Meet Trudie Ives | Freight Broker/Founder of Tru Logistics LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trudie Ives and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trudie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was a teacher for almost ten years, working in urban schools. During this time, I had some of the most rewarding experiences interacting with my students, who were remarkable young people. Although I enjoyed teaching, I still felt that I was missing my calling. At a career showcase, a presenter talked about her freight company and her unique status as one of the few women in this industry. I immediately set out to research and familiarize myself with what I needed to do to enter this field. I was first intrigued by becoming a freight driver, which eventually inspired me to acquire my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) but as time went by, I learned about and connected with the logistics part of the business: being a broker. I wanted to source the freight and contract the drivers. This led to the formation of my freight brokerage, Tru Logistics LLC.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A lot of people are unfamiliar with freight brokers and don’t realize that they encounter our work on a daily basis. So I always encourage people to take a look at the various trucks they pass as they drive down the street or on the highway. Before long they will see the auto hauler transporting recently purchased vehicles, the refrigerated trailer delivering to the local grocery store, or the flat bed truck on the way to a construction site. All those deliveries were made possible because of a freight broker. We are behind the scenes ensuring that loads are transported smoothly and efficiently from one location to the next.

Unfortunately, some freight brokers do not have the best reputation with the public, so I aim to stand out from the rest. My combined passion for helping others and my love of logistics is apparent when my customers entrust me with their freight. I want to position my brand as a transportation company that is synonymous with reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

Every small business faces challenges and my business is no exception. Access to funding, lack of business exposure, and “wearing many hats” are some of the difficulties that I encounter. Regardless, I am most proud of my ability to face these challenges head on and carve out my own path in a traditionally male industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friends and I grew up in NYC, so we share a love of art, food, and local sights. With that being said, a trip to Wynwood is where we would start followed by lunch in Gables. We would head north to St. Pete’s to my all time favorite museum, the Dali museum. The next stop would be the Museum of Fine Arts for Gio Swaby’s breathtaking “Fresh Up” exhibit. This would be followed by a stop at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. I would then switch things up by taking my friends on a charter off the coast for some fishing, and dolphin sightseeing. When it comes to food, local spots are my first choice! I’m Jamaican so we would have to dine at Lobster House and stop by M&W in Fort Lauderdale. Other favorites include Tom Jenkin’s BBQ and Jayno’s Pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, I have to shoutout my “puzzle piece”, my partner, my love, Richard. He has been my cheerleader from the moment I said aloud I wanted to start a business. His support has been immeasurable and I am forever grateful. My circle is small but my dear friends, family and my NAWBO sisters make up a support team that has allowed me to thrive. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the continued support!!

Website: www.trulogisticstransport.com

Instagram: @trulogistics

Image Credits
Office Photo: Jade Goodwin