How to spot trafficking in trucking industry

At the end of the month is the premiere of the film “Paradise Highway”, that tells about an important problem in the trucking industry – human trafficking.

On the wave of popularity, it is worth paying special attention to the kidnapping and the involvement of truck drivers in it. It is even more important to find ways to stop these terrible actions.

How to detect that there is a person or several people in the trailer? Below are some tip.

1.Strange movement in a truck stop

Tractors with trailers come and go to truck stops at any time of the day. But when cars pull up and a few people – usually girls – jump out of the car and start walking from truck to truck, it’s a sign of trouble. The same can be said if the vehicle drops someone at the truck and picks them up 15-20 minutes later.

2.Knock CB and flashers

Pimps need clients, and one way they advertise is through CB chatter that refers to a “commercial company.” Vehicles will also flash their headlights to signal the location of the “buyer”.

3.Signs of control

Victims of human trafficking are under tight control. Watch out for people who don’t seem to carry any identification, are not allowed to speak for themselves, or seem to know nothing about their location. They may also wear clothes that are out of season.

4. Homes and businesses with unusual security measures

Locks and security cameras are common wherever shipments are made, but traffickers often take unusual security measures to hide their activities.

Watch out for barred or covered windows, barbed wire, outdoor cameras spanning multiple corners, and buildings with alleyway entrances, especially if such measures seem out of place in their surroundings.

5.Physical signs of human trafficking

Victims can sometimes be identified by physical signs, such as tattoos indicating “belonging” to a particular trafficker, as well as bruises. They may also show signs of distress, crying, or fear of those around them.

An immediate danger or a crime in progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. But do not approach traffickers directly. This can be very dangerous for you and for the victims.

For more information, call the Canada Trafficking in Persons Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.