Human trafficking is a widespread criminal industry. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2023, over 30,000 human-trafficking alerts were received in the U.S. However, this pervasive problem is believed to be vastly underreported. The actual number of trafficking incidents occurring every year is estimated to be much higher.

Landstar recognizes the importance of this issue and how professional truck drivers are the eyes and ears of the nation's highways. Since many victims are found near major roadways and places of transience like truck stops, owner-operators can be crucial allies.

Because truck drivers are a valuable asset in this fight, Landstar works with its Business Capacity Owners (BCOs) to help end modern slavery. Landstar's orientation for owner-operators includes information on human trafficking and has currently helped certify over 3,650 of our BCOs as trained drivers with the nonprofit, Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).

In addition to being a proud corporate sponsor of TAT, Landstar has signed the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) pledge. This pledge calls on leaders in the transportation industry to commit to employee education, raising public awareness and measuring the collective impact to end human trafficking. 

During Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, new materials from TAT were distributed so owner-operators visiting Field Operations Centers can receive information throughout the year about TAT and download TAT's free mobile app to assist in reporting human trafficking.

While it is important to recognize the signs, it's also essential to follow the correct channels for reporting potential trafficking incidents. TAT asks drivers to alert law enforcement if dangerous or suspicious behavior occurs. Approaching traffickers is hazardous for victims and those reporting. Additionally, getting too involved could lead to issues in the eventual prosecution of traffickers.

Here are some tips on reporting human trafficking:

• Call law enforcement and report "human trafficking.” Do not say "prostitution."
• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
• Submit a tip online through the anonymous online reporting form at humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

To learn more about how to spot potential victims, become certified as a TAT-Trained Driver.