Other Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Matters [Abstract]

Other Matters

27.      OTHER MATTERS

We are a party to various claims, complaints and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business including but not limited to those relating to litigation matters, environmental matters, risk management matters (e.g. vehicle liability, workers’ compensation, etc.) and administrative assessments primarily associated with operating taxes. We are also subject to various claims, tax assessment and administrative proceeding associated with our discontinued operations. We have established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. It is not possible at this time for us to determine fully the effect of all unasserted claims and assessments on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where unasserted claims can be estimated and where such claims are considered probable, we have recorded a liability. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of any individual litigated matter is not predictable with assurance. It is possible that certain of the actions, claims, inquiries or proceedings could be decided unfavorably to Ryder. To the extent that these matters pertain to our discontinued operations, additional adjustments and expenses may be recorded through discontinued operations in future periods as further relevant information becomes available. Although the final resolution of any such matters could have a material effect on our consolidated operating results for the particular reporting period in which an adjustment of the estimated liability is recorded, we believe that any resulting liability should not materially affect our consolidated financial position.

In Brazil, we were assessed $16 million, including penalties and interest, related to tax due on the sale of our outbound automotive carriage business in 2001. On November 11, 2010, the Administrative Tax Court dismissed the assessment. The tax authority filed a motion to review the decision before the Administrative Tax Court. On December 6, 2011, the Administrative Tax Court upheld our position. The time for the tax authority to appeal these decisions has not yet expired and the tax authority is evaluating whether it will file a final Special Appeal. We believe it is more likely than not that our tax position will ultimately be sustained if appealed and no amounts have been reserved for this matter.

We are also a defendant in a few lawsuits containing various class-action allegations of wage-and-hour violations and improper pay practice claims. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege, among other things, that they were not paid for certain hours worked, were not paid overtime or were not provided work breaks or other benefits. The complaints generally seek unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief, or both. Ryder denies liability and is defending the actions, and although these matters have not been definitively resolved, we do not believe that any resolution will materially affect our consolidated operating results or financial position.