COURT FINDS ENGLAND'S LEASE AGREEMENT VALID

On June 20, 2007, the federal district court for the District of Utah issued an order on the trial of the class action case filed by OOIDA against C.R. England relating to its current Independent Contractor Operating Agreement and the prior version of that Agreement. The Court found that England's current Agreement (2002-present) does not violate in any respect the federal Truth in Leasing Regulations. Dan England, Chairman of the Board, stated: "We are pleased with the Court's ruling that our current agreements with our lease drivers are completely lawful and that our drivers can know that there is no issue with their contracts."

Regarding England's prior lease agreement (1998-2002), the Court rejected OOIDA's claims for injunctive and monetary relief. It did find some provisions in violation of the Regulations. The violations were mainly related to non-disclosure of certain charges and deductions. The Court applied a "strict compliance" standard, rather than a "substantial compliance" standard used by other courts. The Court did order England to provide an accounting to the Court of deductions of certain monies from escrow funds of class members under the former lease agreement, and to propose a form of accounting to the Court in the next several months, which England will do.

Evidence at trial demonstrated that in the fall of 2001, because of pending court challenges brought against other carriers, England began revision of its Independent Operating Agreement (ICOA). In June of 2002, just weeks before the revised version (RICOA) was planned for a fleet-wide roll out, suit papers were served. Although OOIDA's initial class action on behalf of five-named plaintiff's sought damages and injunctive relief relating to the ICOA, OOIDA subsequently amended its complaint seeking the same as it related to the new RICOA version utilized by England.

The court rejected OOIDA's request for millions of dollars relating to charge-backs and certain required purchases under the ICOA, such as Qualcomm service, and gave no monetary award to the class relating to those violations. As part of that claim, OOIDA argued at trial that England was required to disclose the mark-up on fuel and parts it made available to drivers, something that England's current RICOA now does. England demonstrated at trial that the prices it made available to its drivers during that period (1998-2002), even with the mark-up, were still lower than the drivers could obtain from any other source. After disclosure in the RICOA, the evidence at trial showed that the drivers continued to purchase those items through England at the same rate because it made economic sense.

Although the court found that specificity was lacking in the original agreement, as to certain charge-backs and required purchases and what deductions were to be taken from the escrow accounts, the evidence demonstrated that many of the charges were itemized and initialed by the lease operators in an attachment to the ICOA. However, the evidence at trial was that the plaintiff lease operators did not read their ICOA or RICOA before signing it.

As to the accounting of Escrow Funds under the ICOA, England maintains its rights under both state and federal law to net the amounts owed to England against anything due the lease operator. An accounting will demonstrate that other purchases, advances and obligations of the lease operator offset the escrows.

"We are pleased generally with the Court's ruling, especially its finding that our current lease agreement is in full compliance with the leasing regulations. We will proceed with the accounting requested by the Court. However, we continue to be of the opinion that "substantial compliance" with these regulations is the better reasoned rule of law and may request appellate review," says Dan England.

C.R. ENGLAND ANNOUNCES NEW FUEL CAP PROGRAM

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — C.R. England, Inc., a nationwide leader in refrigerated and dry truckload services, today announced its new groundbreaking England Fuel Cap program for its independent contractors. "This new program will revolutionize the business for our independent contractors," said Executive Director Josh England.

"The England Fuel Cap eliminates the need to even look at fuel prices and ultimately will improve the bottom line for our independent contractors."

The program is simple. "Over the road" participants pay only $1.25 per gallon nationwide, no matter the pump price. "There are no complicated surcharge formulas or net fuel calculations, just one flat price," said England. "There's no more need to worry about rising fuel prices or varying prices from state to state."

The network of eligible fuel stops includes any stop provided by the fuel optimizer for the planned trip, C.R. England yards with fuel pumps and seven major fuel stop chains, which include Pilot, Flying J, T/A, Love's, Petro, Sapp Bros and Road Ranger.

All of C.R. England's independent contractors are eligible to enroll in the program. Continued eligibility will be determined monthly based on achieving very reasonable thresholds for miles per gallon and fuel optimizer compliance.

"We think the England Fuel Cap program will improve our independent contractors' profitability and peace of mind," said England. "We're very excited about it."

CR ENGLAND ACQUIRES CARSON TRANSPORT, INC.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — June 28, 2005 — C.R. England, Inc., an 85-year-old refrigerated trucking company, recently strengthened its Logistics Division by acquiring Carson Transport, Inc., a third party logistics company specializing in refrigerated less-than-full-truckload (LTL) service for perishable food manufacturers.

