A Century of Strength ā C.R. England’s History of Overcoming Challenges
This year, C.R. England celebrates its 105th company anniversary, a milestone to commemorate over a century of hard work and growth. But we’ve done more than just haul freight; we’ve navigated the highs and lows of history and battled challenges, all while continually delivering excellence to our team members, customers, and communities.
A Look Back Through Challenged History
Within C.R. England’s history, the trial and error of it all is essential to growth. In fact, it’s those moments that have stretched C.R. England that make us great. Let’s take a look into some of our most pivotal historical moments, and the resolve that keeps us moving forward.
In an era when many businesses crumbled under financial strain, C.R. England pressed forward. Having only one truck and a dedication to his craft, Chester Rodney England persevered through the 1920’s and 30’s with his enduring attitude and refusal to quit when things seemed bleak.
As his two sons served their country in the war, Chester continually worked toward building his company. As he worked hard at home, Gene and Bill sold their cigarette rations to save up for more trucks. However, even in the heat of war, Chester and his sons had their eyes on the future. Within two weeks of their arrival home, C.R. England’s first Kenworth truck was purchased with the money Gene and Bill saved.
Beginning in the 1930s, the government began regulating the industry through the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Carriers had to apply to the ICC for authority to haul specific goods in designated areas. These applications required shipper support and could be challenged by competitors, leading to trial-like hearings. C.R. England didn’t resist change ā we embraced it, all the way until the late 1980s.
In the early 1990s, C.R. England became one of the first carriers to adopt Qualcomm, a satellite-based communication system that enabled real-time messaging between trucks and headquarters. Initially, the change was met with hesitation. There was fear about losing the personal touch with drivers, but once they saw the results, no one wanted to go back. C.R. England is still an early adopter of technologies today.
In the mid-2000’s as industries slowed and carriers downsized, we doubled down on safety, training, and reliability. We protected jobs, optimized our fleet, and emerged with stronger customer relationships than ever before.
COVID-19 was perhaps one of the greatest modern tests of resilience nationwide. Amid uncertainty, supply chain chaos, and health risks, our drivers and teams delivered food, medicine, and essential goods. While the world shut down, we kept America stocked up and still do so today.
The Continued Culture That Makes It Possible
Flawless execution in the pursuit of delivering excellence isn’t just about luck and hard work ā it’s about culture even in spite of difficulty.
Moreover, at C.R. England, that culture is built on generations of family-led leadership, dedication to safety, and a belief that people come first. From our drivers and mentors to our dispatchers and customer service teams, everyone plays a role in our consistent performance. As a result, we simply have a drive to deliver excellence ā housed through the stature of our people and our award-winning culture.
Facing Challenges In The Future
While challenges, uncertainties, and obstacles will still be around every turn, we’ll continue to put the pedal to the metal and deliver excellence when it matters most. As we celebrate our rich history, you’d be missing out by not being part of it…
Get a free quote today and see how we can help you haul freight for the future!