According to numbers released by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), 56 jurisdictions throughout North America participated in this year’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, which is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual human trafficking education, outreach, prevention and awareness effort focused on the commercial motor vehicle transportation community.
For this initiative, law enforcement agencies and the motor carrier industry in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. educated commercial motor vehicle drivers, large- and small-fleet safety managers, owner-operators, and members of the public about recognizing human trafficking indicators and reporting suspected human trafficking incidents.
Law enforcement jurisdictions, motor carriers, and transportation safety organizations in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. reported their human trafficking awareness activities to the Alliance.
According to the statistics released this week, 638 media contacts were made, and there were 85 social media posts as well as 244 presentations delivered and 99 public events held.
Also, 37,642 wallet cards, 14,857 window decals, 6,555 brochures and 15,130 posters were distributed, and 968 posters were placed in various locations.
Additionally, 8,425 public officials received materials electronically and 9,274 individuals received outreach training as well as 9,375 Level I Inspections, 14,376 Level II Inspections and 15,067 Level III inspections were conducted.
There were also 1,035 commercial motor vehicles with passengers were inspected, 1,671 authorized passengers were documented and 42 unauthorized passengers were identified.
In addition, human trafficking public service announcement (PSA) videos aired during commercial breaks of Paramount/CBS streaming television shows and movies on Pluto TV, Paramount+, EYEQ Local and Paramount/CBS Spanish-language channels. Combined, those PSAs yielded more than 15 million impressions.
“Commercial motor vehicle drivers and inspectors are uniquely positioned to serve as frontline identifiers of human trafficking because of the nature and scope of their work,” the release stated. “Professional drivers travel extensively through highways, truck stops, rest areas, border crossings, and urban and rural communities, giving them frequent visibility into situations that may indicate exploitation or trafficking activity.”
Commercial motor vehicle inspectors and law enforcement personnel interact directly with drivers, passengers and members of the public during roadside inspections and enforcement activities, providing additional opportunities to recognize warning signs. With proper training, these transportation professionals can identify suspicious behavior, recognize indicators and report concerns to the appropriate authorities, helping protect victims and support efforts to combat human trafficking.
Some examples of this year’s human trafficking outreach, awareness and educational activities include:
In New Brunswick, TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) training modules were required for highway safety officers and new recruits. Officers also collaborated with local law enforcement agencies, crime stoppers, hotels, fueling stations and First Nations communities to expand awareness throughout the province.
New Hampshire State Police included anti-human trafficking messaging and hotline information on inspection reports, encouraging drivers to report suspected trafficking activity.
In New York, transportation officials and Port Authority Police personnel conducted outreach operations at airports, bus terminals and commercial transportation hubs, distributing educational materials to drivers, ticketing agents and transportation staff. New York also released a human trafficking awareness podcast and conducted legislative briefings.
The Oregon Department of Transportation generated widespread media coverage throughout Human Trafficking Prevention Month, partnering with media outlets and trucking stakeholders to educate drivers and the public on recognizing indicators and reporting human trafficking suspicions.
Mexico implemented a coordinated prevention strategy focused on training, monitoring and institutional collaboration throughout the federal motor transport sector. Training centers, verification units, federal centers, bus terminals and supervision areas participated in the initiative to improve risk detection and expand preventive outreach. The effort included collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission to distribute informational materials in bus terminals across the country.
Outreach teams in Hawaii visited rural communities and college campuses to educate residents and students about human trafficking warning signs and the emergency hand signal for help.
A statewide press conference was held in Nebraska alongside the governor and state patrol leadership. Legislation was also introduced requiring human trafficking awareness education for new commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants.
In Idaho, new CDL holders attending truck driver training programs received human trafficking awareness education and prevention materials.
“Human trafficking remains a serious public safety and human rights issue,” the release stated. “Commercial motor vehicle inspectors, law enforcement officers, professional drivers and transportation personnel continue to serve as critical partners in recognizing suspicious activity and helping victims access assistance.”
If you suspect someone is in a human trafficking situation or you are the victim of human trafficking, call the following number in your country:
U.S. – 888-373-7888
Canada – 833-900-1010
Mexico – 800-5533-000
CVSA’s Human Trafficking Prevention Program seeks to eliminate the crime of human trafficking through coordinated enforcement and investigations and educational awareness. The Alliance’s commitment to human trafficking prevention does not stop when the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative ends. CVSA offers free resources, outreach materials and more all year long.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
