WESTLAKE, Ohio --TravelCenters of America LLC, operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, has announced its partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign to combat human trafficking.
"Groups whose principal concern is putting an end to human trafficking in the U.S. are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of working with key infrastructure elements like airports and travel centers to get their important message out. A company like TravelCenters of America, with more than 250 sites that almost literally blanket the U.S. Interstate Highway system, can help," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters.
"Our employees and customers, particularly those hardworking men and women in the trucking industry, have been extremely supportive of these efforts, underway since 2011 with the group Truckers Against Trafficking. The employees, customers and both of the groups we are working with, the DHS Blue Campaign and Truckers Against Trafficking, recognize that our locations, just off highway exits nationwide, can be key vantage points from which to be on the lookout for and report suspicious activity. Our expanded effort announced today allows the professional truck driver community and our team to utilize the DHS Blue Campaign's resources, including further training modules for our employees and information for employees and customers about this issue," he added.
The DHS Blue Campaign--working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations--strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. It raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected human trafficking.
To report suspicious human trafficking activity or get help from federal law enforcement, call (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tips.
TravelCenters of America, Westlake, Ohio, is a leading travel center business in 43 states and Canada operating under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands. With 251 convenient full-service locations off interstate highway exits, TA and Petro Stopping Centers offer customers diesel and gasoline fueling services, more than 500 full-service and quick-service restaurants, 24-hour convenience stores, heavy-truck maintenance services, RoadSquad Connect 24/7/365 emergency roadside service, Reserve-It truck parking reservations and other services within large, high-traffic facilities. It also operates gas stations and convenience stores in Kentucky and Tennessee under the Minit Mart brand name.
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