Aligning Fleet Safety with CVSA’s 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative

Human trafficking is not an abstract crime happening “somewhere else.” It moves along the same highways, stops at the same truck plazas, and crosses the same borders as commercial freight. Global estimates from the International Labour Organization indicate that tens of millions of people are trapped in forced labor and related exploitation, generating well over $200 billion a year in illegal profit for traffickers.

Recognizing that commercial vehicles are both a vulnerability and a powerful line of defense, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced dedicated Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI) weeks for 2026:

• United States: January 12–16, 2026

• Canada: February 23–27, 2026

• Mexico: March 16–20, 2026

During these weeks, enforcement, industry partners, and community organizations focus on outreach, education, and reporting related to human trafficking within commercial motor vehicle operations. For fleets, brokers, and shippers, HTAI is more than a calendar event. It is clear evidence that regulators, customers, and the public want to assist transportation companies to understand what human trafficking looks like in their operating environment, equip drivers and staff to recognize indicators, provide safe, simple reporting pathways, and demonstrate a culture that refuses to be used as a tool for exploitation. This white paper explains the 2026 HTAI, the role of the trucking and logistics industry, and practical steps fleets can take to align their safety programs with this initiative.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK.

Human trafficking is often described as a modern form of slavery: the control and exploitation of people for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. The crime affects every region and economic sector, including transportation and logistics. Traffickers rely on mobility. Investigations and survivor accounts show victims being moved in passenger vehicles, buses, and commercial trucks; exploited at truck stops, rest areas, motels near freight corridors, and industrial zones where they are less visible to the broader public.

That same network gives the industry unique leverage. Truck drivers, dispatchers, terminal staff, and roadside inspectors are often the only outsiders who regularly see what happens in these spaces. Anti-trafficking organizations and industry groups now describe the trucking sector as a frontline resource in identifying and reporting suspected trafficking situations.

WHAT CVSA’S 2026 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS INITIATIVE DOES.

CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is a focused, five-day campaign in each country designed to elevate human trafficking awareness within commercial motor vehicle operations.

During the 2026 campaign weeks, participating jurisdictions will conduct outreach at weigh stations, rest areas, and roadside inspections, share educational materials with drivers and carriers, and track outreach activities for a consolidated summary later in the year.

HTAI is anchored in CVSA’s broader Human Trafficking Prevention Program, which aims to reduce trafficking through coordinated enforcement, investigation, and industry education focused on commercial vehicles.

To support this work, CVSA has partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to offer complimentary outreach materials, wallet cards, window decals, posters, and social-media-ready graphics, tailored for trucking, school transportation, transit, and motorcoach operations. TAT trains and mobilizes transportation professionals to recognize and report trafficking, with a specific focus on the power of individual drivers to intervene safely by making a call.

Early metrics from prior campaigns illustrate the scale of HTAI engagement: tens of thousands of wallet cards and decals distributed, dozens of outreach events held, and hundreds of presentations and media contacts recorded across North America.

WHY HTAI MATTERS TO FLEETS AND LOGISTICS PROVIDERS.

Human trafficking intersects with several risk dimensions that fleets already manage:

A. Regulatory and enforcement exposure

HTAI weeks bring increased attention from enforcement agencies to potential trafficking indicators around commercial vehicles and facilities. Fleets that can demonstrate driver training, reporting procedures, and visible outreach materials are well received during inspections and audits.

B. Civil and reputational risk

If trafficking is uncovered in connection with a company’s routes or facilities, plaintiffs’ attorneys may argue negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to act on potential red flags, even if the company was not intentionally involved. Media coverage linking a brand to trafficking activity, even briefly, can damage trust with customers, employees, and communities.

C. Customer and ESG expectations

Large shippers and brokers increasingly integrate human rights, anti-trafficking, and ESG requirements into contracts and carrier vetting processes. A documented anti-trafficking program can become a competitive differentiator when bidding on freight that values clean and transparent supply chains.

D. Culture and talent

Many drivers and frontline staff want their work to matter. Training them to spot and safely report trafficking can reinforce a purpose-driven culture and pride in protecting vulnerable people, not just cargo.

BUILDING A FLEET READY HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION FRAMEWORK.

Every fleet will design its program differently, but four core elements consistently appear in effective efforts:

4.1 Policy and Leadership

Adopt a written statement that defines human trafficking, affirms a commitment not to facilitate it, and outlines expectations for employees and contractors. Embed this statement into existing safety manuals, driver handbooks, and codes of conduct so it is treated holistically as part of safety. Have senior leaders periodically reinforce the message, with special emphasis around HTAI weeks and National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

4.2 Training and Practical Awareness

Integrate short, scenario-based modules on trafficking indicators into driver orientation, refresher courses, and toolbox talks. Use CVSA and TAT materials — videos, wallet cards, and posters — to illustrate real-world signs and appropriate responses. Include dispatchers, customer service, and terminal staff, who may hear or see things drivers do not. Topics should cover common indicators, locations where trafficking is frequently observed in connection with trucking, and the importance of not confronting suspected traffickers directly, but instead documenting observations and reporting through safe channels.

4.3 Reporting and Incident Response

Provide drivers with clear instructions on how to report concerns — national hotlines, local law enforcement, or company safety contacts — depending on jurisdictional guidance. Stress that good-faith reports made through approved channels will be supported, not punished, even if the situation turns out not to be trafficking. Develop a short internal checklist for capturing key details (time, location, vehicle descriptions, observable behavior) without putting the reporter or potential victim at greater risk.

4.4 Partnership and External Engagement

Order and display CVSA and TAT materials in driver lounges, terminals, and training rooms; use CVSA’s social-media graphics during HTAI weeks to show public alignment. Connect with local law enforcement or state commercial vehicle enforcement units that are active in human trafficking initiatives to understand expectations and best practices. Consider joining or supporting broader industry campaigns led by national trucking associations and anti-trafficking organizations.

5. Using the 2026 HTAI Calendar as a Roadmap

Rather than treating HTAI as a one-off event, fleets can use the three 2026 campaign weeks as anchors for a year-round program.

Before the campaign weeks

Review and update policy language and internal procedures. Schedule short refresher sessions for drivers and operations staff leading into each country’s HTAI week. Ensure posters, decals, and wallet cards are stocked and visible.

During the campaign weeks

Send brief reminder messages through dispatch systems, driver apps, or internal newsletters reinforcing how to recognize and report concerns. Encourage drivers to engage with enforcement outreach at weigh stations and rest areas. Track participation metrics (number of employees trained, materials distributed, internal reports made) to measure impact.

After the campaign weeks

Debrief what employees are seeing on the road and where additional support is needed. Incorporate lessons learned into broader safety and compliance planning. Compare your organization’s activities with publicly available HTAI results once CVSA releases them.

CONCLUSION

Human trafficking is expanding again globally after a brief decline during the pandemic, driven by conflict, migration pressures, and economic instability. At the same time, the trucking and logistics sector is increasingly recognized as a critical partner in disrupting this crime. CVSA’s 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative offers fleets a concrete opportunity to demonstrate alignment with enforcement and industry best practice, strengthen existing safety programs with a “human-rights” lens, and equip drivers and staff to act as informed, vigilant observers who can help protect vulnerable people. By integrating policy, training, reporting, and partnerships into your safety management system — and using the HTAI calendar as a natural focal point — you position your organization not just to comply with expectations, but to lead in building a safer, more ethical supply chain.

PRACTICAL FLEET TOOLKIT: QUICK-USE BEST PRACTICES

Use this section as a working checklist your safety, HR, and operations teams can review in 10–15 minutes.

7.1 Policy &Governance Checklist

[ ] We have a written anti-trafficking statement in our safety manual and/or driver handbook.

[ ] The statement clearly defines human trafficking, states zero tolerance for facilitating it, and explains employee expectations and reporting channels.

[ ] Leadership has formally endorsed the policy (email, town hall, or written letter).

[ ] The policy is reviewed at least annually along with other safety policies.

7.2 Driver & Staff Training Checklist

[ ] New-hire drivers receive human trafficking awareness training during orientation.

[ ] Existing drivers get refresher training at least once a year, ideally aligned with HTAI weeks.

[ ] Dispatchers, customer service, and terminal staff are included in the training along with drivers.

[ ] Training covers: how trafficking might show up around truck stops, rest areas, motels, and yards; behavioral indicators; and the rule to observe and report, not directly intervene

7.3 Reporting & Response Cheat Sheet

[ ] Post or distribute guidance such as the following message to drivers:

If you suspect human trafficking:

- Do not approach traffickers or victims directly.

- Note location, time, vehicle details, and what you saw or heard.

- Call the appropriate hotline or law enforcement number for your area, as set by the company.

- When safe, notify our internal safety contact.

[ ] Drivers know which numbers to call in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, based on company guidance.

[ ] Reports made in good faith are documented and supported.

7.4 Visible Support & Partnership

[ ] CVSA and TAT posters, decals, and wallet cards are posted in driver lounges, safety rooms, and training spaces.

[ ] HTAI 2026 dates are on your safety calendar and internal communication plan.

[ ] Have at least one contact or relationship with state or provincial commercial vehicle enforcement or a recognized anti-trafficking organization.