NORTH AMERICA — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has released results from its 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, a tri-national education and enforcement effort that engaged 56 jurisdictions across Canada, Mexico, and the United States and conducted more than 38,000 commercial vehicle inspections — identifying 42 unauthorized passengers in the process.

The initiative ran in the U.S. from January 12-16, in Canada from February 23-27, and in Mexico from March 16-20. Law enforcement agencies and the motor carrier industry educated commercial vehicle drivers, fleet safety managers, owner-operators, and members of the public about recognizing human trafficking indicators and reporting suspected incidents.

Inspection Results

38,818 total commercial vehicle inspections were conducted, including 9,375 Level I, 14,376 Level II, and 15,067 Level III inspections. Of 1,035 commercial motor vehicles with passengers inspected, 1,671 authorized passengers were documented and 42 unauthorized passengers were identified.

Outreach Numbers

638 media contacts were made and 85 social media posts were published. 244 presentations were delivered and 99 public events were held. More than 37,000 wallet cards, nearly 15,000 window decals, 6,555 brochures, and more than 15,000 posters were distributed. Over 9,274 individuals received outreach training and 8,425 public officials received materials electronically. Human trafficking PSA videos aired on Paramount/CBS streaming platforms and Spanish-language channels, generating more than 15 million impressions combined.

Notable State and Provincial Efforts

In New Hampshire, State Police included anti-human trafficking messaging and hotline information on inspection reports. Nebraska held a statewide press conference alongside the governor and state patrol leadership, and legislation was introduced requiring human trafficking awareness education for new CDL applicants. In New Brunswick, TAT training modules were required for highway safety officers and new recruits. In Idaho, new CDL holders attending truck driver training programs received awareness and prevention materials. Outreach teams in Hawaii visited rural communities and college campuses, and Oregon generated widespread media coverage throughout Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Why Truckers Matter

"Commercial motor vehicle drivers and inspectors are uniquely positioned to serve as frontline identifiers of human trafficking because of the nature and scope of their work. Professional drivers travel extensively through highways, truck stops, rest areas, border crossings, and urban and rural communities, giving them frequent visibility into situations that may indicate exploitation or trafficking activity," CVSA said.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking activity can report it by calling 888-373-7888 in the U.S., 833-900-1010 in Canada, or 800-5533-000 in Mexico.

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