Las Vegas. The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) is asking member fleets to educate their drivers on spotting and reporting human trafficking activities they might witness while traveling on American highways and roads.
The association announced at the opening of its 2012 annual conference that it is endorsing training materials and methods developed by Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). The group has developed a driver’s training DVD and maintains a hotline for drivers who spot specious activity.
Dan England, outgoing ATA chairman and chairman of C. R. England, called truck drivers “the eyes and ears on the road” to help combat the exploitation of minors and others in what he said has become a $32 billion business. “With this knowledge and guidance, [drivers] can make a big difference and save lives.”
England’s fleet has incorporated the TAT materials in its driver training for some time, teaching them what to look for if they suspect a human trafficking incident and how to report any suspicions to law enforcement.
Joining England in announcing the new ATA/TAT partnership, Kendis Paris, TAT national director, urged drivers to become “modern-day abolishionist” in their effort to rescue minors from the sex trade.
About the Author
Jim Mele
Jim Mele is a former longtime editor-in-chief of FleetOwner. He joined the magazine in 1986 and served as chief editor from 1999 to 2017.