Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is dedicated to educating, equipping, empowering and mobilizing the trucking and travel plaza industry to spot and combat domestic sex trafficking. On April 18, Arkansas’ Governor Asa Hutchinson signed Act 922, which requires TAT training for all Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders in Arkansas.

According to TAT, it can be challenging to know actual numbers due to secrecy and lack of reporting. However, there are an estimated 20.9 million slaves around the world. In the United States, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states. Because truckers are in a unique position to spot potential crimes on our nation’s roadways and while stopping in travel plazas and hotels – locations where trafficking is likely – TAT’s goal is to spread knowledge of the problem and equip those in the trucking industry with resources to help.

Kendis Paris, TAT Executive Director, hopes everyone recognizes the severity of sex trafficking of women and children on our nation’s highways. “It is imperative that critical populations that often intersect with victims understand what they’re looking at and know how to report it effectively. Even though TAT has been in existence since 2009, and our partnerships continue to grow, there are still many professional drivers who have not received training in regards to recognizing and reporting human trafficking situations,” said Paris.

“Therefore, we are deeply appreciative that the Arkansas Trucking Association, Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Legislature have seen fit to take the lead and create a training infrastructure that will enable drivers from their state to play an active role in combating domestic sex trafficking.”

HELP Inc. is a proud Gold Level sponsor of TAT.