"This is an ideal company to help us launch our LTL service," said Sean Snow, C.R. England Vice President of England Logistics. "Carson's top-notch people, strong carrier relationships and a solid customer base are core strengths we looked for in a company."

While C.R. England is one of North America's largest refrigerated carriers, it previously did not offer shipping for partial loads. Now, the company will offer coast-to-coast delivery of refrigerated LTL loads within five business days.

"England is dedicated to becoming a leader in temperature controlled, load consolidation service and this acquisition will help us reach that goal," added Snow. The company's expertise in temperature-controlled shipping started in 1920 when company founder, Chester Rodney England, began buying and selling fresh produce.

C.R. England acquired northern California-based Carson Transport's ongoing operations and selected assets, though terms of the sale were not disclosed. Originally founded by William Schuman, Carson Transport has successfully operated for more than five years in the refrigerated load consolidation business.

Schuman feels the timing of this acquisition is ideal for a combination of reasons.

"We're in a competitive industry with escalating service expectations," Schuman said. "Our two companies share the same goals and entrepreneurial culture and this acquisition makes the service more efficient and offers a larger menu of opportunity for customers."

CR England Launches England Intermodal

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — England Logistics, a major non-asset-based transportation provider, recently strengthened the company's value-added service offering by launching England Intermodal. In keeping with England's ongoing commitment to providing the very best of service to its current and potential customers, England Intermodal will offer refrigerated, private equipment on selected routes.

According to Sean Snow, C.R. England Vice President of England Logistics, England Intermodal is dedicated to becoming a leader in temperature controlled intermodal service. Snow stresses, "Our initial focus will be on our current customer base. These customers are familiar with our current product offerings and we want to inform them that we now have additional capacity to better serve their needs." He goes on to say, "Not only will we provide these customers with optional equipment in capacity markets, but we will also afford them the flexibility of shifting easily between a purely truck movement and a truck-rail mixture."

Though in discussions with other railroads, the primary railroad to be utilized by England Intermodal is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The BNSF was selected not only because of its reliable service but also because of its many other strengths including soft lift capability at the rail ramps and articulated cars to virtually eliminate freight damage. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, the BNSF operates one of the largest rail networks in North America, with 33,500 route miles of track covering 28 states and two Canadian provinces.

England feels the timing of this Intermodal partnership is ideal for a combination of reasons. Not only will this service line help in combating some of the pressures created by the new HOS regulations, higher fuel costs and driver turnover, but it will also fill a void that now exists in the temperature-controlled intermodal arena. Utilizing their own drivers for drayage purposes as well as new 53 foot air ride refrigerated intermodal trailers equipped with 120 gallon extended range fuel tanks and satellite tracking, England Intermodal will provide its customers with real time tracking and tracing capabilities from pick-up to delivery.

C.R. England is a family-owned refrigerated transportation business headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and operates in the 48 states, Canada and Mexico. Besides the truckload service currently provided by their 2600 trucks and 4400 reefers, they also specialize in full truckload brokerage, traffic management, refrigerated intermodal, international distribution, container hauling, and dedicated contract carriage. These services have enabled C.R. England to transition from a strictly refrigerated carrier to a full-transportation provider.

ABOUT C.R. ENGLAND
C.R. England is a family-owned refrigerated transportation business with revenues in 2004 that exceeded $500 million. The company's more than 4,350 courteous employees, drivers and owner-operators take pride in providing the highest quality service, safety and on-time delivery with more than 2,600 trucks and 4,100 trailers. The company has become an industry leader in providing temperature-controlled truckload, brokerage, intermodal and container service. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, C.R. England operates in the 48 contiguous states, Canada and Mexico and maintains terminals in California, Colorado, Texas, New Jersey and South Carolina. The company also operates six driving schools across the country. Find out more information about C.R. England.

C.R. England Unveils New Freightliner Cascadia

Salt Lake City, UT – October 12, 2007 – C.R. England recently held an impressive roll-out for the newest addition to their fleet: the all new Cascadia, a cutting-edge aerodynamic truck from Freightliner. C.R. England employees were invited to check out the newest tractor trailer that will be integrated along side the Freightliner Classic and Freightliner Century in England’s robust truck fleet.

