Taylor received the award after assisting a trafficking victim in 2018 and now serves on the TAT Advisory Committee, where he continues supporting the organization’s mission to educate transportation professionals about recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking.

“Freedom is a privilege that every human being should have, and being identified with a freedom fighter like Harriet Tubman enriched my life to keep that fight alive at all costs,” Taylor said.

Why Professional Drivers Can Make a Difference

According to Taylor, professional drivers are in a unique position because they travel through cities, rural communities, truck stops and highways across the country, allowing them to observe situations that others may never encounter.

“We have eyes all over the road, on city streets, neighborhoods and all over,” Taylor said. “Everything in the country is delivered by trucks, which means there are a set of eyes everywhere.”

He added that drivers are accustomed to staying alert throughout the workday and often notice activity that appears out of place.

Training Helps Drivers Recognize Warning Signs

Taylor said TAT’s training gives drivers practical information about recognizing potential trafficking situations and understanding how to respond appropriately.

Rather than encouraging drivers to intervene directly, TAT emphasizes observing suspicious activity, documenting details when it is safe to do so, and reporting concerns to law enforcement through the appropriate channels.

According to the organization, its educational resources include online training, refresher courses and a mobile app designed to help transportation professionals identify potential warning signs and understand recommended reporting procedures.

A Life-Changing Experience

Taylor said assisting the trafficking victim in 2018 changed his perspective on the issue.

“The incident with a trafficking victim changed my life,” he said. “Human trafficking didn’t feel real until you heard about their life dealing with it.”

A U.S. military veteran, Taylor said he has long believed in helping people in need whenever possible, adding that his experience reinforced the importance of remaining aware of situations that may require law enforcement assistance.

Free Resources Available for Drivers

TAT offers free training materials for transportation professionals, including on-demand online courses, refresher training, and a mobile application available for Apple and Android devices in multiple languages.

According to TAT, individual training courses take approximately 35 minutes or less to complete and are available to both individual drivers and companies that choose to train their employees.

Additional information about TAT’s training resources is available on the organization’s website.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

Source: The Trucker, Lyn Leeburg

Image Source: TAT, Arian Taylor, Lyn Leeburg

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The award recognizes individuals in the trucking, bus, and energy industries whose direct actions have either helped prevent human trafficking or improved the lives of those affected by exploitation. Recipients receive a $5,000 award and a trophy.

Eligible nominations must involve an incident that occurred in the United States or Canada, and nominees must live in one of those countries.

Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 15.

Industry Employees Encouraged to Share Their Experiences

TAT is asking individuals to come forward if they have been involved in situations where they took action to help someone they believed may have been a trafficking victim.

“Please share your story if you’ve taken any action to help someone you think might be a trafficking victim or a potential trafficking victim,” said Laura Cyrus, TAT senior director of Industry Training and Outreach, “Even if you’re not sure what you did is ‘award worthy.’ The stories of our Harriet Tubman Award winners are important. These stories serve to encourage others in the industry to stay vigilant around this effort.”

Those interested in nominating someone for the award can review the nomination process while submissions remain open.

Survey Available for Companies

To help identify potential nominees, TAT has made a survey available for companies to use internally.

According to the organization, the survey can be distributed to both frontline employees and drivers through company communications, driver messaging systems, and other internal channels. The goal is to help uncover stories that may qualify for award consideration.

Companies interested in obtaining the survey can contact info@tatnonprofit.org.

Award Honors Harriet Tubman’s Legacy

TAT created the Harriet Tubman Award in 2013 and named it after the famed abolitionist whose actions helped guide enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Tubman’s personal efforts resulted in 70 enslaved people reaching freedom, while her broader role in the abolition movement contributed to the liberation of thousands more.

Born into slavery in 1820, Tubman later became the first African American woman to be buried with full military honors. She was also the first woman to have the inaugural Liberty ship named after her by the U.S. Maritime Commission.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 5, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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From January 12 through January 16, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division partnered with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance as part of the annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. The initiative is taking place across North America during the same timeframe.

During the effort, Indiana State Police are engaging with commercial motor vehicle drivers during roadside inspections and other enforcement activities. Officers are distributing educational materials provided by TAT, formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking, to increase awareness and help identify potential signs of trafficking.

Why Transportation Corridors Matter

Human trafficking, as defined by the United Nations, involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or deception for profit. Transportation corridors often intersect with locations where trafficking activity can occur, including truck stops, rest areas, and other high-traffic facilities.

Commercial drivers are frequently present in these environments, placing them in a unique position to notice situations that may otherwise go unseen. More than 40 percent of cases reported by truck drivers involve minors, underscoring the importance of awareness within the industry.

