’s recognition in 2025 is both a celebration of past achievements and a commitment to future innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery.