Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Guide
With 3.5 million truck drivers on U.S. roads, the trucking industry is uniquely positioned to combat human trafficking. Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) has trained over 1 million professionals to recognize and report signs of trafficking at truck stops. This guide covers everything you need to know about TAT, how to spot trafficking, and how to report it. Related: lot lizard glossary entry.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 | Text: 233733 (BEFREE)
O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years in trucking with commitment to anti-trafficking awareness and driver education
This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingTruckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Guide (2026)
About Truckers Against Trafficking
TAT was founded in 2009 with the mission of educating and mobilizing the trucking industry to combat human trafficking. The organization has achieved remarkable impact:
1 million+ trained — Over one million trucking professionals have completed TAT awareness training.
Thousands of reports — TAT-trained drivers have generated thousands of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, leading to victim identification and arrests.
Industry partnerships — TAT works with the ATA, major carriers (J.B. Hunt, Werner, Schneider), truck stop chains, the FMCSA, and state DMVs to embed anti-trafficking training into standard industry education.
Free resources — All TAT training materials, wallet cards, and educational content are free. The training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete online.
How to Recognize Signs of Trafficking
TAT training teaches drivers to look for these indicators at truck stops and rest areas:
Control by another person — Someone is directing the individual's movements, standing watch nearby, or collecting money from encounters.
Physical abuse signs — Visible bruises, marks, scars, or injuries. Signs of malnourishment or poor health.
Fear and disorientation — The person seems frightened, confused about their location, or unable to speak freely. They avoid eye contact or appear anxious.
No personal documents — The person does not have their own ID, phone, or money. Their documents are held by someone else.
Underage appearance — If the person appears to be under 18, report immediately. Any commercial sex involving a minor is trafficking by law.
How to Report Suspected Trafficking
Reporting Resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call: 1-888-373-7888 | Text: 233733
Emergency
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger
What to Note for Your Report
How to Get TAT Trained
Visit truckersagainsttrafficking.org — Complete the free online training (approximately 30 minutes). Available in English and Spanish.
Request wallet cards — TAT provides free wallet cards with the hotline number and key trafficking indicators. Keep one in your wallet and one in your cab.
CDL continuing education — Many states accept TAT training as approved continuing education hours. Check with your state DMV.
Your Report Could Save a Life
The Bottom Line
Truck drivers see things that most people never do. You are on the road at all hours, at truck stops across the country. TAT training gives you the knowledge to recognize when something is wrong and the resources to report it. Get trained, stay aware, and if you see something, say something. For more on truck stop safety, see our truck stop safety tips and lot lizard glossary entry.
TAT & Trafficking FAQ
Common questions about Truckers Against Trafficking and reporting
What is Truckers Against Trafficking?
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that educates, equips, and mobilizes members of the trucking, bus, and energy industries to combat human trafficking. TAT provides free training that teaches drivers to recognize signs of trafficking and report them to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Over 1 million trucking professionals have received TAT training.
How do I get TAT training?
TAT training is free and available at truckersagainsttrafficking.org. You can complete the training online in about 30 minutes. Many carriers include TAT training as part of their onboarding program. Some states recognize TAT training as approved continuing education for CDL holders. TAT also distributes free wallet cards with the hotline number and key trafficking indicators.
What number do I call to report trafficking?
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE). The hotline is available 24/7 and staffed by trained specialists who will take your report confidentially. For immediate danger, call 911. You can also report to local law enforcement or truck stop management.
What are the signs of trafficking at truck stops?
Key signs include: individuals controlled by another person, signs of physical abuse, fearful or anxious behavior, someone who appears underage, lack of personal identification or money, scripted or rehearsed language, a person who does not seem to know where they are, and someone being escorted to and from trucks by another person. Multiple indicators together warrant a report.
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