Ryder System Inc. has signed its first Flex-to-Green lease agreement
with Source Interlink Companies Inc., an integrated media, publishing, merchandising and logistics company that produces and distributes magazine content to retail locations across the U.S. and abroad.

With the Flex-to-Green lease, which is for seven diesel-powered vehicles, Source Interlink will have the option to exchange the vehicles for natural gas-powered vehicles.

"With a fleet of over 300 vehicles that operate across the country as part of Source Interlink's Sales, Services, and Logistics division, fuel volatility and cost is an important issue for us," says Jim Tate, senior vice president of operations for Source Interlink Distribution. "The option of using a cheaper and readily available fuel supply such as natural gas to power our vehicles and mitigate fuel costs is an attractive avenue we'd like to explore."

The proximity of Source Interlink's distribution operations to Ryder's fueling and maintenance infrastructure was a large factor in the decision to sign the lease.