C.R. England selected the Cascadia for its superior aerodynamic design, the most advanced of its kind in the commercial trucking industry. The sharpened roof header, curved mirrors, and lowered hood are just a few of the Cascadia's innovations that work to improve fuel efficiency. The aerodynamic features of the truck require less fuel to push and drive through the wind, thus reducing overall fuel costs for company drivers and owner operators. In fact, the reduced drag of the Cascadia can save truck drivers an average of $938 in annual fuel costs when compared to a leading competitor (the Cascadia boasts approximately 7.8% less drag than the International ProStar, according to Freightliner).


The event was attended not only by C.R. England employees and managers, but representatives from the Freightliner dealership and the Ute cheerleaders from the University of Utah as well. With three Cascadias on display in the lease lot, attendees were able to examine and admire the trucks up close. In addition, lunch was provided as well as a raffle with a myriad of prizes for all ages.

C.R. England will introduce 300 brand new Cascadias into the fleet over the next year and already has a few operating on the road. The tractors will be available to senior company drivers and lease operators. Stanley Studzieniski, a C.R. England driver for more than twenty years, was one of the first drivers to receive one of the new models.

The Salt Lake City based trucking company introduces the Cascadia into the fleet just as gas prices are soaring to record highs. C.R. England lease operators, company drivers, and administrative employees all hope the revolutionary and superior aerodynamics of the Cascadia will help improve fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs.

Gene England may be almost 87, but his driving skills defy his age

One of the many pleasurable things we on The Trucker editorial staff get to do is talk with both truckers and leaders in the industry.
It’s rare when we get to talk with someone who wears both hats.
Such was the case recently as we prepared this issue’s article in our ongoing “Conversations with …” series.
C.R. England is a name synonymous with the refrigerated transportation segment of the industry.
It’s hard not to notice the brilliantly painted red tractors pulling the white trailers with the familiar crest and “England” adorning both sides of the trailer.
Well, 99.9 percent of the tractors are painted red.
There’s at least one white tractor and it belongs to Gene England, the almost 87-year-old patriarch of the company who still gets behind the wheel occasionally. Well, maybe more often than occasionally.
England’s father C.R. England founded the company, and after Gene and his brother Bill returned from World War II, they “took it to another level” as the popular saying goes.
For the article that appears on Page 8, we interviewed Gene England, who continues to hold the title of president, and his son Dan, who is chairman of the board and runs the day-to-day operations of C.R. England.
We asked Gene to describe the first mechanical reefer units and here’s his response, put the way only an industry veteran with a good sense of humor could do it:
“We were hauling bananas out of El Paso; we bought the first mechanical units. These things were so rare. We bought this trailer that was equipped with this mechanical refrigeration [unit] and it was a nightmare if there ever was one. It was kind of a Mickey Mouse deal. It had an air-cooled four-cylinder engine that hung under the belly of it. It would let you down often times. I remember one trip where I was pulling bananas out of El Paso and this unit just plain wouldn’t run. So I opened the vents and came home. The unit was underneath and the coils were up in the front end of the trailer. At the time, we had some units that were cooled like the railroad does with an ice bunker in the front and a putt-putt engine and really for bananas it was better than refrigeration.”
While preparing our article we ran across an article published about one year ago in The Salt Lake City Tribune by Paul Beebe, who graciously gave us permission to use the information in his story.
Beebe described Gene England’s personal rig and other facets of his current life:
“Here’s another way Gene England sets himself apart. Most of the company’s trucks are painted red. England’s rig is white; ‘King of England’ is painted on his door. The passenger door says ‘Queen of England’ in honor of wife June who goes along for the ride.
“Strangely enough, she’s as comfortable on these trips as she is at home. And she’d rather be with me,” England said.
“A few days ago, the couple got home from an eight-day run to Laredo, Texas, Pascagoula, Miss., and Dallas. An average day was 500 miles, with time out for fuel stops and food.
“The journey to Laredo was to haul cargo to an England distribution center in the south Texas town. The Pascagoula run was for business, too, but of a different kind. When he gave up running the company, England felt unmoored. So he and Bill established a business inside C.R. England that supplies cars to the company for sales and recruiting projects.
“It also furnishes vehicles to drivers who buy them through a payroll-deduction plant. The benefit sometimes needs a bit of arm-twisting to make it work.
“There are occasions when drivers default, and that may be the reason I needed to get to Mississippi,” England said.
“England is 14 years older than the next oldest driver on C.R. England’s payroll. That doesn’t concern Chad England, who runs the company’s safe driving and recruiting programs. His grandfather has passed a battery of tests for vision, hearing, cognitive function and strength. When Gene England is home, he walks two miles a day and when’s he’s on the road, he and June split meals in order to keep their weight down.
“Earlier this month, he underwent a road test administered by an automotives technologies instructor at Utah Valley State College.
“Not to our surprise, nor to my dad’s surprise, he came through just fine,” Dan England said.
When we called Salt Lake City a couple of days after our interview to recheck a few facts, Dan England said his father had hit the road again, heading to the eastern U.S. with cargo in tow.
“And he’ll come back with something. He never runs empty,” Dan England said.

