BNSF Logistics is working in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), a non-profit organization that educates and mobilizes members of the trucking industry to combat domestic human trafficking.
BNSF Logistics joins a growing number of shippers and third-party logistics providers that are working with TAT's Shipping Partners Program, a program that encourages the customer or connector of trucking companies to use their position and influence to make introductions to carriers about the free TAT training program. BNSF Logistics positions itself as a leading shipping partner with TAT by also coming on board as a Platinum-level sponsor of the organization's work. The sponsorship will help further TAT's work and educate more members of the industry to recognize and report domestic sex trafficking.
"It's exciting to see companies like BNSF Logistics become engaged in the fight against human trafficking," said Laura Cyrus, director of corporate engagement at TAT. "Together with our partners, Truckers Against Trafficking has found ways to light pathways of engagement and create impact beyond our work with trucking and busing companies and the truck stop community. Tapping into the knowledge, experience, and influence that BNSF Logistics leverages will no doubt help to spread our message and thereby enable more people to join the ever-growing, mobile army of transportation professionals helping to disrupt trafficking networks."
The TAT organization has played a critical role in establishing the trucking industry's place in the fight against human trafficking. TAT reports that since the organization's creation in 2009, truckers have made more than 2,356 calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, identified 635 likely human trafficking cases involving over 1,186 victims. BNSF Logistics will support the mission of TAT through program, event and outreach support, as well as volunteer involvement from its employees. To date, TAT reports having trained 757,555 individuals. However, with more than 3.5 million CDL-holders across the United States, there is still work to do to see that everyone on the frontlines of this issue has been educated and equipped to make a difference.
In August, TAT was in Dallas for the Great American Trucking Show and our Flower Mound office had the opportunity to experience the Freedom Drivers Project. This mobile exhibit that is a premiere tool in educating members of the trucking industry and general public about the realities of domestic sex trafficking and how the trucking industry is combating it.
The Freedom Drivers Project provides a glimpse into the realities of human trafficking, how trucking is driving change in the area and simple action steps anyone can take to fight it.
To learn more about TAT and its fight to eradicate human trafficking, please visit TruckersAgainstTrafficking.org.
BNSF Logistics takes pride in giving back to our communities. As a company, our employees have volunteered 2,786 hours this year for various causes that make an impact, including partnering in corporate initiatives like the Freedom Drivers Project, donation drives, community clean-up initiatives, veterans and youth support activities.