Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for commercial sex or forced labor. It does not require movement across borders and often occurs in ordinary locations, including private homes, hotels, agricultural fields, and workplaces. Any minor involved in a commercial sex act is automatically considered a victim.
Trafficking is prevalent in every state in the country. Victims may be forced to endure repeated assaults, manipulation, and psychological control. Many are recruited through relationships rather than abduction. According to Fry, 83 percent of identified survivors knew their trafficker, which highlights the manipulative tactics that often begin with trust or affection.
Traffickers rely on methods that shape compliance while overpowering their victims:
These tactics create invisible chains that can bind a victim more tightly than physical restraints.
Traffickers prey on vulnerabilities. Individuals who experience instability, isolation, or lack of support are targeted because they can be more easily controlled.
Common risk groups include:
These vulnerabilities are often intensified by poverty, discrimination, and fear of law enforcement. Fry notes that traffickers also frequently use the threat of deportation to manipulate undocumented victims, stating, “If I am playing A, B, and C for the financial welfare of my family back home, I will do whatever it takes not to get deported.
Trafficking can occur anywhere vulnerable people are present. Sex trafficking is found in hotels, city streets, illicit massage businesses, and residential neighborhoods. Labor trafficking spans industries such as agriculture, domestic work, hospitality, restaurants, administrative work, and even sectors not commonly associated with exploitation.
Large gatherings, including business conventions and major sporting events, create additional opportunities for traffickers to profit. During the upcoming World Cup, millions of visitors will move through host cities, increasing the potential for labor abuses and commercial sexual exploitation.
Because professional drivers travel extensively and observe activity in diverse locations, they are uniquely positioned to spot trafficking indicators. Drivers may notice unusual patterns such as:
Transportation professionals have made thousands of reports that resulted in victim recoveries and trafficker arrests. Over a five year period, 41 percent of cases reported by drivers involved minors.
Fry shares the story of Nikki, a young woman who escaped her trafficker by running to a truck stop. A manager named Charles noticed she was frightened and alone. He offered compassion, provided immediate safety, and contacted TAT. His calm support and one phone call helped her return home and rebuild her life.
Nikki later said, “His acts of kindness saved my life.”
Stories like this underline the tremendous impact that informed and attentive individuals can have.
Fry emphasizes that every person has the ability to contribute to the fight against trafficking. Steps to get involved include:
Fry stresses that law enforcement and hotline staff prefer a call that turns out to be incorrect rather than silence that leaves someone in danger.
The transportation industry has become a key force in combating human trafficking thanks to widespread training and growing awareness. More than 2.3 million people have completed TAT training, and countless victims have been identified and assisted because individuals chose to speak up. The work continues, and every trained person expands the network of eyes and ears able to recognize exploitation.
Human trafficking thrives in silence, but awareness and action push back against that silence. As Fry says, the ability to help is within reach. With education, vigilance, and compassion, more lives can be protected and more victims can find the path to freedom.
To view this webinar featuring TAT, WIT members can visit the On-Demand Webinars page.
Not a WIT Member? Join now to view this webinar.
As a member of the Women In Trucking Association, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More