Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show more than 700,000 registered motor carriers are traversing our highways and roads. These trucks, which can be packed with everything from bricks and stone to dog food and grocery items, keep thousands of American businesses afloat. For business owners shipping these products across the country, precise planning and high-level tracking are required. But with increasing rates and a wide range of delays to overcome, overseeing a shipment of LTL freight is easier said than done.
For overworked business owners, managing multiple shipments can seem impossible in today's freight landscape. But the reality is that many businesses rely on less-than-truckload shipments to keep their doors open. When these shipments are compromised, their business is too. But there's a viable solution: LTL freight brokers in Savannah, GA like RelyEx provide reliable solutions to common LTL shipment problems, eliminating the stress and worry of LTL shipping.
With more than 30 combined years of LTL experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx is your go-to choice for streamlined, efficient LTL shipping services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's less-than-truckload shipping options, it helps to understand first what LTL shipping is and why it's used.
In the freight industry, LTL stands for "less-than-truckload." It is a widely-used method of transportation for smaller shipments that don't require the space of a full truckload. In an LTL shipment, several customers' loads are placed onto one truck, which helps reduce how much it costs to ship those products.
In fact, if your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer but weighs 150-15,000 lbs., LTL freight shipping in Savannah, GA, may be the most efficient, cost-conscious way to transport your products. That's because, in an LTL setup, you're only paying for the space your freight takes up. LTL shipping companies like RelyEx optimize LTL loads by choosing the most efficient routes at the best rates so your cargo gets to where it needs to go without any issues.
Business owners often choose LTL freight services in the following circumstances:
When it comes to LTL delivery options, there are a lot to choose from. But not every LTL broker is created equally. Some LTL companies do not have the tools or technology to track your shipments and optimize your routes. In worst-case scenarios, they may not be insured or reliable. If you're looking for an experienced LTL carrier that exceeds expectations with time-tested strategies and innovative technologies, look no further than RelyEx.
With more than two decades of experience in LTL operations, our team utilizes the power of GlobalTranz to compare rates across hundreds of approved carriers in the blink of an eye, while also providing the most cost-effective options for moving your freight. When you choose RelyEx for LTL shipping, you can leverage our expert team to handle your shipments. You can also manage the process yourself via GTZShip, which is Globaltranz's user-friendly management system. With GTZShip, you can access and compare LTL shipping rates, track your shipments, and manage your financials, all from one intuitive platform.
When it comes to LTL freight in Savannah, GA, clients trust their products with RelyEx for many reasons, including the following:
Because GTZShip keeps outsized freight available, it can negotiate the best LTL rates on your behalf. Our clients can access these extra-low rates in one of two ways:
Regardless of the option you choose, RelyEx's knowledgeable customer care reps will cover all of your LTL shipping options, so you can make an informed shipping and purchasing decision for your freight.
Yes, you read that right - in addition to giving you access to industry-leading rates, RelyEx's partnership with GTZShip gives you full management of your freight. We're talking about access to reporting, tracking, and much more. This extensive visibility is essentially a one-stop shop for everything related to the status of your freight.
Unlike some LTL shipping software, this system requires no contracts or signup fees, making it simple to provide quotes and book immediately when you're ready. Whether you use GTZShip directly or rely on our team to book your freight, your company will always have access to this free technology.
While it's true that RelyEx provides customers with the best rates and technology in the LTL industry, we go above and beyond the normal call of duty. Why? Because we strive to treat your shipment as if it's our most important one. Put simply, we put a lot of time and effort into making sure we do things right the first time around. Our fierce commitment to the customer and to quality protects not only your reputation, but your bottom line by preventing lost customers and sales.
RelyEx excels at LTL shipping because we are:
From dedicated LTL solutions to transactional relationships, RelyEx is here to help. Unlike other LTL companies, we get the job done right with customer-focused service, industry expertise, and Globaltranz's industry-leading Transportation Management System.
Our dedicated team of LTL specialists provides you with the best freight visibility available, whether you need a few shipments a week or you need hundreds. In order to do so, we communicate with carriers throughout the entire shipping process, so you know your items are delivered on time. Though rare, if we spot an issue, we'll provide you with an alternative solution immediately.
Plus, if you have large quantities that need to be shipped, our team is happy to provide you with customized reporting for free. That way, you can access at-the-moment updates and important shipment documentation with a few clicks or taps.
When your freight is too light for full truckloads but too heavy for basic parcel carriers like UPS, LTL shipping is a great option to consider. When you use an LTL shipping company like RelyEx, you get even more value. We've been over some of the basics associated with LTL freight shipping - now let's touch on some of the biggest benefits of using a company to handle logistics from start to finish.
One of the most common reasons clients use LTL services is because they're able to save money. LTL shipping is much less expensive than the alternative, which is to hire a private driver and truck. When you go in on LTL services with other shippers, you can have your products delivered at a fraction of the cost of going private. In this setup, you pay for space you use, not the space you don't use, which is common in full truckload freight shipping.
As an added benefit, relying on an LTL freight company like RelyEx can lower your warehouse costs since more shipments can be sent at a time. That means you don't have to wait weeks or even months for a trailer to fill up.
When you use a parcel carrier like FedEx, you can only ship up to 150 pounds at a time. That means you'd have to break down your shipment into separate boxes in order to ship. With LTL freight shipping, your packages can be palletized and shrink-wrapped so they're shipped in a single load.
