An ongoing human trafficking awareness effort has placed added focus on Indiana truck stops and freight corridors this week, as law enforcement and industry partners work to share information directly within the commercial vehicle community.
From January 12 through January 16, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division partnered with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance as part of the annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. The initiative is taking place across North America during the same timeframe.
During the effort, Indiana State Police are engaging with commercial motor vehicle drivers during roadside inspections and other enforcement activities. Officers are distributing educational materials provided by TAT, formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking, to increase awareness and help identify potential signs of trafficking.
Why Transportation Corridors Matter
Human trafficking, as defined by the United Nations, involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or deception for profit. Transportation corridors often intersect with locations where trafficking activity can occur, including truck stops, rest areas, and other high-traffic facilities.
Commercial drivers are frequently present in these environments, placing them in a unique position to notice situations that may otherwise go unseen. More than 40 percent of cases reported by truck drivers involve minors, underscoring the importance of awareness within the industry.
Part of a Broader Prevention Program
The Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is one component of CVSA’s larger Human Trafficking Prevention Program. The program combines enforcement activity with education and outreach, aiming to reduce trafficking through consistent engagement across the commercial vehicle industry.
Training efforts tied to TAT continue to expand nationwide. Nearly 2.5 million trucking professionals have completed training through the organization, reflecting broad participation across carriers, drivers, and industry partners.
Awareness Beyond a Single Week
While the initiative is tied to a specific calendar window, participating agencies emphasize that awareness and reporting do not end when the week concludes. Materials distributed during inspections are intended to reinforce long-term recognition and encourage continued vigilance throughout the year.
The Indiana effort reflects how education, enforcement, and industry participation intersect in addressing human trafficking within the transportation network.
Source: WFFT
