CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking, an initiative of the National Center for State Courts, assists state and local courts in joining the effort to end human trafficking. The program aims to equip CDL holders who interact with the courts with the ability to act as vigilant observers and reporters of this pervasive crime. 
The program features a self-paced e-learning course covering human trafficking terms, signs of human trafficking, reporting procedures, and CDL disqualification for a human trafficking conviction.
By publicizing the course through online channels and courthouse displays or incorporating the training into sentencing and supervision requirements, courts can effectively engage CDL drivers in the fight to end human trafficking.
The following sections detail several key aspects of the initiative and how courts can get involved. For complete guidance on program implementation, please download the Implementation Guide.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, is a crime that exploits individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex. Traffickers exert control using force, fraud, and coercion, employing methods such as physical violence, threats, confinement, and psychological intimidation. Despite misconceptions that human trafficking is not occurring locally, it is extremely widespread and affects countless individuals in communities throughout the United States. Raising awareness and vigilance in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and reporting it appropriately are pivotal components for effectively combating this hidden crime.
CDL Holders and Court Involvement
CDL holders can play a critical role in efforts to end human trafficking due to their extensive travel and familiarity with locations like rest areas and truck stops, where trafficking often occurs. Their profession emphasizes alertness on the road, positioning them to recognize suspicious activities and signs of exploitation. CDL holders can act as frontline defenders against this crime by reporting concerns to local law enforcement and the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking aims to garner broad participation within the state court community to address this critical issue. Leveraging the legal authority and reach of the courts provides a valuable opportunity to engage CDL holders. By following recommended implementation strategies, courts can seamlessly integrate promotion of the course into their operations, thereby actively working to end human trafficking in their local communities.
The Course
The CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking course educates participants on several key topics. It defines human trafficking, highlighting the tactics of force, fraud, and coercion involved in both sex and labor trafficking. Participants learn about potential victims and perpetrators, as well as typical locations for trafficking. They will learn about the "No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act," which enforces a lifetime CDL disqualification for anyone convicted of human trafficking in a commercial motor vehicle. The course trains participants to identify signs of human trafficking and provides guidelines for reporting suspected cases to local authorities and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The course includes videos from TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) featuring testimonials from human trafficking survivors and CDL drivers who reported their suspicions. A 15-question quiz assesses understanding, with a passing score of 80% earning the learner a certificate of completion. Overall, the course emphasizes the importance of awareness and action in combating human trafficking.
To take the course, CDL holders can get started at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
Resources for Implementation
A variety of resources are available for download to assist courts in implementing this initiative. These resources include a bench card for judges and a reference guide for prosecutors with guidance on including completion of the course as a component of sentence or supervision. Resources also include various promotional materials for publicizing the course and the court’s efforts around this initiative to court visitors, customers, staff, and the wider community. Please refer to the Implementation Guide for more detailed information and guidance on implementing this initiative.
LET US KNOW: If your court is implementing this initiative, or you have additional questions, please let us know by sending an email to elearning@ncsc.org.
Court administration personnel play a key role in implementing this initiative within the court. Anticipated responsibilities encompass ensuring that necessary stakeholders are involved in the implementation process, coordinating approval from leadership, and scheduling implementation activities. Please see the Implementation Checklist for Court Administrators contained within the Implementation Guide for more information.
Judicial Bench Card Prosecutor's Reference Guide
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Use the digital sign graphics to help raise awareness and encourage voluntary completion of the course.
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Use social media content to help raise awareness among the court's broader audience and encourage voluntary completion of the course by CDL drivers. Download a graphic of choice, and copy an accompanying post caption from the list.
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Posts
Below are several social media post captions to be used in conjunction with the graphics to help raise awareness.
- Attention CDL drivers! Be the eyes and ears on our roadways. Learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. Together, we can help end human trafficking. Join in the effort at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Hey CDL driver! You can make a difference in the fight to end human trafficking. Learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. Take action today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Human trafficking victims are often hidden in plain sight. CDL holders, your vigilance can lead to their rescue. Learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. Be part of the solution at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Trust your instincts, CDL drivers. If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. Learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. Together, we can make a difference. Get started at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- There are over 5 million CDL drivers in the United States. Imagine the impact if each one could spot and report signs of human trafficking. CDL drivers, your involvement matters. Get involved and help end human trafficking at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Human trafficking knows no boundaries. It can affect anyone, anywhere. CDL drivers, learn to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. Your actions can make a difference. Get started today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Think human trafficking isn't happening in your community? Think again. Human trafficking has been reported in every state in the U.S. and can occur anywhere. Learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report what you see. CDL drivers, take action today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Attention CDL drivers! You can help fight human trafficking. Traveling to rest areas and truck stops makes you more likely to spot trafficking activity. Learn to recognize the signs and report what you see. Get started today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
Download, print, and display or distribute flyers to help raise awareness and encourage voluntary completion of the course.
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Strategically display or distribute rack cards to reach CDL holders.
Courts can request a bundle of 100 free rack cards by completing the rack card request form.
CDL HTA Rack Card
Download the video for use in online systems and video displays to help raise awareness and encourage voluntary completion of the course.
Email Invitation to CDL Holders
Use the email template below to communicate availability of the course to CDL holders to encourage their voluntary engagement.
Subject: Get on the Road to End Human Trafficking
Dear [Recipient’s name],
As a CDL driver, you can play an important role in the fight to end human trafficking. Human traffickers are increasingly using our roads and transportation systems to recruit and move their victims. Since law enforcement cannot be everywhere, your alertness on the road can make a big difference and potentially save lives.
