Like every other toddler, my son sees trucks and other vehicles on the road as fascinating and a source of excitement. Whether it’s a massive 18-wheeler roaring by or a delivery truck stopping at the house, he would wave frantically, hoping to catch the driver’s attention.
Whenever I watch him wave, I’m reminded that truck drivers see more than just friendly faces on the road. From their high vantage point, they witness the world in a way many of us don’t.
Truck drivers and truck stop employees have become key players in the fight against human trafficking. Many companies have trained their frontline employees to spot signs of trafficking, and new apps are being developed to assist them.
Last week, Trucker Path’s app, which was primarily developed to look for truck parking spot availability, added features to help combat human trafficking.
Trucker Path
With its partnership with TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking), the app includes a function for the human trafficking hotline within the app so truckers who witness suspicious activity can call for help.
“The opportunity that frontline employees have, particularly truck drivers and truck stop employees, is just immense in helping to recognize potential victims, potential human trafficking cases, and report those to the authority,” said Ester Goetsch, TAT executive director. The app harnesses its community to fight the crime that relies heavily on transportation.
At the same time, the industry isn’t shy about its growing efforts to support the victims of human trafficking, especially children. Kristy Knichel, Sharon Siar and Nicole Glenn, founders of three transportation companies, recently came together to launch Gift of Freedom, a nonprofit organization that offers free, direct access to counseling for young survivors of human trafficking.
Starting in Texas, the organization offers funding and counseling services through Texas human trafficking shelters and prevention organizations. They also partner with similar organizations, such as child advocacy groups, family law attorneys, and social workers. Currently, over 40,000 children are assisted, of which 75% are victims of sexual assault.
Every industry has its bad actors, but I think it’s important to take notice and support such notable initiatives. While the trucking industry keeps our economy moving, it’s also worth applauding its efforts to take an active approach to trafficking prevention and recovery.
