Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT)
https://www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org/
A few weeks ago, I happened to find an article about a truck driver who rescued young girls enslaved in human trafficking at a truck stop. This led me to discover the organization Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). It is a very active organization designed to train members of the trucking industry as well as individual truckers to recognize the signs where human trafficking is taking place. It is heartening to know that millions of truckers on the road are joining the fight against this underground criminal industry. A representative for TAT was quoted as saying, “Those in the trucking industry are in a unique position because the traffickers are transient and often stop at truck stops.” Indeed through spreading awareness, truckers have rescued countless victims.
TAT educates truckers to recognize the signs where trafficking may be taking place. These include the following:
- CB chatter about quotas
- Unaccompanied minors
- Minors looking fearful
- Signs of branding
TAT advises people to ask these minors the following questions:
- “Are you traveling by yourself?”
- “Who are you traveling with?”
- “When is the last time you saw your family?”
- “Do you get to keep part of the money?”
The average age of these girls is only 13-15, and everyone should do their part to lend a hand in rescuing these trapped young girls. If you suspect this is happening, the hotline number is 888-3737-888 or you can text BE FREE (233733). REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE IT. IF YOU’RE WRONG, THAT’S OK. TAT cautions people not to try to save the girls themselves because this could be dangerous.As a spokesperson for TAT put it, “Trucking and law enforcement are working together to put these guys out of business.”
