Carrier Profiles
Epes Express Services
Trucking is a tough business.
Expedited trucking?
Ditto.
Any number of executives from the expedited freight industry will probably tell you that 2006 was a year of less than stellar proportions. A variety of factors in confluence worked to keep expedited trucking from continuing the growth trend it has enjoyed for the last few years, but despite the slower business levels some carriers have experienced in the last twelve months,some expedited carriers have actually thrived during this time.
One of those companies is Epes Express Services.
This North Carolina/Tennessee-based carrier is growing and actively recruiting both owner-operators and company drivers for its expedited fleet. In operation since 1997, the company was founded to compliment its sister truckload and logistics services companies whose fleets total over 1,000 trucks.
Vice President/General Manager David Spence says that although these two locations are both part of the same company, each location is operated as a separate entity; however, both share the other's resources. Spence says that both facilities offer warehousing and cross-docking capabilities.
Spence manages the Greensboro, NC facility and he tells of his company, "Epes Express Service is authorized for all 48 states, with its primary focus on the eastern two-thirds of the US. Epes customers' freight includes General Commodity, Automotive, Computers and Freight of All Kinds (FAK). In addition, we have Air Ride, Lift gate and Temperature Control services upon request."
Epes Express Service is unique in its use of company-owned equipment, but Spence says that it has a specialized purpose: "The majority of our company equipment is to support the local operations of both terminals," says the General Manager.
"Our company drivers really don't compete with our owner-operators because the majority of the company drivers are involved in local or temperature-control freight. Our company drivers operate both straight trucks and tractors."
"Company drivers have earning potentials in the range of $45,000-$50,000 annually and they enjoy a full benefits package as well. The package includes 401K profit sharing with company match along with a very competitive and comprehensive medical/dental/vision program."
Spence adds that company drivers are home on most weekends and they drive assigned (no slip-seating), well-maintained vehicles.
Spence says that owner-operators comprise the majority of the Epes fleet and that these leased trucks are essential to its operation:
"Our success in this industry would not be possible without the owner-operators who have been with us since the beginning as well as the owner-operators who join us every day."
He adds, "I believe our impressive retention rate is due to our compensation. Our drivers enjoy an above average earnings potential. Also, the large company resources that we pass on increase their bottom line as well."
"In addition, we have low deadhead miles and we maximize the utilization of all of our equipment. We do not let our trucks sit waiting on freight. And, our typical interstate length-of-haul is around 500 miles."
Recently introduced is a new owner-operator tractor-trailer pay package that includes $1.15 cpm and Fuel Surcharge on all miles, loaded and empty.
Spence says, "Our miles are calculated using the latest version of PC Miler practical routing. Our FSC is calculated using the same mileage program and is currently paying the tractor owners 17 cents per mile. The FSC is adjusted weekly, determined by the figures from the DOE."
He continues, "Our solo tractors average 2,600-3,000 miles per week and get home 42-46 weekends per year. Our teams average right around 4,000 per week."
"For those drivers who are interested in increasing their mileage, we have weekend work available, too. Our trucks predominantly run the eastern 2/3rds of the US allowing them to get home perhaps more frequently than they are used to."
"Our company is a true 'no cost to lease on company'. "An owner-operator can come to our orientation program and get started with no out of pocket money. We pay for everything required to get them on the road period.
Some of the driver "benefits" offers owner-operators include but are not limited to:
*All plates and permits
*Physical drug screen
*DOT Inspection
*Qualcomm install (no usage charge once installed)
*Lettering removal and install
*Company fuel card with deeply discounted fuel purchasing provided
Epes Express Services does require its drivers (within 60 days of lease or hire) to possess the appropriate class CDL with Haz-Mat
endorsement.
The company will provide a late model air ride 53’ trailer at no cost to the owner-operator.
Spence says, "An owner operator leasing on to our company will get paid every week and their first check comes to them in less than one week from the time they get hired on. We still pay our straight trucks 67% of the gross revenues billed. They receive the same benefits listed above."
He adds, "We are always looking for qualified drivers and we need drivers for straight trucks and tractor trailers. We lease additional trucks on only as business levels warrant it. recruit to respond to growing customer demands."
He adds, "I believe our impressive retention rate is due to our compensation. Our drivers enjoy an above average earnings potential. Also, the large company resources that we pass on increase their bottom line as well."
"In addition, we have low deadhead miles and we maximize the utilization of all of our equipment. We do not let our trucks sit waiting on freight. And, our typical interstate length-of-haul is around 500 miles."
For more information, contact David Spence or Bob Pugh, Safety & Compliance at 800-849-8975 or use their Online Application.
Epes Express Services
538-E North Regional Road
Greensboro, NC 27409
[email protected]