CVSA Human Trafficking Awareness Is Now Underway for Truckers

CVSA Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative Underway in U.S.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has launched its 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI) in the United States. The five-day effort began on January 12 and runs through January 16. It brings law enforcement, motor carriers, safety groups, and commercial motor vehicle drivers together to focus on human trafficking. CVSA will gather outreach and training data this week and plans to share a report this summer.

Focus on Trucking Industry Awareness

The initiative aims to help the trucking industry recognize signs of trafficking on the road. CVSA notes that truck drivers and carriers travel long distances, stop in many locations, and work in places where signs of exploitation may appear. Because of this, they play an important role in spotting unusual behavior. Agencies across the country are taking part in education efforts and sending the results back to CVSA.

Training Supports Human Trafficking Prevention

CVSA offered training tools before the start of the campaign. These included webinars, articles, social media posts, radio interviews, and online training sessions. In addition, CVSA worked with TAT to share free wallet cards, posters, and window decals. These items show warning signs of human trafficking and explain how to report concerns.

A digital media campaign also supports this work. It features videos with a survivor, a truck driver, and a commercial enforcement officer. The videos are available in short and long formats, including a Spanish-language version. All versions can be downloaded and shared by agencies and carriers.

Human Trafficking Definitions and Ongoing Challenges

Human trafficking involves traffickers using force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or commercial sex. The U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report explains that the crime is often hidden. Many victims do not report abuse because they fear retaliation, lack resources, or feel they have no options. Because of this, it is difficult to collect complete data.

Even so, cases have been found in every state, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and U.S. territories. In 2022, law enforcement prosecuted 1,656 people for trafficking crimes, and 1,118 were convicted. These numbers highlight the scale of the problem and the need for continued awareness.

What To Do If You Suspect Trafficking

Truck drivers who see signs of human trafficking are urged to contact law enforcement right away by calling 911. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is also available at 888-373-7888. People may also text 233733 or use the online chat system. The hotline operates 24 hours a day and offers support in more than 200 languages.

CVSA encourages people to speak with their state commercial motor vehicle safety agency for more information on human trafficking efforts in their region.

North American Efforts to Fight Human Trafficking

CVSA members from Canada, Mexico, and the United States all take part in the HTAI. Each country follows its own schedule. Canada plans to hold its initiative February 23-27. Mexico will take part from March 16-20.

This annual effort is part of CVSA’s larger Human Trafficking Prevention Program. The program brings education, enforcement, investigation, and outreach together to reduce human trafficking across North America. It also strengthens cooperation between the trucking industry and public safety agencies.