Her Story
About Judy
Judy Smith is a freight broker specializing in logistics, communication, and people skills. Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, she entered the field in 2019 as a fleet manager and safety compliance manager for a corporate trucking company, following 12 to 13 years as a state dispatcher for the state police. She managed fleets for offices in Kansas City and Little Rock, Arkansas, including during the challenging 2020 period when she operated independently while ensuring the delivery of medical supplies and food. After five years in that role, she transitioned to working as an independent contractor freight broker, handling load bookings, carrier vetting, rate negotiations, documentation, and compliance for shipments across the United States and Canada, including border and customs issues. Smith attributes her success to a strong personal drive to achieve something honorable and leave a positive legacy, particularly after losing her mother in a tragic accident. She values treating people with respect, honesty, and transparency in both her professional and personal life. Among the advice she offers to young women entering the male-dominated logistics industry is to avoid feeling defeated and to lead by example in changing perceptions of the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Judy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it was just a drive. You know, I wanted to do something good, great. I mean, I was on a mission, and I had lost my mother in a tragic accident. And I just kind of wanted to start over again in life and make something honorable and leave a good legacy.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't feel defeated. That advice came from my director in trucking, Kevin Norris. It's important because the job is high stress with high turnover, and most people don't make it very long.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say not to feel defeated, and that you can change the perception on what it looks like to work in a male-dominated industry. You can be the example and lead.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are the hours, the log hours, and the stress. I work a flat 50 hours a week, if not more. It's very high stress, very high turnover.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To treat people right. To treat people with respect. And to be honest. And to just have transparency.
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