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3SIX5 Logistics is proud to launch a new effort, aimed at getting more truck drivers involved in the fight to eliminate human trafficking activity from the U.S. transportation industry; an effort dubbed the “Man to Man Campaign.”

Since the inception of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) in 2009, more truckers and trucking companies are getting involved in the work to end human trafficking. An industry training program, designed specifically for truckers and truck-stop employees, is at the core of TAT’s work.

All of our drivers are trained to be prepared while driving, nationally. So far, more than 453,000 people have completed the program and 3SIX5 Logistics is proud to do our part, with our national team of drivers, in the fight against human trafficking.

What’s more, lawmakers are recognizing the value of the trucking industry, in the fight against human trafficking. Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, Washington and Kansas now use TAT training as part of the curriculum for licensing either entry-level or all commercial drivers in their states. 3SIX5 Logistics believes the core of our integrity is possible through participation of this humane initiative.

This crime can take place at any location, but it is not uncommon at truck stops and welcome centers, which can be isolated from the broader community and serve transient customers, according to the Polaris Project, which works to eradicate modern slavery. These secluded locations also make it difficult for victims to escape. That’s where truckers can help.

Truckers to the Rescue

Simply knowing the signs of human trafficking can make all the difference. Truckers should be on the lookout for warning signs, trust their gut and jot down notes, such as descriptions of vehicles and people; specific dates and times; and the address when something looks suspicious.

Specific red flags that likely signal a human trafficking case include:

• Any minor who appears to be engaged in the commercial sex trade.
• Anybody who appears to be under the control of a pimp, regardless of that person’s age or gender.
• Signs of branding or tattooing of the trafficker’s name, often on the neck.
• Indications of other abuse or drug addiction.

Once truckers have recognized the signs and identified a potential victim, time is of the essence. Truckers should immediately notify the truck stop manager and call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is staffed 24/7 with trained operators who can relay information to local law enforcement and look for trends to turn over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Truckers also can call 911.

In nearly a decade, the hotline has received more than 1,830 calls specifically from people who identified themselves as truck drivers. Those calls uncovered 525 likely cases of human trafficking that involved 972 victims. About a third of those victims were minors.

But, ultimately, the biggest heroes in this fight will be the truckers.