Perfect Pairs: Why February is the Best Time to Partner with C.R. England

On the whole, February is known for many things. The second month of the year, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, the shortest month of the year — and maybe the best time for you to leverage C.R. England’s shipping and freight services.

Shippers and procurement professionals who want to control transportation costs, secure reliable capacity, and strengthen carrier relationships should act early in the year, and February creates a perfect, strategic opportunity to do exactly that. When shippers partner with a proven, asset-based carrier like C.R. England during this window, they position their supply chains for stronger performance and stability throughout the remaining months of the year.

Let’s see how we can Deliver Excellence in February and beyond:

Favorable Freight Market Conditions Give Shippers Leverage

February typically follows the holiday freight peak, and freight volumes and rates often soften during this period. Industry data from DAT Freight & Analytics shows that spot truckload volumes and rates frequently decline in February as the market resets after peak season. These conditions give shippers and procurement teams greater leverage to negotiate competitive rates and secure dependable capacity before demand tightens later in the year.

Analysts also report that February brings looser dry-van capacity and more stable contract pricing. As a result, procurement managers can lock in favorable terms, avoid peak-season premiums, and establish service expectations early. This speaks to C.R. England’s capacity as a multi-modal, asset-based carrier!

Asset-Based Capacity Reduces Risk and Improves Reliability

C.R. England operates as one of North America’s most established asset-based carriers, with more than a century of experience supporting national freight networks. We provide OTR truckload, Intermodal, Cross-Border services, and Dedicated transportation solutions that allow shippers to scale operations without relying heavily on the volatile spot market.

By partnering with C.R. England, shippers gain:

• Reliable access to owned capacity.
• Greater consistency across lanes and regions.
• Improved predictability for contract compliance and service performance.

These advantages matter most during planning cycles early in the year, when procurement teams define budgets, service standards, and supplier strategies.

Safety-Driven Operations Protect Shipping and Freight Services

C.R. England actively invests in safety technologies — like the adoption of Lytx cameras last year — and operational controls that protect drivers, equipment, and freight. The company deploys fleet-wide safety systems and continuously improves its safety programs to reduce incidents and disruptions.

For shippers, this commitment directly supports:

• Fewer delays caused by accidents or compliance issues.
• Lower risk exposure across transportation networks.
• More consistent on-time delivery performance.

Procurement teams benefit from partnering with a carrier that prioritizes safety as a core operational standard rather than a reactive measure. At C.R. England, we always stive to be Safe & On-Time, Every Time!

Early Capacity Planning Prevents Peak-Season Disruptions

February gives shippers time to plan ahead. By securing capacity and formalizing carrier relationships before spring and summer demand increases, procurement teams avoid last-minute rate spikes and capacity shortages.

Early partnership discussions with C.R. England allow shippers to:

• Align freight strategies with forecasted volume changes.
• Commit capacity across key lanes before competition increases.
• Reduce administrative and operational strain later in the year.

Instead of reacting to market pressure, shippers who act in February stay ahead of it, leading to long-term gains.

Long-Term Collaboration Strengthens Procurement Outcomes

C.R. England focuses on long-term shipper relationships rather than transactional freight moves. We collaborate with customers to develop tailored solutions that support evolving freight needs, service requirements, and performance goals. In fact, we’ve retained many of our long-standing customers year over year for over a century.

For procurement leaders, this approach delivers:

• Stronger supplier alignment with internal KPIs.
• Greater transparency and accountability.
• A carrier relationship built for consistency, not volatility.

C.R. England’s century-long longevity reflects an ability to adapt while maintaining dependable service across changing market conditions.

Your February Shipping and Freight Service Wishlist

For shippers and procurement managers who prioritize cost efficiency, service reliability, and proactive supply chain planning, February stands out as the ideal time to partner with C.R. England.

Reach our Sales Team at (888) 725-3737 or request a free quote here to position the rest of your shipping year in the right way!