ODOT educating truck drivers about human trafficking during January

UMATILLA – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Oregon Department of Transportation is educating the public on how they can help prevent it.

Human trafficking is a former of modern slavery that involves the use of force, fraud, or pressure to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Victims can be any age, race, gender or nationality. More than 27 million people annually fall victim to human trafficking worldwide, and according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 132 cases involving 248 victims were identified in Oregon in 2023.

This week, awareness materials are being distributed to truck drivers and motor carriers across the state, including the Umatilla Port of Entry Weigh Station.

“All we’re asking is that when they see the signs of human trafficking, they make the call,” ODOT Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer Jordan Barthel said. “If it’s an emergency, call 911, or the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

The hotline is operated 24 hours a day by a nongovernmental organization. ODOT is also sharing information through various communications channels, including TripCheck and message signs around the state.

ODOT is partnering with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Oregon Trucking Association, TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, La-Grande based Bowman Trucking and law enforcement to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide people with educational resources.

Photo of window sticker via TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking)

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