Human Trafficking Awareness: The Trucking Industry’s Role in the Fight
Millions of people worldwide are impacted by human trafficking each year, with thousands of cases documented in the US alone. Trucking, one of the nation's most vital businesses, plays a crucial role in fighting this horrible crime. As we commemorate National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th, let's look at the problem in further detail, how it relates to the trucking industry, and what each of us can do to help.
The Scope of the Problem
As you may suspect, the U.S. is not exempt from the $150 billion global human trafficking industry. In 2022 alone, over 10,000 cases were documented in the U.S., while the real numbers are likely significantly higher owing to underreporting. Traffickers commonly take advantage of transportation networks, such as freight routes, and victims are usually coerced, deceived, or downright forced into labor or commercial sex.
Sadly, truck stops and rest areas along highways can turn into hubs for human trafficking. With more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, this workforce has the exceptional capacity to act as the eyes and ears on the road, assisting in the detection and reporting of concerning activities.
Vigilance is Key - Red Flags to Watch For
The first step in stopping human trafficking is raising awareness. Dispatchers, truck drivers, and other logistics professionals should watch out for these typical indicators of human trafficking:
1.???? Visible Distress: People who seem scared, confused, or unable to speak for themselves are said to be in visible distress.
2.???? Unusual Behavior: Individuals who appear to have predetermined responses to questions, lack identification, or are unsure of their current location.
3.???? Battered Physical State: A person may be detained against their will if they exhibit physical bruises (and/or cuts, wounds, etc.…), malnourishment (e.g., extremely low in body fat), or a lack of personal items (e.g., missing shoes, wallets).
4.???? Controlled Movement: When someone is under severe supervision or control, including having limited communication options, it is a good indicator that they are being held against their will.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to act. Contact the local authorities immediately and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (or text “INFO” to 233733).
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How Truckers Are Making a Difference
In the battle against human trafficking, the trucking industry is already taking the initiative. Hundreds of thousands of drivers have received education and training from groups like as Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), which has prepared them to identify and report suspicious activity. Today, TAT has trained approximately 2 million people on how to recognize and report human trafficking.
Truck drivers have the power to save lives from human trafficking rings. For instance, a truck driver in Virginia spotted a distressed woman at a rest stop and called the local sheriff, leading to the then 20-year-old’s rescue and the arrest and sentencing of her traffickers (sentenced to 40 and 42 years in prison, respectively). After being lured from her Iowa home, the woman was detained against her will and endured a horrifying ordeal that included forced prostitution, sexual assault, and torture. Heroic stories like this highlight how trucker vigilance can make a positive impact.
What You Can Do
Whether you're a driver, a dispatcher, or a logistics team member, there are various ways you can participate in the ongoing fight against human trafficking:
Safety is Our Priority
Our goal at Compass Logistics is to make communities safer both on and off the road. Everyone working in the logistics and transportation industries has a year-round obligation to raise awareness of human trafficking. By working together, we can turn our roads into a dangerous place for traffickers and a safer place for everyone else.
On this National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, let's consider the value of being attentive and the strength of group efforts. Through collaboration, the transportation industry can collectively help push this crime into oblivion, where it belongs.