FedEx Operations Supervisor Belinda Krueger has excelled as a leader in logistics despite an array of medical challenges.
Belinda Krueger’s path into logistics was unconventional. Starting in hospitality at just 14, she built a foundation of customer service skills before briefly moving into retail after raising her four children.
A chance meeting sparked Belinda’s curiosity about logistics, prompting an unexpected career shift to FedEx, which eventually led to her promotion as Operations Supervisor. Though initially hesitant, Belinda trusted her instincts, and encouraged by her colleagues, made the leap into a new industry.
“It was a bit of an ‘everything happens for a reason’ moment for me,” she says. “I came from a varied background across different industries and had a chance encounter with a FedEx employee who sparked my interest in logistics.
“He encouraged me weekly, seeing potential in me, and eventually convinced me to apply for an administration role at the Albury depot. Initially hesitant, I took his advice, visited the depot, and ended up with an on-the-spot interview and a job offer within 15 minutes – it was a whirlwind.”
Although Belinda’s journey with FedEx has been relatively short –two and a half years – it has been dynamic and rewarding. Within three to six months of joining, she was offered the opportunity to advance her role.
She embraced every challenge, learned from her colleagues, and maintained a dedication to operational excellence, ultimately leading to her current position.
However, Belinda’s transition wasn’t easy. Initially, she felt pressure to prove herself as the only female employee at the depot, believing she needed to be louder and work harder to be recognised.
“I suppose, personally, I felt that as a woman my voice was muffled, and I believed I had to speak louder to be heard,” she says. “In hindsight, though, I realise that perception came largely from my own experiences.
“Growing up, my father worked in transport his entire life, and all I’d ever seen was a male-dominated industry. However, from then to now, the industry has completely changed, and FedEx themselves have certainly never made me feel that way.
“It was probably my own perception – feeling as though I was the only woman I knew in the industry at the time – that motivated me to excel and do my best.”
Additionally, Belinda has faced ongoing medical challenges due to a gastrointestinal condition, which remained undiagnosed for most of her life until 2022. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone multiple surgeries, with more anticipated in the future.
Belinda’s health issues have had an impact on her life, occasionally affecting her ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities.
“Some days, I experience significant fatigue and occasionally need time off to recover from surgeries or related illnesses,” she says.
Despite these difficulties, Belinda credits her inability to be negative, and her strong support network for enabling her to effectively manage her condition and continue excelling professionally.
“I must admit, I don’t really know how to be negative. I’ve always tried to put a positive spin on whatever comes my way,” she says.
“Maybe once or twice a year, I’ll have a moment where I think, “Why me?” But overall, I see everything – big or small – as a challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow. In my view, there’s no problem that can’t be solved.
“I’ve been completely supported by my direct manager and my team at Albury. Having colleagues who can step in and handle daily tasks, even with guidance from me remotely when needed, has made a big difference.”
Explaining how her experiences have shaped her as a leader, Belinda said: “It has certainly made me more resilient and compassionate, recognising that everyone has their own journey, even if we don’t always see it. I strive to be understanding without overstepping, and I believe that my own challenges have helped me become a more empathetic and supportive leader.”
A day in the life
As an Operations Supervisor at FedEx Albury, Belinda plays a crucial role in overseeing freight movement, team coordination, and depot efficiency. Her day typically begins at 5:30 AM, where she supervises the arrival of linehaul trailers, ensuring freight is unloaded, sorted, and dispatched efficiently. Her primary focus is to maintain smooth logistics operations, ensuring that deliveries are managed in a timely manner.
A key part of Belinda’s role is team leadership. She delegates tasks, supports her team, and ensures that drivers are well-rested and prepared for their routes. Driver fatigue management is an essential responsibility, and she ensures they have the necessary support to work safely and efficiently.
“I ensure that my team has the support they need, especially if they experience fatigue or encounter challenges,” she says. “It’s my responsibility to create a work environment where they feel comfortable seeking assistance. Additionally, I provide guidance and direction to help my team navigate daily operations successfully.”
Alongside managing her team, she also handles customer emails and inquiries, working to resolve any logistical challenges that arise. Belinda is actively involved in meetings and operational planning, contributing to strategies that enhance efficiency, productivity, and service quality at the depot.
She also works with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track shipments in real time, ensuring accuracy and minimising disruptions. These systems help optimise inventory, streamline workflow, and maintain a high level of service reliability.
“If there’s ever a time when I’m unable to be on-site, the WMS enables my team to accurately locate and ship packages with minimal disruption to daily operations,” she says. “It plays a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and ensuring smooth workflows, whether I’m at the depot or working remotely.”
Even when she is off-site, Belinda remains engaged by providing remote guidance to her team, ensuring operations continue without disruption. Her role requires a combination of hands-on leadership, logistics expertise, and problem-solving skills to keep FedEx Albury running smoothly.
What’s next?
As she looks ahead, Belinda remains committed to growth – both for herself and those she leads.
“Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the leader I am today,” she says. “Whether it’s overcoming personal hurdles, or managing the complexities of logistics, I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are key. I strive to be the same person I was two years ago, just with more growth and experience.
“Staying authentic is important to me, and being a role model for those around me reinforces that. In terms of career progression, there have been discussions about advancing within FedEx, which is definitely something I’d consider.”
However, while she’s excited at the prospect of advancing her career, Belinda is concerned about impacted her home-life.
“Advancing would likely require relocating, and with my children having established friendships and routines, that’s a significant factor for me,” she says.
“That said, I’m always eager to learn and develop. I make it a goal to learn something new every day, and today, that’s this – stepping out of my comfort zone for a media interview.”