CVSA Reports 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Results

CVSA Releases Results of 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the results of its 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, a North America-wide effort aimed at educating truck drivers, law enforcement officers, motor carriers, and transportation professionals about recognizing and reporting human trafficking.

According to CVSA, 56 jurisdictions across the United States, Canada, and Mexico participated in this year’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. The program focused on education, outreach, prevention, and awareness within the commercial transportation industry.

The initiative highlights the important role professional truck drivers can play in helping identify potential human trafficking situations while traveling the nation’s highways and visiting truck stops, rest areas, border crossings, and other transportation hubs.

Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative Reached Thousands Across North America

CVSA reported significant participation during the 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative.

During the campaign, participating agencies and organizations made 638 media contacts and published 85 social media posts. A total of 244 presentations and 99 public events were conducted throughout North America.

Educational materials distributed included:

• 37,642 wallet cards
• 14,857 window decals
• 6,555 brochures
• 15,130 posters
• 968 posters placed in public locations

In addition, 8,425 public officials received educational materials electronically, while 9,274 individuals participated in outreach training programs.

The initiative also expanded its public awareness efforts through television and streaming platforms. Human trafficking public service announcements aired during commercial breaks on Pluto TV, Paramount+, EYEQ Local, and Paramount/CBS Spanish-language channels, generating more than 15 million impressions.

Thousands of Commercial Vehicle Inspections Conducted During Human Trafficking Awareness

As part of the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, law enforcement agencies conducted thousands of commercial vehicle inspections.

CVSA reported that inspectors completed:

• 9,375 Level I Inspections
• 14,376 Level II Inspections
• 15,067 Level III Inspections

Inspectors also examined 1,035 commercial motor vehicles carrying passengers. During those inspections, officials documented 1,671 authorized passengers and identified 42 unauthorized passengers.

While the initiative is primarily focused on education and awareness, inspections provide additional opportunities for law enforcement personnel to identify suspicious situations and potential trafficking indicators.

Why Truck Drivers Are Important Partners

CVSA emphasized that commercial motor vehicle drivers are uniquely positioned to help combat human trafficking because of the nature of their work.

Professional drivers regularly travel through areas where trafficking activity may occur, including truck stops, rest areas, fuel stations, border crossings, and transportation hubs. Their visibility across both urban and rural communities can help them recognize situations that may otherwise go unnoticed.

With proper training, drivers can learn to identify warning signs, recognize suspicious behavior, and report concerns to the appropriate authorities.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative continues to promote education within the trucking industry so that drivers and transportation professionals can serve as additional eyes and ears in the fight against human trafficking.

States Expand Human Trafficking Training for Drivers

Several participating jurisdictions introduced new programs and outreach efforts during this year’s initiative.

In Nebraska, state officials held a press conference with the governor and state patrol leadership while supporting legislation that would require human trafficking awareness education for new CDL applicants.

Idaho provided human trafficking awareness training and prevention materials to new CDL holders attending truck driver training programs.

New Hampshire State Police added anti-human trafficking messages and hotline information directly to inspection reports, encouraging commercial drivers to report suspicious activity.

Other jurisdictions conducted outreach at airports, bus terminals, transportation centers, rural communities, colleges, and truck-related facilities to expand awareness among transportation workers and the public.

Reporting Suspected Human Trafficking

CVSA encourages anyone who suspects human trafficking or believes they may be a victim to contact the appropriate hotline.

Reporting numbers include:

• United States: 888-373-7888
• Canada: 833-900-1010
• Mexico: 800-5533-000

CVSA said its Human Trafficking Prevention Program operates year-round and provides free educational resources designed to help transportation professionals recognize and report potential trafficking situations.