January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Werner Enterprises is one of the trucking companies committed to raising awareness about, identifying and preventing human trafficking.

The trucking industry is important to fighting human trafficking, as industry members often operate in the interstate corridors, truck stops, rest areas and other places that are at high risk of human trafficking.

Last year, Werner launched its Pathways to Freedom Recognition Program, which focuses on encouraging customers, vendors and carriers to join in anti-trafficking efforts. 

Companies can join by signing the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge, creating a zero-tolerance company policy, and/or engaging professional drivers and establishing training programs. 

Last fall, the Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking recognized Werner in its 2024 report. 

“Werner Enterprises dedicates over 15,000 hours of training annually to counter-trafficking in partnership with TAT, at all levels across the organization, including over 10,000 professional drivers,” the report noted.

“Werner employees are trained on the intersection of human trafficking with the trucking sector, and how to prevent, identify, and report the crime. Through their Drive Werner Pro app … Werner Enterprises drivers have reached out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline over 120 times since July 2021.”

Werner’s Commitment to Combating Trafficking

• 2015: Partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and initiated driver training.

• 2021: Implemented a zero-tolerance policy, added to associate handbooks and included the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the Drive Werner Pro app.

• 2022: Doubled driver training hours.

• 2023: Expanded training to all associates, with more than 15,000 total hours completed by the Werner team.

• 2024: Added a Truckers Against Trafficking-wrapped truck to the fleet.

Werner on an ongoing basis works with state and government agencies to combat human trafficking. It works to raise awareness through various channels, including social media and targeted training campaigns. 

Key initiatives include recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Month every January, as well as observing World Day Against Trafficking on July 30.