Preparing Your Supply Chain for Success in 2026 — Early planning tips, capacity strategies, tech innovations and more!

Wrapping up 2025 and preparing for 2026 seems a little more daunting than usual. Like any other transition year-to-year, adjustments have to be made, goals have to be set, and deliverables need to be… well, delivered! However, uncertainty still drives most markets with inflated rates, lost loads, and more.

However, there’s a competitive edge at C.R. England. Preparing now will yield high-end results and success in the new year. This article explores strategic planning, capacity approaches, and technological innovation to help C.R. England (and you, our supply chain partners) set up for long-term success.

Early Planning: Setting the Foundation for 2026

Forecasting Demand and Capacity Needs

Traditional forecasting based on historical freight volumes is oftentimes no longer sufficient. We’re investing heavily in advanced forecasting tools — powered by AI and real-time analytics — to help anticipate market shifts, customer demand patterns, and potential disruptions. By 2026, AI-driven demand forecasting will allow us to collaborate with you earlier and more accurately, ensuring the right capacity is available where and when you need it.

Strengthening Dedicated Service Relationships

C.R. England’s Dedicated Services team already offers customized, customer-centric fleet solutions. In fact, our Dedicated Services model is built on deep alignment. As we plan for 2026, we encourage multi-year collaboration to secure predictable capacity, strengthen performance expectations, and improve cost stability. Together, we can create flexible solutions that adapt to seasonality, surge demand, and operational changes without compromising service.

Expanding and Optimizing Intermodal Options

Intermodal transport continues to be an effective strategy for cost savings, sustainability, and long-haul stability. We’re continuously expanding our Intermodal partnerships and optimizing cross-country routing to give you more reliable, multi-modal choices as part of your 2026 strategy.

Planning With Sustainability in Mind

As a SmartWay Transport Partner, we’re committed to lowering emissions and improving efficiency. Our sustainability goals are built directly into our capacity planning, meaning the solutions we develop for you will not only be cost-effective and reliable — but environmentally responsible.

Capacity Strategies Built for Growth in 2026 and Beyond

Maximizing our Asset-Based, Multi-Modal Fleets

As previously mentioned, we have a diversified portfolio of Intermodal connections and Dedicated assets. Did you know we also specialize in other multi-modal services?

With thousands of tractors and trailers — including one of the nation’s largest refrigerated fleets — we work constantly to increase utilization, minimize empty miles, and ensure equipment is in the right place at the right time. Leverage our Dedicated, Over-The-Road, Intermodal, and Cross-Border service to Mexico to fit your freight needs!

Investing in Driver Talent

Our people — namely our drivers — are at the heart of our reliability and success. Through robust training programs, retention efforts, and clear career pathways, we work to ensure a dependable, professional driver workforce that delivers consistent service for your freight.

Building a Bright and Resilient 2026

Your supply chain doesn’t just need to work in 2026 — it needs to thrive. By partnering with C.R. England, you’re aligning with a carrier that is:

• Proactively planning capacity
• Investing in next-generation technology
• Expanding sustainable practices
• Training and retaining skilled drivers
• Building network resilience for a more volatile world

We’re ready to work side-by-side with you to design solutions that deliver reliability, efficiency, long-term success, and ultimately — excellence. The future of freight is changing, and we’re preparing now so that you’re always miles ahead.

Ready to get rolling in 2026? Reach our Sales Team at (888) 725-3737 or by requesting a free quote here!