NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 19, 2023) – Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) this week hosted a Coalition Build event in partnership with Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), Pilot Company and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at the Bridgestone Tower in Nashville, Tennessee. The day-long summit brought transportation industry stakeholders together with law enforcement and government agencies to create stronger collaboration aimed at combatting human trafficking.
Guests attended a series of private presentations, panels and training exercises aimed at developing shared strategies to fight human trafficking nationwide. TAT also invited event participants to tour its Freedom Drivers Project mobile exhibit trailer, which provides a glimpse into the realities of domestic sex trafficking, how the trucking industry is driving change, and simple actions the public can take to fight it.
“As the eyes and ears of America’s roadways, our industry has a unique and important role to play in spotting and stopping human trafficking,” said Josh Holland, Vice President, Dealer Development and Mobility Solutions Deployment (Commercial), Bridgestone Americas. “We are proud to have supported the important work of Truckers Against Trafficking for many years, and this Coalition Build marks a critical step forward as we work together in public-private partnership to drive awareness that reaches our communities beyond the transportation sector.”
“As one of the largest tanker fleets in North America, we value our partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking as we work together to bring positive change,” said Meg Counts, senior manager of team member experience and corporate giving at Pilot Company. “This important work of recognizing and stopping human trafficking is just one of the many ways drivers across the nation are creating a better, safer world for all.”
Since 2012, TAT has conducted 80 Coalition Builds in 41 states and 3 provinces aimed at creating pathways for strategic engagement at the state, provincial and local levels as stakeholders come together to leverage their networks in the fight against human trafficking. Truckers Against Trafficking was founded in 2009 to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking, bus and energy industries to combat domestic sex trafficking as part of their everyday jobs.
“We value Bridgestone for recognizing their role in our mission and aim to become stronger in driving change by working together,” said Annie Sovcik, Senior Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Truckers Against Trafficking. “We’re in the business of saving lives and together we push ourselves to disrupt human trafficking networks and empower victims across the nation.”
Bridgestone’s partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, showcasing eight abiding Bridgestone values that drive the company’s personal commitment towards the advancement of a sustainable society. The Coalition Build event specifically aligns with “Empowerment,” which demonstrates Bridgestone’s commitment to contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all.
For more information on Bridgestone, visit bridgsetoneamericas.com.
