Ryder System will install automatic tire inflation systems on its vehicles through an agreement with Aperia Technologies.
Aperia’s Halo Tire Inflators will be included as a standard spec on Ryder’s heavy-duty rental fleet, the companies announced at a joint press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta.
“This has been a dialogue that has been going on for some time on how it could drive uptime [for Ryder customers] … which is a key,” said Scott Perry, chief technology and procurement officer for Ryder Fleet Management Solutions.
Halo will become the preferred tire inflation option for Ryder ChoiceLease customers (those who lease trucks from Ryder) and is part of a bundled service offering for SelectCare customers (those who own their trucks but contract with Ryder for maintenance).
“Technology-enabled task automation in the commercial vehicle market is helping fleets—from drivers and technicians to owners and managers—operate more safely, reliably, and efficiently. With Halo, we are delivering a step-change improvement in how fleets interact with their tire assets,” said Josh Carter, CEO of Aperia. “We see tremendous opportunity with Ryder’s similar commitment to bring innovative products and service solutions to fleets with the goal of maximizing uptime. Now it will be easier for more fleets to reduce complexity when it comes to tires and reap the benefit of fast payback with our industry-leading technology.”
The inflation system will help Ryder customers maximize tire life and reduce fuel consumption. Halo is a self-powered, self-contained system. Aperia says the system is easy to install in 10 minutes, can be retrofitted on to trucks and provides several benefits. These include:
- It works on both tractors and trailers
- Fits dual & wide-base tires
- No axle drilling required
- Automatic & self-powered
- Allows for easy check of tire pressure(s)
- Effective pressure equalization in duals
- Factory set to customer specified target tire pressure
- Easily transferable at vehicle trade-in
- Virtually maintenance free
- 500,000+ mile service life
Ryder will initially install the system mostly on drive tires. Aperia noted that the system’s total cost of ownership can save fleets as much as $2,400 per year per tractor-trailer unit, it will boost fuel efficiency 1% to 2% through properly inflated tires and it will extend tire life between 10% and 15%.
“We believe innovative automatic tire inflation solutions provide tremendous peace of mind for customers committed to on-time deliveries,” said Perry. “These technologies will play a major role in the rapidly growing tire management space and will also become a critical component in advanced driver-assistance systems. Our strategic partnership with Aperia expands upon Ryder’s ability to provide customers with the most innovative solutions to help them streamline operations, promote safety, and reach their efficiency goals.”