Here are the human trafficking red flags that truckers need to know

Truckers are a hugely valuable resource in identifying and stopping human trafficking. Here are some human trafficking red flags that truckers need to know.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking “involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Human trafficking victims include men, women, and children of any race or age.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to raise awareness about what truckers should look out for while they’re at locations like truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, motels, and private residences.

The group Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) lists several warning signs or red flags that might indicate human trafficking. Check them out below.

• Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts; not in control of ID/passport
• Restricted or controlled communication – not allowed to speak for self
• CB chatter about “commercial company” or flashing lights signaling “buyer” location
• Acknowledgment of a pimp and making a quota
• A van or RV that seems out of place out by trucks; a vehicle dropping someone off at a truck and picking them up 15-20 minutes later
• Branding or tattoos signifying ownership

If you see what you suspect could be human trafficking, TAT says that you should not approach the suspected traffickers because this puts you and the victim in danger. Instead, you should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888. If you witness a crime being committed, you should call 911.