VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2023

Human trafficking happens in our area, MoDOT and authorities want you to know how to spot it

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Missouri Department of Transportation and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department are taking part in a new human trafficking awareness initiative. “Human trafficking often involves our nation’s transportation systems, including Missouri’s roadways,” MSHP Col. Eric T. Olson said.

Ashley Moody encourages Floridians to join the fight against human trafficking

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted initiatives and tools for Floridians to learn about the signs and dangers of human trafficking, imploring them to join in the fight against human trafficking by learning how to spot and report suspicious activity.

Michigan State Police, truck drivers teaming up to fight human trafficking

Human trafficking is a real issue happening across the country. However, most people don’t notice it even when it’s happening right in front of them. "It’s one of those things that we know is out there. We know it’s prevalent, but yet, we’re still just scratching the surface of it," said Det. Scott Wieland with the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office.

Josh Holland, vice president of Dealer Operations for Bridgestone Truck Group, comes to Truckers Against Trafficking’s (TAT) board of directors with over 23 years of internal and external customer-facing leadership roles within the truck tire industry. Before coming to Bridgestone, he served as vice president of GCR Tires and director of National Operations at Speedco. For the last 19 years, Mr. Holland has spent his time at Bridgestone supporting individuals and teams, solving problems, building culture and enabling long-term success. In his current role at Bridgestone, he leads the Global Service Business Committee, is a lead mentor within the Bridgestone Women’s Initiative Network and is the current executive sponsor of Women in Trucking.

Josh Holland, TAT board member

“I am extremely excited to join the TAT board and contribute to such a great organization as well as further the partnership between Bridgestone and TAT in combating human trafficking,” remarked Mr. Holland. “Extending our collective reach to drive awareness that results in saving victims or potential victims from any form of trafficking is critical. I look forward to the work ahead!”

One of four Peoria CityLink buses wrapped with BOTL designs

During National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, Peoria CityLink, the public transit system for greater Peoria, Illinois, partnered with Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) to launch an awareness campaign using our victim-centered posters. The campaign included wrapping the exterior of four buses with BOTL's designs for the month, as well as hanging interior posters on all 51 buses in their fleet, which will stay posted year-round. Peoria CityLink has been training all new drivers with BOTL materials since 2020 and plans to train all 140 existing employees during their company-wide safety meetings this month.

"I think that it is important for our agency, and transit in general, to provide training to all employees regarding anti-trafficking," said Jason Culberson, CityLink's director of Safety & Training. "We are a large part of the communities that we serve, and if there is anything we can do to protect them, I think that we should take the necessary steps to do so. For someone running away from home or being brought into the world of trafficking, public transit is often one of the first modes of transportation they embark upon. By providing the necessary training to our employees to help recognize the signs of trafficking, we can hopefully remove that person from a dangerous situation before they are put in it."

An interior BOTL victim-centered poster in a Peoria CityLink bus

In November 2022, Amazon Transportation Services (ATS) renewed its commitment to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to raise awareness and educate ATS Middle Mile carriers and drivers on how to identify and report human trafficking in the U.S. To prepare for January's Human Trafficking Awareness Month and National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (January 11), multiple teams worked together to prepare educational materials for both internal and external audiences. As part of the campaign, Amazon sent internal Amazon emails with trafficking facts and the ask to wear blue on January 11, as well as sent multiple notifications to third-party carriers and drivers. Additionally, Amazon co-branded TAT posters that were posted at more than 400 Amazon fulfillment and sort centers, in driver lounges and by the guard shacks at the entrance of each yard.

Amazon team wearing blue for Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th. 

Amazon also recorded two podcasts - one with Liz Williamson, a trafficking survivor and TAT training specialist, and one with Louie Greek, a TAT trainer, to reinforce the awareness and provide insight into how they and their partners can empower themselves with the tools to recognize and report suspected human trafficking. Extending beyond Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Amazon will continue to provide materials both internally and externally to drive awareness. 

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is seeking nominations for the TAT Harriet Tubman Award presented by Protective Insurance, complete with a $2,500 check and a gala weekend at the Indy500. Is it someone in your company? Is it you? Is it someone you've heard about? Visit TAT's Harriet Tubman Award page for specifics on the nomination process.

TRUCKERS AGAINST TRAFFICKING