CVSA Human Trafficking Awareness Week Initiative 2023

Truckers spend a lot of time on the road and at truck stops. And unfortunately, highways and rest areas are often used for nefarious purposes like human trafficking.

As members of the trucking industry, we all have a responsibility to protect others on the road with us. That’s why our team at National Transportation Consultants (NTCI) has partnered with The Indiana Motor Trucking Association (IMTA) and Indiana State Police – Motor Carrier Division to raise awareness of human trafficking and equip truckers to recognize and report suspicious activity.

The week of January 9 – 13, 2023, was National Truckers Against Trafficking Week. Hundreds of events were held to raise awareness about the dangers and realities of human trafficking. Across the country, throughout the year T.A.T. events continue to spread the word.

On March 2nd, The Indiana T.A.T. partnership of; The Indiana Motor Trucking Association (IMTA), Indiana State Police – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED), and National Transportation Consultants (NTCI) will continue the task of raising awareness of human trafficking. Trafficking happens year-round and these partners want to ensure truckers are equipped to recognize and report suspicious activity. As members of the trucking industry, we all have a responsibility to protect others on the road with us.

Join us online March 2nd, 2023 from 10 am – 11:30 am EST for a free awareness session on human trafficking hosted by the IMTA.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery

Human trafficking is exploitation, and it’s illegal. It involves forcing victims to work or provide commercial sex against their wills and for the profit of someone else. Victims are isolated and often abused, and they can’t escape on their own.

There are an estimated 40 million human trafficking victims worldwide. Anyone of any age, race, or gender can be trafficked, but certain factors put some people at greater risk.

Trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry. It happens in every state across the country. And traffickers prey on vulnerable populations.

81% of labor trafficking victims and 89% of sex trafficking victims are trafficked by someone they know. 99% of sex trafficking victims are women and children.

Do your part to combat human trafficking

Unfortunately, truck stops and rest areas are some of the most common places where illegal trafficking activities take place. Traffickers regularly move their victims from place to place, and truck stops are located in some of the most remote areas of the country.

You have the opportunity to assist law enforcement by learning to recognize the signs of human trafficking and reporting suspicious behavior when you see it. 

Learn the signs of human trafficking

When you are on the road and at truck stops, look out for people who:

• Don’t carry their own ID
• Don’t seem to know where they are
• Seem nervous or restricted in conversation
• Park RVs or passenger cars in the truck lot to drop off or pick up others (usually women or girls)
• Look underage
• Mention “daddies,” “pimps,” or “meeting quotas”
• Show signs of bruising or abuse

Listen for CB radio chatter containing common trafficking slang. Watch for common signals from other drivers, like flashing their lights in a pattern or displaying stickers in their windows.

Take action against human trafficking

If you see something suspicious, report it. Call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Be prepared to give your location and a description of the incident, people, and/or vehicles involved.

You should never approach suspected traffickers or victims yourself. Instead, contact law enforcement and let them investigate.

For more information, you can attend the information session on human trafficking. You can also explore human trafficking prevention resources available on the CVSA website.