
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and we are proud to reaffirm that Transport Services stands united in the fight against human trafficking. Transport Services has signed the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) Pledge, joining a sustained U.S. Department of Transportation initiative dedicated to combating human trafficking through increased education and public awareness.
The DOT’s initiative brings together transportation and travel industry stakeholders working jointly to maximize their collective impact. The partnership focuses on leadership, education and training, policy development, public awareness and outreach, and information sharing and analysis.
Human trafficking remains one of the greatest atrocities of the 21st century. While exact global totals are difficult to measure, millions of individuals continue to be exploited through forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation, and other coercive practices around the world. Stronger connections at home, in our workplaces, and across our communities are recognized as key protective factors in preventing trafficking and creating safer environments for everyone.
At the same time, U.S. data shows that human trafficking is not confined to distant borders—it happens here at home, too. From 2007 through 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received nearly 1.5 million “signals”(such as calls, texts, and online reports), identifying more than 108,000 potential human trafficking situations across the United States. In 2025 alone, thousands of hotline reports included indicators of possible trafficking situations, reflecting both the continuing prevalence and the importance of awareness and reporting.
Those committing this awful crime frequently exploit America’s roadways, railways, waterways, and skies to move victims and evade detection—which makes transportation professionals and travelers vital partners in prevention and reporting.
That’s why Transport Services is committed to supporting awareness and collaboration across the transportation sector. We are dedicated not only to preparing our own employees to recognize and report suspected instances, but also to helping raise awareness among the public about how everyday people can help make a difference.
What Awareness Looks Like in 2026
There are now more opportunities than ever to learn about and participate in anti-trafficking efforts:
• DOT’s TLAHT Awareness Campaign offers toolkits and materials tailored for different transportation modes, from aviation and bus to trucking and rail, to help you understand trafficking indicators and best practices.
• FMCSA’s “Your Roads, Their Freedom” campaign equips commercial drivers and industry personnel with practical resources like pocket cards, factsheets, and outreach tools in English and Spanish to help spot and report suspicious activity.
• The 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit, organized into weekly themes, is designed to help organizations and individuals share meaningful information and connect with others in prevention efforts throughout January.
• The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) hosts its annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (Jan. 12–16, 2026), focusing on education and outreach for drivers, carriers, law enforcement, and the public.
These tools make it easier than ever to contribute to broader awareness and prevention efforts in ways that fit your role, whether you’re on the road, in an office, or part of a community group.
Know the Signs and Respond
We invite you to join us in the fight to end human trafficking. Learning the indicators of human trafficking, such as signs of control, restricted movement, lack of personal identification, and unusual travel patterns, could help you recognize something that doesn’t “feel right.” Awareness is the first step, and your simple act of calling in a tip could save lives and help move us closer to a world without trafficking.
If you suspect human trafficking:
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National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (call or text)
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Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 1-866-347-2423
In an emergency: Call 911
These resources are available 24/7 and can connect you with support, guidance, and law enforcement assistance.
Helpful Resources
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Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) – Awareness materials tailored to transportation sectors
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FMCSA “Your Roads, Their Freedom” – Awareness and reporting tools for commercial drivers
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2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit – Outreach tools and weekly themes for awareness month
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National Human Trafficking Hotline – Confidential help and reporting anytime
