Ryder Last Mile expands reach

   Ryder Last Mile, a home delivery and white-glove installation solution for big-and-bulky goods, has been expanded to 11 North American markets. The expansion strengthens the company’s e-commerce fulfillment capabilities, reduces delivery timeframes and brings appliance delivery and installation to new markets, Ryder System Inc. said in its announcement this week. 
   “We’re getting closer to the consumer,” said Patrick Coughlin, vice president and general manager of Ryder Last Mile. “By expanding our existing locations and adding new facilities, we continue to position our customers to meet — and even exceed — the ever-growing demands of e-fulfillment and the increasing expectations of their customers.”
    Ryder is increasing the square footage at its last-mile fulfillment facilities in Toronto, Atlanta and Lathrop, Calif. The expansion also includes partnerships in eight strategically located U.S. cities. The Ryder e-fulfillment network now includes 136 facilities covering 95 percent of the United States and Canada within a two-day timeframe. Ryder said it also strengthens its position as North America’s second-largest last-mile provider of big-and-bulky goods, according to an independent audit conducted by global consulting agency Simon-Kucher. 
   Ryder said it continues to invest heavily in visibility technology. RyderView allows customers to schedule and track orders with photo-capture digital proof of delivery in order to facilitate an effective claims- management program. The proprietary technology also has the ability to predict defects and exceptions, allowing Ryder to take preemptive action and work collaboratively with clients.