Truckin' with Tamie
From CEOs to mechanics to truck drivers, women are revolutionizing the transportation industry. Tune in to "Truckin' with Tamie" where host Tamie explores the ins and outs of trucking, showcasing how this formerly male-dominated field is now opening its doors to women worldwide. We cover the issues affecting women entering the industry for the first time, CDL Schools and training programs, and adjusting to life on the road. We will interview women in various positions in the trucking industry, and get the real scoop on what to expect as a woman in this field.
Truckin' with Tamie
Truckers on the Frontline: Combatting Human Trafficking on America's Highways
What if you could be the difference between life and death on America's highways? Join me, Tamie, as we uncover the crucial role truckers play in the fight against human trafficking, especially during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. With unique insights and practical advice, this episode explores how truckers become the vigilant eyes and ears on the road, empowering them to recognize and report signs of exploitation. Through the inspiring story of Kevin Kimmel, who took swift action to rescue a trafficking victim, we learn the impact our trucking community can have in bringing traffickers to justice.
As women in trucking, our perspectives offer a heightened awareness essential in this fight. We'll discuss actionable steps to take if you suspect human trafficking, emphasizing intuition and education. Discover how initiatives like the Women in Trucking Association's discreet information campaigns provide victims with pathways to help, and learn how spreading awareness in truck stops can make a significant difference. Let's unite to create safer roads and communities, supporting victims and preventing this horrific crime from continuing on our watch.
Hey, welcome to Trucking with Tammy. This is the podcast where we explore the lives and stories of women in the trucking industry. I'm Tammy, your host. So today, in honor of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we're going to focus on an issue that intersects critically with the trucking community human trafficking, sex critically with the trucking community, human trafficking. It is January, a time specifically dedicated to raising awareness and educating about this horrific crime, so let's dive into how we, especially as women in trucking, can help make a difference.
Speaker 1:Okay, first let's clarify what trafficking is. It's not just about crossing the borders illegally. It's exploitation through force fraud, commercial sex acts, exploiting labor. So in the United States alone, human trafficking touches every single state. With truck stops, rest area and the transient nature of our industry, we inadvertently provide opportunities for traffickers. So in the trucking world, we are the eyes and ears of the road Organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking. They've been pretty pivotal in training drivers how to spot the signs of human trafficking. I myself just did my certification. Today we took the 35-minute training program that they have on their website. I think it's the third time I've taken it in the last five years.
Speaker 1:This education is super vital because, as a truck driver, you might be one of the first, or only one, to notice something is wrong. You can look for signs, like people who don't seem to know their whereabouts, people who lack control over their own documentation. Like somebody else is holding their driver's license for them, even though when I go out I always gave it to the hubs when I was married. Or it might be somebody that's displaying signs of physical abuse or fear. So you know, there have been some real life stories that highlight the impact truckers can have. You know, a while back there was a driver Kevin Kimmel, he knows a young girl that was peering out from my, I believe it was an RV or motor home at a truck stop and the young lady was pulled back really quick, right. So he thought that was a little suspicious. He called the authorities and it led to the rescue of a 20 year old woman who had been kidnapped and forced into prostitution. This not only saved her life, but it put two perpetrators behind bars for over 40 years each. These stories aren't just about the horror of trafficking. They're also about hope and action.
Speaker 1:Women in trucking, with our unique perspective, can be particularly vigilant. I mean, we pay attention In the Women in trucking, with our unique perspective, can be particularly vigilant. I mean, we pay attention. And the Women in Trucking Association? It even initiated projects like providing lip bumps with escape information. They put it in the truck stop restroom and then the victim had a discreet way of finding help. You know, having that phone number with them. Finding help, you know, having that phone number with them.
Speaker 1:So what can you do if you suspect human trafficking? Well, there's a few steps that you can take. First off is you need to trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is, report it. Know the signs. Educate yourself on the indicators of trafficking and the best way to know the signs. Go to the Truckers for Trafficking website. Take the class. It's free, 35 minutes of your time. You'll learn a little bit about what to look for and the number To report it. You're going to use the National Human Trafficking Hotline. That number is 888-373-7888 out of the US. You can do a simple Google. It's everywhere all over the internet. So, if you don't remember it from this podcast, all you got to do is do a simple search and it'll pop up.
Speaker 1:If you're unsure but you suspect trafficking, if it's like something immediate that you think somebody's in danger, call 911. Talk about it. Talk about it around truck stops, talk about it with fellow drivers, spread awareness. We have a guy that I work with who is part of an organization that is really heavy duty in stopping and preventing and helping victims of trafficking. So all you got to do is spread that awareness. Talk about it like he's done to me. I'm well aware what he's doing and how he's helping the situation. But remember, and this is most important, it's great to see the signs, it's great to report it, but engaging with those potential victims directly it can be dangerous, it can be counterproductive. So instead, your role, and your only role, is to alert those trained how to handle these situations safely.
Speaker 1:Okay, so don't try and be a hero. Don't try, and you know, get out there and start a fight or anything like that. Leave it to the professionals. Okay, so that's what you can do, right? So what's being done on the legislative front? Well, there's been a push to integrate human trafficking awareness into the training of commercial drivers. Most companies do have it in onboarding. States like Kansas and Florida have either adopted or are considering mandatory training, and this legislative support underscores the importance of this issue with our industry. Now there are community efforts like the Freedom Drivers Project and that educates through mobile exhibits, at events, and these initiatives are crucial because they not only inform but they also empower truckers to act.
Speaker 1:As women in this industry, we have a significant role in advocating for these changes, ensuring that our voices are heard in policy discussions, ensuring that our voices are heard in policy discussions. So our voices, we work together, we can be heard. Women, we can be heard. So, as we close today's episode, let's reflect on our role in this fight. Okay, each of us, every time we hit the road, every time we're at a truck stop, every time we're at a rest area even some shippers and receivers we can be an agent of change.
Speaker 1:Pay attention, report it. If you see it, you know human trafficking isn't just a problem out there. It's a crime that can happen right in front of us and we are in the places where it is most likely to happen. So I encourage all of you educate yourselves, Stay vigilant, take action when it's needed. Let's commit to making our highways safer for everyone and remember every small act of awareness and intervention can lead to significant change. It can even save somebody's life. So thank you for tuning in to Trucking with Tammy today. Keep your trucks rolling, keep your eyes open Until next time. Drive safe and let's keep fighting the good fight, okay.
