The Truth About Jessica Samko’s Life After Shipping Wars

Do you remember Jessica Samko from the reality TV show Shipping Wars? She was one of the most exciting and bold drivers on the show. Fans loved her tough personality, her big Volvo truck, and her fearless attitude.

But after the show ended, Jessica slowly disappeared from the spotlight. So where did she go? What is she doing now? Is she still driving trucks?

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Jessica Samko’s life after Shipping Wars. From her early days to her TV fame and now her quiet life on the road — this is her full story.

Jessica Samko Quick Bio

Who Is Jessica Samko?

Jessica Samko is a professional truck driver and TV star. She became popular after joining the A&E show Shipping Wars. On the show, people with different trucks competed to deliver big or unusual items.

Jessica was one of the few women on the show. She quickly became a fan favorite because of her brave driving, big truck, and strong personality. People even called her “The Road Warrior” because of how bold and skilled she was.

She didn’t just look cool on TV — she was also a real trucker in real life, with years of experience on the road.

Jessica Samko’s Early Life and Family

Jessica was born on June 1, 1982, in Amsterdam, New York. She grew up in a regular family and loved to travel and explore new places. Her mother’s name is Christina Buczkowski, and she has a brother named Matthew, who used to be a trucker too.

Not much is known about her father, and Jessica doesn’t talk much about her family life. She likes to keep those details private.

As a child, Jessica dreamed of working on cruise ships so she could travel around the world. But her life took a very different path — and she’s now happy it did.

How Jessica Samko Got Into Trucking

So how did she become a truck driver?

Jessica was once in a relationship with a truck driver. That relationship made her curious about life on the road. The more she learned about it, the more she wanted to try it for herself.

She started her trucking career in Newark, New Jersey, working at a company called DMS, which was owned by her then-boyfriend Derek Smith. Her job was to move containers in and out of a busy port.

At first, it wasn’t easy. But she quickly realized that she loved the freedom and adventure of driving. She got hooked on trucking — and never looked back.

Jessica Samko on Shipping Wars

Jessica’s big break came in 2014, when she joined Season 6 of Shipping Wars. The show was already popular, but Jessica brought something new to the screen.

She drove a Volvo 780 Class 8 semi-truck, which was bigger than most of the trucks used by other cast members. She handled huge loads, tight spaces, and long drives — all while being filmed.

Jessica appeared in 38 episodes during Season 6 and Season 7. Fans loved her strong attitude, her funny comments, and the way she took on jobs most people wouldn’t touch.

Even though the show ended in 2015, she remained one of the most memorable stars.

What Made Jessica Samko So Popular on the Show

Jessica stood out right away. In a show filled with loud personalities and risky hauls, she managed to shine in her own way.

She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She didn’t act fake for the cameras. She just did her job — and did it well.

Many fans appreciated that she was a strong woman doing a tough job in a mostly male field. She broke the usual image of what a trucker “should” look like — and that inspired a lot of people.

Also, her style was cool and different. She wore ripped jeans, Chuck Taylors, and had that rock-and-roll attitude that people loved.

Jessica Samko’s Life After Shipping Wars

When Shipping Wars ended in 2015, many cast members went back to their normal lives. Jessica did the same.

But she didn’t stop trucking. In fact, she decided to go even bigger — by starting her own business.

She founded JMS Transport LLC, a one-person trucking company. Jessica became her own boss, driving across the country to deliver goods. She still uses her Volvo 780 and handles most jobs alone.

Today, she runs her company from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and continues to do what she loves most — driving long distances, exploring new places, and working independently.

Jessica Samko’s Trucking Company, JMS Transport

After Shipping Wars, Jessica didn’t look for more fame. Instead, she followed her heart and started her own business. She created JMS Transport LLC, a small but strong trucking company where she is the only driver.

At first, she didn’t have her own truck, so she leased one through Landstar, a transport company she had worked with before. Later, she saved enough money to buy her own Volvo 780, the same big truck fans saw on the show.

