Did you know there are an estimated 50 million human trafficking victims worldwide? The scope of human trafficking is larger than most of us can imagine. Organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) are doing their part to help educate and train truck drivers on how to identify trafficking victims and perpetrators.

What is human trafficking?
Human Trafficking is also known as modern-day slavery. It involves people being bought and sold for commercial sex or forced labor typically through means of fraud, force, or coercion. In the United States, more than 1 million people are estimated to be victims of human trafficking. Anyone can be a victim of trafficking regardless of age, gender, or background. However, traffickers will target vulnerable people such as children and marginalized groups.
Human traffickers use a variety of tactics to recruit, control, and exploit their victims. These tactics are often manipulative, coercive, and designed to exploit vulnerabilities. Common tactics include deception, grooming, isolation, coercion, debt bondage, force, manipulation of basic needs, psychological manipulation, trauma bonding, and recruitment through social media.
How do truckers help identify and prevent human trafficking?
Truck drivers are uniquely positioned to help combat human trafficking. They are the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways, rest stops, fuel stations, and more. With the help of the trucking community, law enforcement can identify the victims and perpetrators of human trafficking. Local and over-the-road drivers can make an impact by reporting suspicious behavior.
Truckers Against Trafficking is an organization focused on training trucking communities on how to identify and report cases of human trafficking. TAT has trained over 1.7 million people and continues to train key industries including trucking, truck stops, dealerships, shipping, energy, school transportation, and more. You can find training resources at their website here: https://tatnonprofit.org/
How can truck drivers get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the signs of human trafficking, including both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Learn about common indicators such as individuals appearing fearful, disoriented, or showing signs of physical abuse, as well as vehicles with tinted windows or curtains that may be used for trafficking purposes. Learn more about the signs of human trafficking by visiting TAT’s website.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on news and information related to human trafficking, including recent cases, trends, and prevention efforts. Follow organizations like TAT and the National Human Trafficking Hotline for updates and resources.
Participate in Training Programs: Take advantage of training programs offered by organizations like TAT to learn how to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations.
Spread Awareness: Use your platform as a trucker to raise awareness about human trafficking among your peers, colleagues, and community members. Share information about the signs of trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and resources available for victims and survivors.
Be Vigilant: Stay alert and observant while on the road, especially at truck stops, rest areas, and other locations where trafficking may occur. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).
Use Technology: Take advantage of technology to report suspected trafficking incidents quickly and discreetly. Download the TAT app or other relevant mobile applications that allow you to report suspicious activity and access resources on the go.
Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Consider supporting organizations that are actively involved in the fight against human trafficking through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy efforts. Your support can help fund prevention programs, victim services, and law enforcement initiatives.
Be an Advocate: Use your voice and influence to advocate for stronger laws, policies, and initiatives to combat human trafficking. Write to your elected officials, participate in advocacy campaigns, and speak out against trafficking in your community and beyond.
Work Together: Collaborate with other truckers, industry stakeholders, and community partners to create a united front against human trafficking. By working together, we can make a significant impact.
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Soshaul Logistics LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. It is meant to serve as a guide and information only and Soshaul Logistics, LLC does not assume responsibility for any omissions, errors, or ambiguity contained herein. Contents may not be relied upon as a substitute for the FMCSA's published regulations. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction or operation.
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