Epes Transport System will increase mileage-based independent contractor rates by 2 cents to $0.92 per mile. The company's Northeast premium pay will increase by 10 cents per mile.

The mileage rate increase is effective Feb. 3. The Northeast premium begins March 3, 2013.

"Were excited about the changes being made to our settlement packages," said Britt Colley, president for Epes Transport System. "These pay increases are intended to enhance our compensation package for our independent contractors."

Epes Transport mileage-based independent contractors will earn 92 cents per mile on all miles loaded and empty. The Northeast premium pay will now be 10 cents per loaded mile on every load delivering to Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C. and Canada. Independent contractors will have the opportunity to make $1.02 per mile plus fuel surcharge.

"Everyone here at Epes Transport understands the importance of our independent contractor program," said Colley. "We thank them for their dedication to our company and the industry. They do a great job."

Epes Transport System is a truckload common and contract carrier headquartered in Greensboro, N.C