How truckers can help stop Human Trafficking

With 40.3 million victims being effected by human trafficking globally, it’s up to people in the trucking community to stop trafficking for good. No matter where it’s happening, truck drivers have specific training that the everyday civilians don’t because they are constantly on the road stopping at truck stops of America.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there are two forms of human trafficking that take place at truck stops of America; such as, commercial sex and fake massage businesses. Victims of these brothels are forced into this life through manipulation and exploitation.  

To be effective in the fight against trafficking, it’s imperative that you know the basic signs of human trafficking.

In short, the basics for human trafficking for truckers are:

• Pay attention to the warning signs of human trafficking
• Report the situation A.S.A.P!
• Call 9-1-1 if you or anyone else is in immediate danger!
• Spread awareness with fellow truck drivers!

At TransWood, our company provides our truckers with educational classes and training courses to help stop the spread human trafficking awareness, and as a result our company is setting out to help combat human trafficking truck stops from happening in America!

As a partner of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), TransWood is taking steps to get all of our employees TAT trained so that they can help put this epidemic to rest.

Truckers Against Trafficking is an organization that is setting out to stop the trafficking of young children and women across America with the help of transportation drivers. As a part of TAT’s goals, they are looking to grow partnerships with others in the transportation industry, law enforcement and government agencies to fight against these crimes.

The TAT Training program is a great opportunity to build your drivers knowledge on sex trafficking and spread awareness on how to report potentially dangerous situations. Along with the training, instructors show a 26 minute video that goes over the TAT wallet card protocol.

To get your certification, all you have to do is register online!

What are the warning signs?

• Person exhibits odd behaviors, such as, anxiety, submission or paranoia
• Person shows signs of malnourishment
• If a person is being controlled verbally, physically or emotionally by a third party

Resources for truck drivers to call for help are:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: 1-866-347-2423
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 1-866-DHS-2ICE
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line: 1-802-872-6199
• Submit a tip online to the FBI or call your local FBI office.

Overall, if you see something, say something. You never know how big of an impact you can have on someone else life until you take action!

Remember, if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 before any other resources!

TransWood is committed to protecting the health, safety and security of our employees and independent contractors while minimizing the impact of our operations on the public and the environment where we operate. Please, contact TransWood so we can start serving your hauling freight needs.