Ryder System, Inc. donates 2014 Freightliner Sleeper Tractor to SGTC Diesel Program

February 4, 2019

South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (third from right) is shown above thanking Barry Gibbs, Ryder Sr. Maintenance Manager Georgia Business Unit (fourth from left) for the 2014 Freightliner Tractor to be utilized in the SGTC Diesel Equipment Technology program. Also shown (l to r) are SGTC Diesel Equipment Technology Instructors Chase Shannon and Ed Herrington, along with Ryder’s Harry Haag, Gibbs, Dr. Watford, and Ryder’s Jon Walraven and Ricky Griffin.

Ryder System, Inc. donated a 2014 Freightliner Sleeper Tractor to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation recently for the college to utilize in the training of students in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

“On behalf of the South Georgia Technical College Foundation and the students and faculty at South Georgia Tech, I would like to thank Ryder for this donation,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “Having the ability to train our diesel equipment technology students on late model equipment is very valuable. Students will have the opportunity to have hands-on training in troubleshooting and repairing the hydraulics, electronics, and the motor, on a vehicle that is currently being utilized in the industry. This is a donation that will continue to give back to the diesel equipment industry for years to come by helping us provide a trained workforce for Ryder and other companies.”

Ryder System, Inc. is a leader in commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions. Ryder has been named among “The World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune, as well as one of “America’s Best Employers” and “America’s Best Employers for Women” by Forbes. The company is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, environmentally-friendly fleet and supply chain solutions, world-class safety and security programs, and hiring of military veterans.

“Ryder is a great company to work for because it is committed to employees and to customers,” said Barry Gibbs, Sr. Maintenance Manager for the Ryder Georgia Business Unit. “We are proud to partner with South Georgia Technical College. We are looking forward to a long future together. It is our pleasure to be able to provide this support for the quality students that are being trained in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. We hope that this truck will be of great use to the instructors and the students.”

In addition to donating the truck, Ryder officials, Jon B. Walraven, Manager of Skills Development; Ricky Griffin, Senior Service Manager, and Harry Haag, Service Manager, also talked with students about the Diesel Equipment industry and the opportunities available to skilled craftsmen locally as well as across the world with Ryder. They each stressed the importance of good work ethics and the importance of preventive maintenance on equipment.

“There has never been a better time to work at Ryder. We are committed to hiring extraordinary people and engaging them with challenging and rewarding opportunities and careers. We have a long history of investing in our employees by providing a collaborative team-based environment that encourages growth across all levels and positions,” stressed Gibbs.

For more information about Ryder System, Inc. and the job opportunities available through this company, visit: https://ryder.com/

To learn more about the Diesel Equipment Technology program at South Georgia Technical College or to sign up for this program, contact Instructor Chase Shannon at cshannon@southgatech.edu or visit the SGTC website at www.southgatech.edu and learn more about the over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs available. The Diesel Equipment Technology program is a HOPE Career Grant program and is nearly tuition-free for qualified students.