Ryder System plans to expand its ecommerce network with its latest acquisition of Whiplash, a City of Industry, California-based provider of omnichannel fulfillment and logistics services. The acquisition deal totaled roughly $480 million in cash.
Ryder intends to integrate Whiplash’s facilities, operations, technology, and warehouse automation and robotics into its ecommerce fulfillment solution within the supply chain solutions business unit. In a press release, Ryder stated that it plans to retain Whiplash’s executive team and workforce to execute the growth and customer solutions in this segment.
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“The acquisition of Whiplash is consistent with our strategy to accelerate growth in our higher-return supply chain business,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO at Ryder. “It also expands our ecommerce and omnichannel fulfillment network and reflects our continued focus on technology and innovation.”
Whiplash works to provide scalable ecommerce and omnichannel fulfillment solutions to more than 250 brands. The company’s 19 dedicated and multiclient warehouses total nearly 7 million square feet and provide access to port operations and gateway markets.
“Whiplash’s ecommerce platform and key geographic strongholds—coupled with Ryder’s transportation logistics solutions, including our Ryder last-mile delivery network for big-and-bulky goods—positions us to deliver incredible value for our customers who are looking for more advanced e-fulfillment solutions in today’s ever-changing landscape,” Sanchez added.
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With the expanded footprint following the acquisition, Ryder’s ecommerce and omnichannel fulfillment solution is expected to be able to deliver to 100% of the U.S. within two days and 60% of the U.S. within one day.
“With ecommerce sales continuing to hit record levels and omnichannel retailing becoming mainstream, we’re seeing a significant uptick in brands looking for more dynamic fulfillment services,” said Steve Sensing, president of global supply chain solutions at Ryder. “Whiplash has built a proven model that meets today’s consumers where, when, and how they choose to engage with brands—whether that’s online from a mobile device or laptop, in-store, or a combination. We expect that our combined customers will benefit from that additional flexibility as well as Ryder’s vast nationwide network, extensive technology suite, warehouse management practices, and end-to-end transportation logistics solutions.”
Both companies expect the transaction to be completed in late December or early January.
