What happened to Jessica Samko from shipping wars? All you need to know
What happened to Jessica Samko from Shipping Wars? The TV personality was a fan favourite from the hit reality TV show Shipping Wars. But as the show ended and time passed, many fans began to wonder about her whereabouts. After leaving the show, Jessica became a long-haul driver, operating her transport company. Learn more about her here.
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Key takeaways
- After Shipping Wars ended in 2015, Jessica returned to her passion for trucking and continues to work as a long-haul driver, operating her own company, JMS Transport LLC.
- Jessica founded JMS Transport LLC, where she serves as the sole driver.
- Jessica is a devoted animal lover and often travels with her two dogs, Oogie and Wilson.
- Despite her television fame, Jessica prefers to keep a low profile and is not very active on social media.
Profile summary
| Full name | Jessica Samko |
| Other names | The Road Warrior |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 1 June 1982 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of March 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Amsterdam, New York City, USA |
| Current residence | Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height in cm | 172 |
| Height in feet | 5'6" |
| Weight in kg | 60 |
| Weight in pounds | 132 |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Husband | Derek Smith |
| Profession | Truck driver, actress |
What happened to Jessica Samko from Shipping Wars?
Jessica Samko, known as "The Road Warrior" on A&E's Shipping Wars, made a significant impact with her fearless attitude and trucking expertise. Joining the show in its sixth season in 2014, she quickly became a fan favourite, especially as one of the few women in a predominantly male cast.
Her straightforward demeanour and willingness to take on challenging hauls set her apart during her 38-episode tenure.
Who is Jessica Samko?
Source: Original
Jessica is an American reality TV star famous for her role in Shipping Wars. She gained traction due to her mastery and prowess in a male-dominated field, truck driving.
Unknown to most of her fans, Samko is a professional driver of trucks and is fiery. She displayed women's strength and ability to perform in extreme situations on the show.
Where is Jessica from?
She was born on June 1, 1982, in Amsterdam, New York. After the show's conclusion in 2015, Jessica continued her career in trucking and currently operates her own company, JMS Transport LLC, based in Pennsylvania.
Career
Samko made her debut in A&E's Shipping Wars on 10 June 2014, i.e., from episode 3 of season 6. She was one of the independent female movers and gave her male counterparts a tough time in male-dominated jobs.
In one of her interviews, she explained that she did not find it uncomfortable working in her position among men. She said,
"I don't look at it as much different than men. I think we all get the job done and we're all in it for the same reason. We all support families and ourselves with it. Women stand out a little more, of course, but there's really no difference to me personally."
Moreover, her strong personality got her the nickname 'The Road Warrior' in the show. In addition to that, she was also one of the finalists of 'Overdrive's Most Beautiful Contest' in 2013.
Samko appeared in a total of 38 episodes over three seasons through April 2015. After that, the show producers took a long break before finally releasing the next season, i.e., season 9, in November 2021.
Is Jessica from Shipping Wars married?
Jessica Samko was married to fellow trucker Derek Smith, who owns the freight company DMS. Their shared passion for trucking brought them together, and they tied the knot during her time on the show.
Jessica has always been so secretive about her personal life, like her marriage. There is no further information about her husband on authentic sites.
Is Jessica from Shipping Wars related to Roy?
Jessica Samko and Roy Garber, both prominent figures on A&E's Shipping Wars, were not related by blood or marriage. However, they shared a close professional relationship and friendship during their time on the show.
They often collaborated on challenging shipments, combining their unique skills to overcome obstacles and deliver goods across the country. Their camaraderie was evident both on and off-screen, making them a memorable duo in the TV series.
What happened to Roy from Shipping Wars?
Roy Garber, a prominent cast member of A&E's reality series Shipping Wars, passed away on January 17, 2014, at the age of 49. He suffered a heart attack and was rushed to a hospital in Texas, where he died shortly after. Garber had a known history of heart issues, which contributed to his untimely death.
On the show, Roy was known as "The Handyman" and was one of the top earners, often taking on challenging shipments that others avoided. He owned and operated Arbie's Team Transport, based in New Hampshire, and frequently worked alongside his son, Travis.
What happened to Jarrod from Shipping Wars?
Jarrod Schulz, a prominent figure on A&E's Storage Wars, has experienced significant changes in his personal and professional life since his time on the show. In 2021, Jarrod faced legal issues following an alleged altercation with his ex-partner, Brandi Passante, at a bar in Orange County, California.
He was charged with misdemeanour domestic violence battery after reportedly pushing Brandi during the incident. Jarrod pleaded not guilty to the charge and requested its dismissal. Jarrod has encountered other legal troubles, including a misdemeanour charge for resisting an officer in 2019 and a DUI charge in October 2021.
Where is Jessica now?
After Shipping Wars concluded in 2015, Jessica returned to her roots in the trucking industry. She now operates her own company, JMS Transport LLC, based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she serves as the sole driver. Driving her 2008 Volvo 780, she continues to embrace the open road, often accompanied by her two dogs.
What happened to Jessica Samko from Shipping Wars? Despite her television fame, Jessica maintains a low profile, focusing on her passion for trucking and the open road. Her journey from reality TV star to independent business owner exemplifies her dedication and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Trivia
- Before venturing into trucking, Jessica aspired to work on cruise ships.
- Wars co-stars operated smaller vehicles; Jessica drove a Class 8 2008 Volvo 780, a full-sized semi-truck, while on Shipping Wars.
- In 2012, prior to her television fame, Jessica was nominated for Overdrive magazine's "Most Beautiful" contest.
- An avid dog lover, Jessica often travels with her two pugs, Wilson and Oogie.
What happened to Jessica Samko from Shipping Wars? While Jessica may have stepped away from the spotlight of Shipping Wars, her legacy as one of the most memorable personalities on the show continues to live on. Her story is one of resilience and independence, leaving fans with lasting memories of her trucking adventures.
Yen.com.gh published an article on the Baywatch cast and their whereabouts after the end of the show in 2001.
Despite the attention being popular in the entertainment industry subjects one to, it may not always last. Maintaining the spotlight requires one to maintain their position in the known field or pull stunts that keep the people talking.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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