TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the BP portfolio, will start hosting Junction Briefings this year at select sites nationwide in collaboration with TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking), according to a press release from TA.
“TAT Junction Briefings are free, in-person events designed to train truck stop and travel center employees and facilitate communication and collaboration with law enforcement. Presenters will provide an overview of human trafficking, explain how truck stop and travel center employees may be encountering human trafficking and share red flag indicators and local examples,” TA said.
These briefings provide “unique value” to employees because of the local and niche-specific information they highlight, as well as the relationship development opportunities with law enforcement.
TA said that Junction Briefings will be held quarterly at TA locations within 10 miles of a major interstate or highway junction, with two to three sessions per day to accommodate different shifts of workers. In addition to TA employees, other nearby truck stop and travel center employees are invited to participate.
“It’s important that we are providing every opportunity we can for our team to be trained to recognize human trafficking,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TA. “I have personally witnessed the impact our team members can have as the eyes and ears of the highway. We look forward to building stronger relationships with the local law enforcement community and thank TAT for the opportunity to host these important meetings at our sites.”
TA said it has supported TAT for more than 10 years, and donates a portion of funds raised in its TA Charity Golf Outing to TAT annually. TA donated over $100,000 in 2024. In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month this year, TA said it will make a $10,000 donation to TAT.
TA also plans to “continue providing annual human trafficking training to all team members and display TAT posters in guest-facing areas, providing information on how to get help.”
NACS also provides resources in the fight against human trafficking. NACS members can access free resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, including the Human Trafficking Awareness Guide for Convenience Retail Employees.