C.R. England Lease Program

Maintaining one of the largest refrigerated transportation fleets in the industry, C.R. England remains one of the nation’s leading trucking companies. So it would come as no surprise that the Salt Lake City based company also has one of the most advantageous and flexible owner operator programs, enabling truck drivers to own their own business.

An owner operator is a self-employed commercial truck driver who operates his or her own truck, either hauling free-lance (with no attachment or contract with one particular company) or contracting their services by entering into a lease agreement with a firm that has long-haul trucking needs. C.R. England provides different lease programs adept for all levels of experience, skills, and needs of owner operators. Such programs include the Premier Program, Master Premier Program, and the Career Advancement Team (CAT) Program.

Truck drivers that sublet through C.R. England can lease up-spec equipment anywhere from six to 36 months. As an added incentive, England offers the six month demo program, in which a driver can lease a truck with the option to cancel after the six months (as opposed to traditional three-year leases). This allows drivers to walk away or join the England workforce as a regular company driver if they discover leasing is not for them.

And the advantages to C.R. England’s programs do not stop there; with no credit requirement and no down payment required to qualify, the programs provide an attractive alternative for drivers looking to further their career. Other benefits include top-of-the-line spec. tractors, a nationwide fuel cap of $1.25 per gallon (no matter what the price at the pump is), and pay up to $1.53 per mile.

But not all the advantages of such an opportunity and program are so well defined or easily categorized; they are not tangible nor are they necessarily the same for every person. These benefits are what can only be described as personal perks. It is the new-found sense of professional independence and achievement many drivers experience upon becoming independent contractors. Free from a constant authority figure, confining cubicle, and other conventional office restraints, C.R. England lease operators have the unique opportunity to explore the country on their own terms.

Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs

Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs

If you’re thinking of changing careers, a move into the truck driving industry may offer you more benefits than you might think. Due to a shortage of trucks drivers, many trucking companies are paying even more for qualified truck drivers to haul loads across the country. With more than 70% of the nation’s economy being delivered by trucks, more truckers will continue to be needed as the economy grows. In other words, the trucking industry has plenty to offer interested candidates. Consider the following benefits of being a truck driver.

Good pay- With a national shortage of drivers, companies are willing to give bonuses and increased pay for truck drivers, particularly for long-haul truckers. Companies also pay substantially more for reliable, safe truck drivers because they are rare. In fact, truck drivers can earn more than some college graduates. Another bonus is that unlike some companies, truck drivers are usually guaranteed pay raises as they add on years of experience.
Benefits- Most trucking companies offer major benefits for their employees. Benefits for truck drivers can include medical, dental, vision, prescription medication coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans. Truckers may also receive paid vacation and holidays. Their great benefits rival many large companies, even some in the Fortune 500 category.
Bonuses- Trucking companies may offer bonuses for certain loads carried or distances traveled. Bonuses may also be given for safety records or longevity with a company.
Flexibility- A flexible schedule is available to truck drivers through many trucking companies. Truck drivers can also decide what type of hauls they would like to drive. Truck drivers can decide between local runs, long distance runs or cross-region runs. Some companies even allow pets or children to come along during the traditionally solo rides.
Changing Scenery- Truckers can see most of the U.S. while they work. The scenery constantly changes and there are usually points of interest to see along the way. Is your office view as good as a trucker’s view? Becoming a truck driver can be a great way to start seeing and doing.
Job Security- Truck driving provides job security for those that move frequently. It also promises a secure job market because trucking companies always need drivers, particularly if you have a few years of safe driving under your belt. A truck driving job is as secure as you make it.
Teams- Working as a team with a spouse or colleague gives truckers a way to earn a higher income on long runs. Teams receive bonuses for making faster deliveries and can earn over $100,000 per year.

With benefits better and above some office jobs, a career as a truck driver may be the right move. If you’re interested in switching to working in a mobile office as a truck driver, start searching for available truck driving jobs in your area.

