Kellylynn McLaughin
Truck Driver, Clean Harbors
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Certified
Truck Driver, Clean Harbors
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Certified
Surprisingly, a high school marching band inspired me to become a professional truck driver! While volunteering as a high school band mom, I was asked to coordinate logistics. One time, I got a ride with a fellow volunteer who was a truck driver in the semi-truck to pull the gear. I said, ‘Wow, this is cool. I wish I could do this,’ and he said, ‘You can! Just go to truck driving school.” That is when I pursued a career as a truck driver.
I first learned about TAT during onboarding at one of my trucking jobs. The certification video focused on recognizing human trafficking, which motivated me to become certified. Since then, I’ve been a dedicated advocate and volunteer, hauling their educational trailer, and actively encouraging fellow truck drivers to join the cause and get certified.
A few years ago, while driving through Kentucky around Christmas, I heard someone on the CB radio offering girls and boys for sale. I was shocked. It was the first time I’d ever heard anything like that so blatantly in a public space. Thanks to my TAT training, I knew what to do. I immediately called the human trafficking hotline, reported the incident, and provided the location mentioned over the radio. By making that call, I was able to make a difference.
Our trucks are on the roads traffickers use, making us potential witnesses to human trafficking. We’re not only at truck rest stops — we’re at shopping centers, motels, and other places where human trafficking occurs. I challenge all trucking companies and mobile workers to include the TAT training video in their onboarding to help the fight against this horrendous crime.
Industry Mascot “Safety Sammy” travels the country as a symbol of America’s most essential industry: trucking!
Industry Mascot “Safety Sammy” travels the country as a symbol of America’s most essential industry: trucking!