MIAMI – Ryder System, Inc. has launched its RydeGreen line of tractors and trailers, designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Responding to increasing market demand for cost-effective, environmentally-friendly transportation solutions, the new RydeGreen line offers customers the latest technology and design to help reduce idling and help improve fuel efficiency.

As part of the RydeGreen line, Ryder has partnered with Freightliner to offer two sleeper tractors, the Columbia and the Century. The tractors are built to meet the demands of long-haul trucking and come equipped with special features that have earned them the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new eco-friendly SmartWay designation.

Specifically configured trailer packages from Great Dane and Utility offer aerodynamic features and weight-saving options that further enhance fuel efficiency. In addition, understanding the significant impact driver behavior has on fuel efficiency, to complement the RydeGreen equipment, Ryder provides online driver training programs to customers through Ryder Pro-TREAD. Ryder Pro-TREAD includes courses that improve driving skills and performance, and teaches drivers simple techniques to reduce fuel consumption.

The Freightliner sleeper tractors include several “green” features, including 2007 engine technology, an auxiliary power unit to reduce idling, frame-side fairings to reduce wind resistance, an automated direct drive transmission, and fuel efficient drive tires. Great Dane and Utility trailers include weight-saving designs and materials, side skirts, low-rolling resistance tires, gap reducers, and automatic tire inflation systems.

For more information about RydeGreen, visit www.greentruck.ryder.com. To register for a Ryder Pro-TREAD driver training course, go to www.rydersafetyservices.com and click on online driver training.