RYDER, the Slough-based logistics and transportation company, has clinched a huge deal with supermarket giant Sainsbury's to service its expanding internet-based home delivery market.

Ryder is already responsible for Sainsbury's deliveries within the M25 circle, but the new five-year agreement covers 25 city locations from Glasgow to Bournemouth.

Under the expansion, Ryder is supplying 100 Volkswagen LT35 3.5-tonne dual-compartment vehicles - 20 diesels and 80 powered by environmentally-friendly LPG - together with full vehicle maintenance and specialist staff training. Ryder has a dedicated staff of 150 people supporting the stores.

A Sainsbury's spokesman told Fleet News: 'Home delivery is an expanding field and we needed a reliable partner. We have worked with Ryder over the past couple of years, in which time the company has proved it understands our needs and can meet all our requirements.'