Media Advisory: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute targets human trafficking in trucking industry with new awareness campaign

WHAT: Human trafficking is one of the largest criminal industries in the world, second only to drug trafficking. According to the International Labour Organization and United Nations, there are an estimated 50 million victims of human trafficking globally, 12 million of which are children. The trucking industry plays a critical role—not only in facilitating trafficking but also in disrupting it.
In observance of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is conducting its first human trafficking outreach campaign with support from local, state, and federal event partners. This initiative aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and empower the trucking community to identify and report potential trafficking situations. Members of the media are invited to attend a kickoff event that will emphasize the campaign’s importance, VTTI's involvement, and efforts to combat trafficking along Virginia’s major freight corridors and nationwide.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
WHERE: New Kent Welcome Center, I-64 East at mile marker 213 (between US 60 and SR 249), New Kent, VA 23124
WHO: Erin Mabry, Senior Research Associate in the Division of Freight, Transit, and Heavy Vehicle Safety at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
Also in attendance will be representatives from event partners, including:
Virginia Department of Transportation
Virginia State Police
Virginia Trucking Association
New Kent County Sheriff’s Office
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Interviews will be available after the presentation.
MEDIA RSVP: Media should RSVP to Margaret Ashburn in the media relations office at mkashburn@vt.edu or 540-529-0814 by Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.
ON-SITE CONTACT: Eric Holbrook | 208-590-5298 | eholbrook@vtti.vt.edu