As truck drivers transport goods across the U.S., spending hours upon hours on highways and at truck stops, they’re uniquely positioned to witness, help, and report human trafficking.
What the trucking industry needs to know about human trafficking
According to TAT, of the estimated 50 million victims worldwide, thousands of girls, boys, women, and men are trafficked for sex or labor in the U.S. and Canada.
Traffickers recruit victims out of schools, online, malls, the streets, and other locations. Most of the people trafficked are women and children, many of which are used in the sex industry and prostituted on the street, in private homes, and at legitimate businesses, such as restaurants, truck stops, and motels.
Though human trafficking is a booming industry, it can be difficult for the general public to identify the signs of someone in crisis. According to the U.S. Department of State, this is partially because trafficking victims are being hidden in plain sight:
“While the victims may sometimes be kept behind locked doors, they are often hidden right in front of us at, for example, construction sites, restaurants, elder care centers, nail salons, agricultural fields, and hotels. Traffickers’ use of coercion—such as threats of deportation and harm to the victim or their family members—is so powerful that even if you reach out to victims, they may be too fearful to accept your help.”
See also: Truckers Against Trafficking wants industry to remember it’s a year-long battle
How truck drivers can raise awareness
In their webinar, CVSA and TAT experts discussed the upcoming Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative in 2025 and how the trucking industry can get involved. For truck drivers specifically, here are some ways to raise awareness of human trafficking during the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative and beyond:
- Educate yourself: First and foremost, if you’re a truck driver hearing of HTAI for the first time, learn more about the initiative and human trafficking online at CVSA and TAT. TAT offers free courses on human trafficking, some of which are specific to truck drivers. These learning modules are available on the TAT app so truck drivers can learn on the road.
- Use window decals: TAT’s website offers downloadable window decals for truck drivers. These decals include emergency phone numbers relating to human trafficking. But check with your fleet before placing the decals on your truck.
- Hang flyers on routes: TAT’s website also offers downloadable posters with information on human trafficking and emergency phone numbers and websites. Truck drivers can print out these flyers and hang them at multiple places such as truck stops, rest areas, fleet headquarters, and more. These materials can also be ordered from CVSA’s website.
- Post on social media: Drivers can promote HTAI on social media using graphics from CVSA. CVSA also has short PSAs and informational videos that can be shared online.
- Consider other ways to get involved: Outside of HTAI, there are other ways for truck drivers to combat human trafficking year-round. CVSA members can join the Human Trafficking Prevention program committee. TAT accepts donations and sponsorships year-round to continue its efforts.
How fleets can raise awareness
The recent CVSA and TAT webinar also shined light on how fleets can participate in the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative and raise awareness year-round:
- Educate your fleet: As a fleet manager or other fleet executive, encourage your drivers to become educated about human trafficking. Fleet managers can encourage and require their drivers to complete TAT’s relevant human trafficking modules.
- Promote HTAI: Make sure your drivers and other employees are aware of HTAI and how they can assist in spreading awareness.
- Post on social media: Post about human trafficking and HTAI on social media. Spreading awareness through company pages can be even more effective than personal pages.
- Consider other ways to get involved: Fleet managers can consider making donations to TAT, sponsoring TAT, or even attending TAT events throughout the year. Fleet managers can also join CVSA’s Human Trafficking Prevention program committee if they are CVSA members.
