Human Trafficking Awareness Day Q&A

Human trafficking is an international issue the United States Department of Justice defines as “a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts.” As one of the largest professions in the U.S. with over 1.3 million licensed professionals on the road, truck drivers have the greatest chance of witnessing and helping prevent human trafficking.

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, CPC Logistics Senior Operations and Safety Manager Isaac Harmon answered several important questions to help raise awareness and provide insights on how truck drivers can help.

Q: How can truck drivers identify a victim of human trafficking?

A: Truck drivers can be on alert for unusual behavior, typically from young boys and girls or groups, in commercial or populated parking lots as well as truck stops. Unusual behavior can include:

• Going from vehicle to vehicle offering companionship
• Hanging out around the shower station alone or entering the shower with someone
• Being dressed provocatively but acting nervous, shy or paranoid
• Showing visible signs of abuse such as bruises or cuts on the arms, wrists, legs or ankles from restraints or tight grips

There are good resources available through Truckers Against Trafficking and government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security that provide lists of red flags truck drivers can watch for.

Q: What can drivers do when they have suspicions about a situation?

A: Drivers can report suspicious activity through the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. They can anonymously provide as much detail as possible to agents who are on duty 24/7. The best details to include are:

• Date and time
• Location
• Vehicle make and model
• License plate number (even a partial plate number) and license state
• Physical characteristics of the people involved

Read more insights from Isaac on our blog.