Jessica now runs the business on her own. She handles long trips from coast to coast — for example, from New York to California. She picks the jobs, plans her routes, and does the driving herself. It’s hard work, but she loves the freedom and peace it gives her.

Is Jessica Samko Still Married?

While Jessica was on Shipping Wars, she was married to Derek Smith, a fellow truck driver and owner of DMS Freight. Their shared love for the road brought them together.

But by 2022, Jessica shared that she was happily single and no longer married. She hasn’t talked much about the breakup, and she likes to keep her private life quiet.

Now in 2025, Jessica enjoys being alone and focuses on her business, family, and dogs. She says she’s never been happier and feels no need to rush into another relationship.

Jessica Samko’s Love for Animals

One thing Jessica is very open about is her love for animals. She often travels with her two dogs, Oogie and Wilson, who keep her company on long drives.

She says her pets help her feel less lonely on the road and make life more fun. But her love for animals also means she feels sad when she sees stray dogs or animals hit by cars. She once said that she wasn’t ready for how hard it would be to see animals hurt while trucking.

Her dogs are not just pets — they are her family. Whether she’s hauling freight or taking a short break, they’re always by her side in the cab of her truck.

Jessica Samko in Real Life vs. TV

On TV, Jessica Samko was seen as tough, bold, and sometimes even harsh. She had a sharp tongue and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

But off-screen, she says she’s very different. She describes herself as goofy, friendly, and not nearly as serious as she looked on the show. She enjoys joking with friends, relaxing with her dogs, and having a peaceful day without drama.

The cameras made her seem louder and tougher than she really is. In real life, she’s just a woman who loves driving and enjoys the quiet life.

Jessica Samko’s Hobbies and Personality

When Jessica’s not on the road, she likes to listen to rock and metal music. She loves going to live concerts, even though she sometimes feels out of place in the crowd. She once joked, “Most people there have mohawks and tattoos. I just wear ripped jeans and sneakers!”

Her favorite outfit? Chuck Taylors, old jeans, and a simple shirt. She doesn’t follow trends — she just wears what makes her feel comfortable.

Jessica also enjoys old cars and motorcycles. She may not live a flashy life, but she knows what makes her happy — and she doesn’t care what others think.

Fun fact: In 2013, she was a finalist in Overdrive’s “Most Beautiful” trucker contest — her fiancé entered her without telling her!

Where Is Jessica Samko Now in 2025?

In 2025, Jessica Samko is still living life her way. She runs JMS Transport LLC, driving solo across the country in her big Volvo 780. She lives in Pennsylvania and spends most of her time either on the road or relaxing with her dogs.

She’s not active on social media, and she doesn’t chase fame. She prefers a quiet, drama-free life. She still works hard, takes pride in her job, and proves every day that women can do anything — even in a tough field like trucking.

Jessica may be away from TV now, but her story still inspires many people — especially young women who want to follow their own path.

Final Thoughts

Jessica Samko showed the world that you don’t need to be loud or flashy to be strong. She took her skills, her courage, and her love for driving — and built a life she truly enjoys.

From Shipping Wars to solo trucking, from reality TV to real-life roads — Jessica Samko’s journey is full of grit, love, and freedom. Whether you remember her as “The Road Warrior” or just admire her strength today, one thing is clear:

She’s still rolling forward, one mile at a time.

(FAQs)

Is Jessica Samko still married?

No! Jessica Samko is divorced from fellow trucker Derek Smith. She now says she’s happily single and doesn’t plan to remarry.

Does Jessica Samko have Instagram or social media?

Surprisingly, no! Jessica Samko is not active on Instagram or any major social media. She prefers to live a quiet, private life off the internet.

How old is Jessica Samko now?

Jessica Samko was born on June 1, 1982, which makes her 43 years old in 2025 — shocking, because she still looks much younger!

Was Jessica Samko related to Roy Garber from Shipping Wars?

No, they were not related at all. But they were close friends and worked well together on the show.

What is Jessica Samko’s company and net worth?

Jessica runs her own trucking business called JMS Transport LLC, and her estimated net worth is around $500,000 as of 2025.