Human Trafficking: What Truck Drivers Need to Watch for & How to Help

In the ongoing battle against human trafficking, the trucking industry and the individuals who are a part of it act as crucial ally. Professional drivers can act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement, providing critical information and contributing significantly to the dismantling of widespread trafficking networks. As a supporter of this fight, and in light of January being National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, here is a look into an instance of one professional driver who intercepted a human trafficking network, as well as a comprehensive list of red flags and insights on how you can make a difference in this fight. 

• Any time you see a minor engage in a commercial sex act
• Any time you believe you are witnessing someone under the control of a pimp, regardless of the age or gender of the victim
• If a passenger vehicle pulls into the truck parking area of a rest area or truck stop and multiple people (usually females) get out of the vehicle and begin going from truck to truck
• Any time you hear a suspected victim mentioning that he/she has to make a quota
• People that seem to have a lack of knowledge of their surroundings or area
• Someone that appears to have restricted or controlled communication or is unable to speak for her/himself
• Suspected victims that have signs of branding (tattooing that would indicate ownership of a particular trafficker)

• Descriptions of cars or trucks (make, model, color, license plate, truck and/ or USDOT number, etc.)
• Description of people (height, weight, hair color, eye color, age, etc.). Take a picture if you can.
• Specific times and dates of when you see the event in question take place
• Addresses and locations where suspicious activity took place

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