Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Dec. 26, 2025:
Ryder announces CEO succession plan
Ryder System, Inc. (CCJ Top 250, No. 7) has announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Sanchez, 60, will retire on March 31, 2026.
As part of the succession plan approved by the company’s board of directors, Ryder’s President and Chief Operating Officer John J. Diez, 54, will assume the CEO role of the fully integrated logistics and transportation company, effective March 31, 2026. Diez was also elected to the company’s board of directors, effective March 31, 2026.
As part of a planned succession, Ryder System Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez (right) will retire on March 31. President and COO John Diez (left) will assume the CEO role.Ryder System
“Serving Ryder for more than three decades has truly been an extraordinary experience,” Sanchez said. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the most talented and dedicated professionals in our industry to deliver for our employees, customers, and shareholders. I’ve worked with John for over two decades, and his deep understanding of our business, sound judgment and strategic mindset uniquely positions him to lead the company. I am confident that he is the right leader to drive Ryder’s continued growth.”
Sanchez, who was named Ryder CEO in January 2013 and chairman of the board in May 2013, will assume the role of executive chair of the company’s board of directors to ensure a smooth transition.
Diez has served as president and COO since Jan. 1, 2025, contributing to the company's strategic direction and operational management. Previously, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer. During his tenure with Ryder, Diez was also president of Ryder’s fleet management business, leading all areas of fleet operations and maintenance, as well as president of the company’s dedicated transportation business unit where he led strong revenue growth and improved business returns.
“It is a great honor to be a part of this exceptional organization and culture. Ryder is home to incredibly talented and determined people and a superb culture that are the foundation of its commitment to our customers,” said Diez. “Thanks to Robert’s strong leadership, we have enormous opportunities to continue growing as the complexity of supply chains intensify and the demand for our port-to-door services increases. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Robert, the board, and our entire team to leverage the power of Ryder.”
Epic Insurance acquires Sentry Insurance’s direct writing operation
Epic Insurance Brokers & Consultants, which provides specialized services and products across select industries and client sectors, announced earlier this month the acquisition of Sentry Transportation’s direct writing operation.
The Sentry team joins Epic company Interstate Motor Carriers, expanding the scale and expertise of Epic’s national transportation platform while creating enhanced solutions for clients, the company said.
Sentry, one of the largest mutual insurance groups in the United States, has developed a strong trucking-focused business that works mainly through independent agencies, providing comprehensive solutions for both owner-operators and large fleets.
The carve-out of this direct writing operation brings more than 500 clients – and the talented team that serves them – to Epic’s national transportation platform. By joining Interstate Motor Carriers, the team gains access to Epic’s broad carrier and industry relationships, expanded offerings and national footprint.
“This acquisition directly advances our mandate to build a truly market-leading national transportation and logistics practice,” said Kristy Neal, senior vice president of strategic development for Epic National Transportation & Logistics. “It strengthens our position in a critical market, enhances the value we can deliver to our mutual trucking clients, and brings exceptional talent and decades of trusted industry relationships to our team.”