We are excited to inform you that our court is participating in a nationwide human trafficking awareness effort reaching out to CDL drivers like you. This effort is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify and report signs of human trafficking. Take the interactive e-learning course designed to get you ready in less than an hour.
Get started today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta or continue reading to find out more.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make people perform certain acts against their will. Unlike human smuggling, which involves illegal border crossings, human trafficking involves people being taken advantage of. Human trafficking can and does happen anywhere.
Why CDL Drivers Are So Important in This Effort
Your constant travel and familiarity with various routes and transportation centers put you in a prime position to spot potential trafficking activity. Reporting what you see can help authorities intervene and rescue victims who might otherwise remain hidden.
How to Join in the Fight
Take the interactive e-learning course designed to get you ready in less than an hour. You can take the course at any time from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The course covers:
- Definition: Understand human trafficking, victims, traffickers, and common locations.
- CDL Disqualification: Learn about the "No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act," which
enforces a lifetime ban for a human trafficking conviction in a commercial motor vehicle. - Identification: Recognize the signs of human trafficking to watch for in your
surroundings. - Reporting: Find out how to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and the
National Human Trafficking Hotline.
The course features real-life video accounts from human trafficking survivors and CDL drivers who reported the crime. You will also receive a certificate of completion after passing a quiz.
Get Started Today
Click the link below to access the course and start making a difference.
https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta
Together, we can make a meaningful impact in ending human trafficking.
[Sender’s Name]
[Sender’s Title]
[Court/Organization]
[Contact Information]
Email Postscripts for Online Systems
Many online systems can include a customizable message at the end of an email. Include one of the email postscripts below at the end of email messages currently being used to communicate with CDL holders about their upcoming cases or other business with the court.
- CDL driver, join the fight to end human trafficking. You can be the eyes and ears on our roadways, identifying signs of human trafficking and reporting what you see. Take the e-learning course that can get you ready in less than an hour. Get started today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- Attention CDL driver! Your watchfulness on the road is key in the fight to end human trafficking. Take the e-learning course that shows you how to spot human trafficking and report what you see. In less than an hour, you’ll be ready to make a difference. Get started today at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta.
- CDL driver, want to help end human trafficking? Check out this e-learning course that shows you how to spot and report signs of human trafficking. In less than an hour, you can be ready to make a difference. Head over to https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta to get started.
- Dear CDL driver. We invite you to join us in the fight to end human trafficking. While behind the wheel, you can be the eyes and ears on our roadways, identifying signs of human trafficking and reporting what you see. This e-learning course can show you how in less than an hour. Visit https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhta to learn more.
Internal Announcement
Customize the content below to communicate implementation of this initiative to internal court staff.
Implementing the CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking Initiative
We are excited to announce the implementation of CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to become engaged in the fight against human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a pervasive crime involving the exploitation of individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Many people mistakenly believe that human trafficking only occurs in certain areas or under extreme conditions. However, the reality is that this crime has been reported in every state in the U.S. and affects people from all walks of life, in all types of communities.
Ending human trafficking requires a collective effort involving not only law enforcement, government agencies, and advocacy groups, but everyday citizens—particularly CDL holders. CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking plays a unique role in this effort by raising awareness among CDL holders who interact with the court system. A central component of the initiative is an interactive e-learning course designed to educate these drivers on how to identify and report signs of human trafficking, as their extensive travels often lead them to locations where trafficking activities may take place, such as rest areas and truck stops, thereby heightening the chances of them seeing, recognizing, and hopefully reporting potential trafficking situations.
This initiative is led by the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to state courts nationwide. The initiative is supported by a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which partners with industry, safety advocates, and state and local governments to keep the nation's roadways safe.
Participating in this initiative positions our court alongside others throughout the nation committed to raising awareness of human trafficking. By incorporating the course into CDL driver sentencing and supervision requirements and utilizing online platforms and courthouse displays to notify CDL holders of the course, we are actively working to promote awareness and responsibility in the effort to end human trafficking.
External Announcement
Customize the content below to communicate implementation of this initiative to external stakeholders, partner organizations, local media, and other interested parties.
[Court Name] Implements CDL Drivers & Courts Initiative to Combat Human Trafficking
[Court Name] is proud to announce the implementation of CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to engage in the fight to end human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a pervasive crime involving the exploitation of individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Many people mistakenly believe that human trafficking only occurs in certain areas or under extreme conditions. However, the reality is that this crime has been reported in every state in the U.S. and affects people from all walks of life in all types of communities. Raising awareness and vigilance in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and reporting it appropriately are pivotal components for effectively combating this hidden crime.
Ending human trafficking requires a collective effort involving not only law enforcement, government agencies, and advocacy groups, but everyday citizens—particularly CDL drivers. CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking plays a unique role in this effort by raising awareness among CDL drivers who interact with the court system. A central component of the initiative is an interactive e-learning course designed to educate these drivers on how to identify and report signs of human trafficking. CDL drivers are uniquely positioned to help combat human trafficking, as their extensive travels lead them to locations where trafficking may take place, such as rest areas and truck stops, thereby heightening the chances of them seeing, recognizing, and hopefully reporting potential trafficking situations.
This initiative is led by the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to state courts nationwide. The initiative is supported by a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which partners with industry, safety advocates, and state and local governments to keep the nation's roadways safe.
Participating in this initiative positions [Court Name] alongside other courts throughout the nation committed to raising awareness of human trafficking. By incorporating the course into CDL driver sentencing and supervision requirements and utilizing online platforms and courthouse displays to notify CDL drivers of the course, [Court Name] is actively working to promote awareness and responsibility in the effort to end human trafficking.
For more information, please contact [Court Point of Contact]
This project is supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under grant FM-CDL-0502-22-01-00. The points of view and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the policy and positions of FMCSA.