The “Traffic” We Don’t Always See
“Human Trafficking” is a phrase we all can find difficult to hear, but the ongoing issue continues to be ever growing in our world. The very topic itself is being brought to light in a fight to end the trafficking of men, woman and children across all industries. Especially as one particular industry, “Trucking” stands to fight this issue for the long the haul.
Awareness is the first step to fighting this issue. According to the International Labor Organization, “They have currently estimated over 25 million of human trafficking victims worldwide.” A number that is staggering to say the least, each victim with a name and heartbeat. The organization that runs the national hotline for human trafficking in the United States, Polaris, stated “Human Trafficking is a $150 billion a year global industry and can’t be fully addressed without businesses taking active and effective measures to reduce the potential for exploitation within their own systems.” In order to take strides forward we see movement increasing in the media and the white house prevent continuation of the industry.
Earlier this year, the White House took additional steps forward with the President getting into the fight with an executive order to stand against human trafficking and child exploitation. All sectors are getting on board to not let the world continue to see this issue grow.
Today it is not always a “Traffic” that we see or know what to look for, but that is why organizations such as, “Truckers Against Trafficking(TAT)” are bringing the training to the truckers out on the road as an army of eyes dedicated to fighting this issue. Since 2007 they have brought the fight to front lines with support of sponsors such as Amazon, UPS and even insurance company Great West Casualty Company whom we are appointed with.
Tools that have been found to be useful in the everyday truck industry are showing to have strength in the cause as well. Truckers Against Trafficking even has an app for electronic log devices to help retrieve additional data out on the road. Another helpful tool that not only helps in the event of a claim is Dash Cams. Having footage of suspected “Human Trafficking” operations or situations can be used to assist authorities in their efforts of catching these perpetrators.
The Organization has identified 1,278 victims and has trained 933,437 as registered TAT advocates. The mission is to assist law enforcement in the recovery of victims and arrest their perpetrators. Truckers Against Trafficking have a provided an online mobile training so we can all become certified in identifying “Human Trafficking” while on the road. This is a direct link https://education.truckersagainsttrafficking.org/ to the organization’s website to get TAT certified. At no cost the organization hopes to continue with prevention and awareness with the issue. We all can make a difference and our Truckers out on the road are showing that they can be a huge help.
The key take away is that there is no one situation that looks the same, but hopefully with key indicators we all can continue to make a difference with eyes open and phones ready to make that call to help someone in need. The website for Truckers Against Trafficking also contains additional materials for assisting efforts such as wallet cards, training videos and contacts for help!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and know that you can make a difference out on road. RJS Insurance Services, Inc. stands against Human Trafficking. Should you run across any situation that you might suspect of human Trafficking please report at the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or local law enforcement to report your tip. Time is of the essence so please do not wait, you could be involved in saving a life today.
