The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is inviting professionals across the transportation industry to take part in the national effort to combat human trafficking.
On Sept. 11, the department issued a public notice seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the DOT Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking.
Background on the Advisory Committee
The committee was created in 2018 under the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. Its role is to provide recommendations directly to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on how the transportation sector can better identify, prevent, and respond to human trafficking.
Every three years, the committee is required to submit a detailed report to the DOT. According to the department, these triennial reports include “recommendations for countering human trafficking, an assessment of best practices by transportation stakeholders and human trafficking violations involving commercial motor vehicles.”
The panel comprises 15 members representing diverse areas of expertise, including advocacy groups, law enforcement, and professionals from the trucking, bus, rail, aviation, maritime, and port industries.
Responsibilities for Committee Members
DOT outlined a range of expectations for Advisory Committee members, including:
- Active participation in deliberations
- Reviewing and analyzing complex materials
- Subcommittee contributions every month
- Preparing for meetings beyond scheduled sessions
- Collaborating with stakeholders
- Conducting research and drafting report content
- Turning specialized expertise into actionable recommendations
The full committee typically meets on a quarterly basis, while subcommittees meet monthly. Most meetings are held virtually unless otherwise required by law or approved by the secretary.
How to Submit a Nomination
Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by another person or organization. To be considered, each nomination package must include:
- The nominee’s name, title, and contact details
- A support letter from a company, union, trade association, or academic/nonprofit organization, outlining the nominee’s anti-trafficking expertise
- A short biography, including credentials, experience, and past service on advisory committees
- A statement affirming the nominee meets eligibility requirements
The deadline for submissions is October 14, 2025. Nominations should be filed through Regulations.gov under Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0898-000.
Source: Land Line Media
Image Source: transportation.gov
