In this interview, Jason Spiess and Shawn Forbes are joined by Ashley Smith, Truckers Against Trafficking, who was exhibiting at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, ND.
Ashley gives an overview of what Truckers Against Trafficking is and why she is at the oil and gas conference.
The three also dive into the issue of trafficking. From border security to the domestic issues, no question or vein is off limits when discussing this important issue.
Ashley gives signs to look for, stats to understand and who to call for help.
Prevention and education are reoccurring themes throughout the interview. For example, when discussing “Johns”, Ashley points out the traditional pop culture version is rarely the reality. Most likely it is a woman or an ex-military person running the show. Female “Johns” can be called “Joans” or “Jos”.
Furthermore, the discussion goes deeper into the issue of white collar targets at sporting events, trade shows and professional networking events.
The idea of the “lot lizard” and “business escorts” are compared and contrasted.
The three transition into “trucker’s wisdom” and how a trucking trade show differs from oil and gas. And surprisingly, according to Ashley, the Trucker’s Trade Show are often bigger than the oil shows which have a 150-foot tall well pad out in the parking lot and semi’s on display.
Human trafficking is a pervasive global issue, and the trucking industry has become an unexpected yet crucial ally in combating it. Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), a nonprofit organization, has mobilized professional truck drivers, industry stakeholders, and transportation professionals to fight against human trafficking.
Truck drivers are uniquely positioned to act as the "eyes and ears" of highways, rest stops, and communities—locations where trafficking activity often occurs. With millions of truckers traversing roads daily, their vigilance can lead to the identification and rescue of trafficking victims. TAT trains drivers to recognize red flags, such as signs of coercion, abuse, or suspicious behavior in places they frequent, such as truck stops and rest areas.
Since its inception, TAT has developed training programs to educate drivers about identifying human trafficking and reporting it safely and effectively. These programs often include real-life scenarios and a focus on late-night vigilance when trafficking incidents are more likely to occur. By engaging trucking companies, schools, and associations, TAT has ensured the industry's widespread involvement.
TAT's efforts have already led to significant results. Truckers' reports have contributed to numerous rescues and the disruption of trafficking networks. This demonstrates the power of an informed and proactive community within the transportation sector.
Truckers Against Trafficking exemplifies how grassroots initiatives and industry-specific training can address complex societal issues. By empowering individuals within the trucking industry, TAT continues to inspire broader efforts to combat human trafficking, showing that awareness and action can save lives.
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, observed every January, serves as a critical period to raise awareness and enhance efforts to combat this grave violation of human rights.
(Interview from 2021)
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