This November, Our Rescue joined leaders from across the private passenger transportation sector at Mobilize, The Transportation Alliance’s annual conference in Las Vegas.
What many don’t realize is how deeply intertwined trafficking can be with transportation. In the United States, a 2023 report from the Human Trafficking Institute found that private vehicles accounted for 38% of transportation modes used in federal sex-trafficking cases. Research from survivor-based surveys further underscores this reality: many survivors report that traffickers used taxis, rental cars, rideshares, and other transit methods during recruitment, exploitation, or escape.
From November 4–6, hundreds of owners, managers, and service providers convened under one roof at the Paris Hotel to explore innovations, share solutions, and discuss the future of the industry. As part of the main stage program, Our Rescue CEO Derek Benner delivered a keynote on November 5, speaking for an hour about his experience in the fight against trafficking and exploitation and the role Our Rescue plays in supporting partners on the frontlines.
His presentation included practical guidance tailored specifically to transportation owners and operators who are often in a position to notice indicators of human trafficking that others may miss. Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Hidu joined Derek on stage for a live demonstration, giving attendees a closer look at how specialized K9 units can assist in locating critical digital evidence that help put predators behind bars.
Our Rescue also hosted a booth in the exhibit hall, meeting with company owners and taking questions from organizations interested in strengthening safety measures within their operations. During these conversations, our team made important connections with transportation companies seeking ways to equip their drivers and employees through our prevention training.
A key part of our work at Our Rescue is helping organizations build strong, informed teams that know what trafficking can look like and how to safely respond. We are actively partnering with transportation providers and other industries to bring this critical training to their frontline staff. Businesses interested in learning more about hosting training or partnering with us can find more information here.
Trained communities remain one of the strongest defenses against trafficking. When industry leaders understand the warning signs and know how to respond, they become a powerful part of the safety network that helps protect vulnerable individuals. We’re grateful to partner with those committed to making their communities safer.
