Truck drivers know that human trafficking is a large problem that often goes on right next to them at truck stops. For something that involves gang-oriented or organized crime, one of the best weapons against the problem is a higher level of awareness. So why not start a bigger awareness program at the world’s busiest truck stop?
Iowa 80 Truckstop has joined forces with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to raise awareness about human trafficking among professional drivers and expand its employee training program with regard to this issue. Why do they think it’s important? Human trafficking is a $32-billion worldwide industry with more than 27 million people enslaved. It has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of victims in the United States is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.
The management of Iowa 80 Truckstop has taken a very studied approach to human trafficking and has concluded Iowa 80, as a prominent organization in the trucking industry, can play a pivotal role in the fight against this crime, commented Kendis Paris, TAT national director. We are thrilled to have them on board with TAT.
Truckers Against Trafficking has a free national hotline if truck drivers suspect human trafficking at 1-888-373-7888. CDL Life has also published a checklist of certain behaviors that should tip truck drivers off that someone is being trafficked against their will.
Find out more about how you can help at The Trucker.