Part of a Broader Prevention Program

The Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is one component of CVSA’s larger Human Trafficking Prevention Program. The program combines enforcement activity with education and outreach, aiming to reduce trafficking through consistent engagement across the commercial vehicle industry.

Training efforts tied to TAT continue to expand nationwide. Nearly 2.5 million trucking professionals have completed training through the organization, reflecting broad participation across carriers, drivers, and industry partners.

Awareness Beyond a Single Week

While the initiative is tied to a specific calendar window, participating agencies emphasize that awareness and reporting do not end when the week concludes. Materials distributed during inspections are intended to reinforce long-term recognition and encourage continued vigilance throughout the year.

The Indiana effort reflects how education, enforcement, and industry participation intersect in addressing human trafficking within the transportation network.

Source: WFFT

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Shannon Currier, who leads philanthropy at SCF, shared her gratitude: “We are deeply grateful for the entire TA team for their continued support and generosity. Their commitment to support and promote our programs significantly amplifies our efforts to assist truck drivers in need. This long-time collaboration not only highlights the spirit of community within the trucking industry, but also provides essential support to our drivers, ensuring they receive the help they need while on the road. Thank you, TA, for being a steadfast partner in our mission.”

TA recently shared that their annual charity golf event in August was their best yet, bringing in almost $200,000. These funds will be shared equally between SCF and TAT. SCF, which helps drivers who can’t work due to illness or injury, will also receive an extra $89,000 from a Round-Up campaign that took place in June and July at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.

Esther Goetsch, Executive Director of TAT, also expressed her appreciation: “This support is crucial in our fight against human trafficking. Truck stops play a big role in keeping communities safe, and TA’s actions are making a difference.” In addition to raising funds, TA also works to spread awareness by training their staff every year and posting helpful information in their restrooms for anyone who might need it. TA has become a key partner in tackling this serious issue.

TA also thanked everyone who contributed to these efforts.

Debi Boffa, CEO of TA, said, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, partners, and team members who have shown incredible generosity. SCF and TAT do important work for the trucking community, and we’re committed to continuing our support for their efforts.”

Source: The Trucker

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“The impact of truck drivers is felt in every corner of the country, as they are vital to supplying the things that fill our lives and power our economy,” said Elizabeth Gomez, marketing manager for Fleet Advantage, and chairperson for the KATC committee.

“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week serves as a reminder of how important these hardworking men and women are to keep goods flowing,” she continued. “We are proud to donate to such powerful nonprofit organizations whose missions offer care, assistance and the means for truck drivers’ families to remain close to one another and to make an impact in their communities.”

Since 2021, KATC has been a proud annual donor to TruckersFinalMile.org. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to reuniting North American truck drivers and their families during difficult times such as crises, loss of life, severe injuries, or serious illnesses. Through their six unique programs, TruckersFinalMile.org has successfully brought together over 500 truck drivers and their families since their establishment in May 2014.

KATC has been honored to be an official corporate sponsor for three consecutive years, with this year marking their largest contribution. Through their support, KATC has played a vital role in securing college education savings accounts through TruckersFinalMile.org’s annual Christmas campaign called “Sleigh Bells and Santa.” If you would like to become a sponsor or make a donation to the “Sleigh Bells & Santa” Christmas campaign this year, please click HERE or reach out to msleighbells@truckersfinalmile.org no later than December 8, 2023. In addition, new and unwrapped gifts can be sent to TruckersFinalMile.org at 3301-R Coors Blvd. NW #293, Albuquerque, NM 87120, also no later than December 8.

“With the help of Fleet Advantage, our program has been able to make the difference in the lives of thousands of children and families of truck drivers, who unfortunately face grief and trauma during the loss of a parent,” said Robert Palm, founder and CEO of TruckersFinalMile.org. “We simply can’t thank companies like Fleet Advantage enough. Their contributions, compassion and understanding plays a large part in helping to heal these families in a time of great need.”

KATC, a sponsor at the “Gold Level,” is taking steps to honor truck drivers and their families while also addressing the issue of human trafficking. In support of this cause, KATC is donating funds to TAT, a nonprofit organization that has been actively working since 2009 to educate and empower the trucking industry to fight against human trafficking. TAT recognizes the unique position of trucking professionals, who are often on the road when law enforcement cannot be and believes they can play a crucial role in identifying and reporting human trafficking. TAT also collaborates with other industries, such as buses and energy, as well as industry shippers and manufacturers, to raise awareness and combat human trafficking on a broader scale.

“It’s exciting to see a company like Fleet Advantage lend its influence and resources to combat human trafficking,” said Esther Goetsch, executive director of TAT. “Recognizing the unique role the trucking industry can play in helping recognize and report human trafficking and become potential points of safety and recovery for victims is inspiring. We are so grateful to Fleet Advantage for helping advance our mission, and truly believe that together, we are changing lives.”

Source: The Trucker

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