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Every year, millions of men, women, and children are held against their will and trafficked into forced labor and commercial sex. While on your roads, you could be the key to their freedom.
Access Campaign Resources
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) "Your Roads, Their Freedom" campaign seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking in the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry. This effort aims to educate and empower CMV drivers and other transportation-industry employees to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report the crime to authorities.
Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or a commercial sex act. All commercial sex involving a minor is legally considered human trafficking, regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
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Don't overlook human trafficking victims on your roads - learn the signs to stay aware and prepared.
Want to know more about what FMCSA is doing to prevent human trafficking? Read about it here.
Still have questions? Learn more about human trafficking by reading others' frequently asked questions.
Commercial motor vehicle professionals like you are on the front lines in the fight against human trafficking. You might be able to spot the signs of this crime during your time on the job, since human traffickers often use bus stations, truck stops, rest areas, and travel centers to recruit and move victims.
Be willing to take a second look, trust your instincts, and make the confidential call or text. Real-time reports help local authorities intervene quicker. Some people tend not to report over the fear of being wrong—that should never be considered.
If you see (or suspect) any indicators of human trafficking, assess the situation.Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker or engage with a victim.Instead, please contact local law enforcement directly.Report to:
- 9-1-1, if someone is in immediate danger.
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline.(Línea Directa Nacional de Trata de Personas)
- Call 888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).(Texto 233733 o BEFREE)
- This hotline is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The hotline is operated by a nongovernmental organization funded by the federal government; it is not a law enforcement or immigration authority.
- Your company/organization.
- Follow your company’s reporting policy if they have one in place.
When describing the suspected human trafficking situation, describe specifically what you observed, including:
- Whoorwhatyou saw (physical identifiers, nicknames overheard).
- Whenyou saw it (date and time).
- Whereit occurred (where you noticed the suspicious activity and any movement, if applicable).
Quickly recognize and know how to report suspected human trafficking situations.
Spread the message on how to recognize and report human trafficking.
Post digital graphics on social media to help raise awareness of this crime.
Share a one-pager of campaign information with your community.
Learn more from FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson about actions you can take to help combat this crime during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and throughout the year.
- REGULATIONS AND LAWS
Learn about laws and FMCSA rules developed to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking crimes.
- LEARN HOW DOT IS COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Learn more about efforts Department-wide to combat this heinous crime.
- TRANSPORTATION LEADERS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Learn about the DOT initiative comprised of transportation and travel industry stakeholders working jointly to maximize their collective impact in combating human trafficking.
- COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT AWARD
Learn about the Department's annual $50,000 award aiming to incentivize individuals and entities to think creatively in developing innovative solutions to combat human trafficking in the transportation industry.
