Jim Smith

Jim Smith purchased Fikes Truck Line in 1981, understanding that the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 would create ample opportunity for a company that was poised for expansion. In less than 25 years, he grew the small intrastate carrier into one of the nation's most-respected flat-bed specialists with 48-state operating and brokering authority; an accomplishment achieved through vision, tenacity, and a talent for inspiring others.

Born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City when jazz was king, Jim studied guitar at the Kansas City Conservatory before entering the Navy. Trained as a meteorologist, he met his wife Hannah while on duty in London. In 1963, he embarked on a career in trucking, where a mentor at Gordon's Transport taught him to solicit freight. He became the Director of Sales for ABF Freight Systems in 1979, hiring and training a highly successful team.

By the time Jim purchased Fikes, he was adept at finding business and fostering people's abilities. ""Not giving up and learning from our mistakes, that was the hard part,"" says Jim who was a novice in the flat bed business, operations, regulations and compliance.

It was Jim's goal to expand Fikes from the start. He began by gaining operating authority in the states adjacent to Arkansas and by the Spring of 1982, Fikes was running in 48-states. He was able to take several existing customers national, while forging new relationships with shippers in the right areas. Company lore from the early days has Jim driving through the towns of Arkansas and introducing himself to potential owner operators. When his contractors wanted to come in off the road, he encouraged them, eventually cultivating his own management team.

Jim is well-known in the trucking industry and has served on numerous Boards and Committees for the Arkansas Trucking Associations and the American Trucking Associations.