EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Participants and Administrator Ryder System, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan: We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (No. 333-19515) on Form S-8 of Ryder System, Inc. of our report dated June 25, 1999, relating to the statements of financial position of the Ryder System, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of income and changes in plan equity for the years then ended, which report appears in the December 31, 1998 annual report on Form 11-K of the Ryder System, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan filed by Ryder System, Inc. /s/ KPMG LLP Miami, Florida June 25, 1999 12