PERRIS, Calif .– The Kenworth T680 Next Generation “Everyday Heroes” was auctioned off in December at Ritchie Bros. in Perris, California.

The winning bid was submitted by Serg Kodryanu, CEO of Freestyle Transport, and resulted in a donation of $ 260,000 to support Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). TAT, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to stopping human trafficking by educating, engaging and empowering truck drivers and rest stop workers across the country.

The Mexican Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is scheduled for March 15-17. In the United States, the initiative is next week, January 11-13. In Canada, it is scheduled for February 22-24.

In addition to the proceeds from the sale of the Kenworth T680 Next Gen, TAT received $ 68,000 in additional donations from industry suppliers and trucking companies.

“Truckers Against Trafficking is an amazing organization that uses our industry to help victims of human trafficking,” Kodryanu said. “After learning of the number of victims affected by human traffickers, I immediately felt in my heart the mission of our company to support a cause as great and noble as TAT ​​and its mission to stop this terrible crime.

“With drivers and other members of our industry spread across North America, we have a great opportunity to identify and report suspicious activity and assist potential victims of human trafficking,” Kodryanu continued. “Our new Everyday Heroes truck will help us educate fellow drivers and communities across the country about human trafficking. “

Freestyle Transport, a Vancouver, Washington-based company specializing in delivering refrigerated and dry freight to the lower 48 states, made the winning bid at an online auction hosted by Ritchie Bros. .

According to Edward Little, president of Freestyle Transport and who received TAT training, the company is in the process of training all of its TAT ​​managers, employees, drivers and volunteers. He says the company is eager to raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking with its new Everyday Heroes Kenworth T680 Next Gen.

“I have been a long-time supporter of Truckers Against Trafficking and its mission to educate members of our industry to identify potential cases of human trafficking,” Little said. “As a former driver, I saw first-hand the opportunities our industry has to help victims of human trafficking. We are delighted to have purchased the Everyday Heroes truck and to help support such a great organization.

Don Blake, new sales manager at Inland Kenworth, a member of the TAT board of directors and the driving force behind the auction, expressed his thanks.