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July 6, 2006 9:50 AM, EDT

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yder System has entered into an alliance with Teletrac and Cingular Wireless to launch RydeSmart, an onboard telematics technology designed to improve vehicle uptime, driver efficiency, highway safety and cargo security.

The "smart truck" system also will allow for real-time tracking of customer fleet operations, the company said in a statement late Wednesday.

Ryder said the new system will be expanded to customers across North America in phases next year.

A pilot program will include more than 5,000 vehicles assigned to specific customers in various industries including food & beverage, textiles and building and construction materials.

Ryder is ranked No. 5 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.