Truckers Against Trafficking Partners with Missouri Agencies for Awareness Session Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) recently collaborated with Missouri state agencies to host an information session focused on human trafficking awareness. The event serves as preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring increased activity to highways and rest areas across the region.
This partnership underscores TAT’s ongoing efforts to equip professional drivers with the knowledge needed to identify and report human trafficking. Truck drivers frequently travel the same routes, rest stops, and truck stops where traffickers operate, positioning them as key observers on the nation’s roadways.
TAT was founded in 2009 based on the recognition that truck drivers encounter trafficking activities in their daily operations. Prior to the organization’s launch, the National Human Trafficking Hotline had received only three calls from truck drivers. Since then, TAT’s education programs have trained drivers to spot subtle indicators that might otherwise go unnoticed.
These programs emphasize practical training tailored for drivers. Participants learn to recognize signs of trafficking and understand how to report suspicions safely and effectively. The National Human Trafficking Hotline number, 888-373-7888, is a central resource promoted by TAT for drivers to use in reporting potential incidents.
In Colorado, TAT has launched an educational and awareness campaign targeting local truckers. This initiative aligns with broader industry efforts, including the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Human Trafficking Awareness Week. During this period, drivers receive guidance on integrating trafficking awareness into their routines.
CVSA highlights that traffickers exploit the same infrastructure drivers rely on daily—highways, rest areas, and truck stops. For professional drivers, incorporating human trafficking recognition into safety protocols represents a standard practice in modern fleet operations.
Recent media coverage has brought attention to TAT’s work. Denver7 anchor Shannon Ogden interviewed Jacob Kirkman, a representative from the organization, to discuss its training programs for truck drivers. Kirkman explained how TAT prepares drivers to combat trafficking encountered on the road.
The Missouri information session reflects TAT’s strategy of partnering with local agencies to address region-specific risks. With the 2026 World Cup expected to increase traffic volumes, such events aim to heighten vigilance among drivers who will navigate heightened activity along key routes.
TAT’s materials encourage fleets to post the National Human Trafficking Hotline number in driver break rooms and internal communications. This simple step ensures drivers have immediate access to reporting tools during their shifts.
Professional drivers play a vital role in these efforts due to their extensive time on the road. TAT’s training focuses on observable signs, such as unusual behavior at stops or inconsistencies in passenger interactions, without requiring drivers to intervene directly.
The organization’s impact is evident in the increased reporting from the trucking community post-2009. Drivers trained by TAT contribute to hotline calls that lead to investigations and rescues, demonstrating the value of their frontline perspective.
As awareness campaigns continue, including those tied to CVSA events, drivers are reminded that human trafficking occurs along the highways they travel every day. TAT’s partnerships, like the one in Missouri, extend this education to prepare for major events such as the World Cup.
For drivers seeking training resources, TAT provides programs designed specifically for the trucking industry. These sessions cover recognition, reporting, and the legal context, ensuring drivers can act confidently within their roles.
The Colorado campaign launch further expands TAT’s reach, bringing its expertise to drivers in that state. Combined with national initiatives, these efforts build a network of informed professionals monitoring roadways for trafficking signs.
In summary, TAT’s recent activities—from the Missouri session to Colorado’s campaign—reinforce the trucking industry’s commitment to awareness. Drivers equipped with this knowledge enhance road safety and support law enforcement in addressing a persistent issue on America’s highways.