C.R. England owners inducted into Hall of Fame

England Brothers Inducted into the University of Utah’s School of Business Hall of Fame and Honored with $1 Million Donation

England Family Gift Names Two Classrooms in Upcoming Business School Remodeling Project

Tuesday, November 6, 2007, Salt Lake City, UT – Eugene and William England of C. R. England trucking company were inducted into the David Eccles School of Business’ Hall of Fame at the University of Utah and joined a prestigious list of successful businessmen and women honored previously. Dean Jack Brittain also announced a surprise $1 million donation to the David Eccles School honoring Eugene and William and their spouses June and Fern. Funded by their children, the gift will help subsidize two large classrooms in the school’s upcoming remodeling project.

Gene and Bill England were honored by family members and the business community for their contribution to Utah business. Their successful business careers first began at their childhood home in Plain City while working for their father’s budding trucking business. Established in 1920, the family business initially started with only one employee, the boys’ father Chester. In their early teens, Gene and Bill joined the business and started hauling freight throughout the intermountain area. From humble beginnings, the England brothers and their hard working father established C. R. England, Inc., now one of the largest trucking companies in the nation. C.R. England currently employs more than 3,800 truck drivers and independent contractors in addition to operating four truck driving schools nationwide. The schools provide extensive and thorough truck driver training and subsequent truck driving jobs for prospective qualified drivers.

Recognized as true American entrepreneurs, Gene and Bill received most of their business education and experience from their father while accompanying him on long summer hauls. After deciding that the trucking business was more lucrative than farming, Chester purchased his first Model T truck and started delivering produce locally. Working beside their father, Gene and Bill increased the fleet to include four delivery trucks and added routes that reached far beyond the Intermountain West.

Both England sons served in World War II while their father continued to purchase more trucks and expand the trucking business. Once released from military duty, Bill and Gene rejoined the family business and each continued their career as a truck driver hauling produce across the continental United States.

Gene and Bill continued to operate C. R. England until the 1980s when they started to gradually transfer control of the family business to their sons and grandsons. Gene is currently the president of the company but still finds time to make deliveries as a member of the England fleet. With his custom-designed personal truck, Gene and his wife June still make frequent hauls to other C. R. England terminals throughout the United States, often clocking as many as 500 miles a day.

Bill also finds time to serve his community in various capacities. In addition to his support for the David Eccles School of Business and the Diabetes Center at the University of Utah, Bill is former president of the Utah Trucking Association and serves on several committees for West Valley City.

The spirit of Gene and Bill’s generosity and support for the Utah community has been passed on to their children and grandchildren. As noted previously, Bill and Gene’s children joined together to donate $1 million which will help fund the two new classrooms to be named after the entrepreneurial brothers. The William K. England and Eugene K. England classrooms will be located in the newly remodeled David Eccles School of Business building complex. The construction project is scheduled to begin in 2008.

C. R. England, Inc. remains a privately held family business and has expanded more than ten-fold in the past 20 years. Dan England, the son of Gene, is the company’s chairman of the board and the current management team includes several third and fourth-generation England family members. With terminals in New Jersey, Indiana, Texas, and California, the Salt Lake City-based company is one of the largest refrigerated trucking and transportation companies in the United States. http://www.crengland.com/



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Hall of Fame Past Recipients:

· Spencer F. Eccles, Chairman Emeritus, Wells Fargo Intermountain Banking
· Richard L.Warner, Former Chairman, Rick Warner Enterprises
· George W. Romney, Governor, Michigan
· Joseph Rosenblatt, Former Chairman, Eimco Corp.
· David C. Evans, Founder, Evans and Sutherland
· Kendall D. Garff, Chairman and CEO, Garff Enterprises
· June M. Morris, Former President and CEO, Morris Travel Group
· Robert W. Keener, Retired President and CEO, Northwest Pipeline Corp.
· J. Willard Marriott, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO, Marriott International
· William H. Child, Chairman and CEO, R. C. Willey
· Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., Chairman and Founder, Huntsman Corporation
· Scott S. Parker, IHC President Emeritus
· Ezekiel R. Dumke, Jr., President, Dumke Investments
· John W. Gallivan, Publisher Emeritus, Salt Lake Tribune
· Pierre & Claudette Lassonde, President, Newmont Mining (Pierre)
· Dr. Rodney H. Brady, President and CEO, Deseret Management
· James L. Sorenson, President, Sorenson Development
· Larry H. Miller, Owner, Larry Miller Enterprises
· Leone W. “Pete” Harman, Founder, Harman Management Corporation
· Earl Holding, Owner, Grand America Hotel, Sinclair Oil Co., Snow Basin & Sun Valley Ski Resorts
· Robert Rice, Founder, European Health Spas; President, Rice Industries