At RelyEx, our team knows how important your shipment is, whether you're sending thousands of pounds of products or a single pallet. That's why we ensure your products are packaged correctly and have security protocols baked into every service we offer. Plus, by keeping your freight together, we decrease the chance of damaging your cargo, which pleases your clients and boosts your customers' satisfaction.
The magic of LTL shipping lies in the fact that we fill fewer trailers with more freight. Doing so reduces global emissions and makes the process much quicker. Imagine using a semi-truck to haul products that only fill a quarter of the trailer. It would waste money, time, and space that could be used for other products. With LTL shipping, you're protecting the environment and reducing the number of partially-filled trucks on the road. This, in turn, saves you money and makes you an eco-friendly company - something you can use as a selling point for your business.
LTL providers like RelyEx use advanced logistics technology to ensure your cargo arrives on time and without damage. By investing in technology like GlobalTranz, we save our clients from doing so themselves. With GlobalTranz, our clients gain access to robust tracking options like real-time freight locations, so you can monitor your shipment's progress. With GlobalTranz, you get more than just a way to book your LTL cargo â you benefit from our qualified network of carriers, expert logistics support, and leading technology features.
It's impossible to say exactly how much your LTL shipping may cost because the NMFC, or National Motor Freight Classification, determines those prices. Using this standard, pricing is dictated for commodities moving in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. Items are grouped into 18 different classes, based on four characteristics:
If you're shipping a product that is more likely to be damaged, stolen, or cause damage to other items, it may affect LTL shipment pricing.
Does your product require specific care or handling instructions? If so, you can probably expect higher prices.
This factor accounts for how much space your item occupies in relation to its weight or the weight per cubic foot for each piece of freight you are shipping.
How easy is it to load and transport your commodity? Can it be loaded and transported with other items?
When combined, these characteristics are used to establish an NMFC code for your LTL cargo. These codes are crucial, as they help your LTL carrier understand the challenges of shipping your products. If the item you need to ship has a high NMFC code, it's because it's more difficult to transport, which usually means it's more expensive to ship.
Depending on where and how often you ship LTL freight, your broker may choose a regional or national LTL carrier. Regional carriers often service a group of states within a region. National carriers have a larger footprint and can often eliminate the need to use several carriers for your shipments. RelyEx has the infrastructure and strategies for all of your LTL shipping - contact our office today to learn more about your options.
Though regional and national carriers are different, they often use similar models for shipping. Two of the most popular types of shipping methods include hub and spoke distribution and LTL consolidation.
In this traditional model, your shipments go through a network of warehouses, terminals, and hub facilities where your products are grouped with other shipments. Your freight then travels to local "spokes" (or terminals), where they are delivered. If you need to ship freight over short distances, this model may be a good choice to consider.
Some common benefits of the hub and spoke model include:
LTL consolidated shipping is a model where LTL carriers bring several shipments from different shippers to a final destination. Instead of using hubs and spokes along the shipping route to bundle freight and move cargo, LTL consolidation works by taking multiple shipments and turning them into a single truckload. This truck then makes multiple stops, where your products are delivered.
Some of the most common benefits of LTL consolidation include:
At RelyEx, our goal is to expertly manage the movement of your freight so you can focus on your core business. With more than 20 years of combined experience with LTL freight shipping in Savannah, GA, our team can select the most efficient and cost-effective model for your needs. That way, you can accomplish your day-to-day tasks while we handle the heavy lifting and any logistical challenges.
At RelyEx, we believe that trustworthy, comprehensive, and streamlined LTL shipping options are better for your business. And for us, what's better for your business is better for ours. That's why, when it comes to LTL shipping, we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your freight experience is embedded excellence. We take this unique approach because our management were once customers like you. They were people who, for one reason or another, had to deal with frustrating and often unsolved shipping and logistics challenges. Today, we take pride in solving those challenges and only partner with carriers who match our high standards.
If you're looking for an LTL company in Savannah, GA that prioritizes customer service, strong communication, and proactive thinking, we're here to help you avoid delayed shipments and missed expectations.
As structural engineers continue to try to determine what caused a partial collapse of Savannah's federal courthouse this month, the building's condition is cause for concern, owing to its architectural significance.Little is known about the extent of the damage, aside from it being a roughly 30-square-foot portion of the third floor collapsing onto the second floor, according to the Savannah Fire Department.No one was critically injured, and construction remains halted until engineers deem the building safe....
As structural engineers continue to try to determine what caused a partial collapse of Savannah's federal courthouse this month, the building's condition is cause for concern, owing to its architectural significance.
Little is known about the extent of the damage, aside from it being a roughly 30-square-foot portion of the third floor collapsing onto the second floor, according to the Savannah Fire Department.
No one was critically injured, and construction remains halted until engineers deem the building safe.
(READ MORE: Savannah seeks input on new name for square formerly named after slavery supporter)
Occupying an entire block in the downtown Historic District, the Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was designed and built in the 1890s in the Second Renaissance Revival style with white marble and elaborate ornamentation.
Savannah College of Art and Design architectural history Chairman Robin B. Williams called the courthouse a "lavish, beautifully crafted building" that is very much a product of its time.
"(It was) a moment in American architectural history when great American self-confidence is right on the heels of the World's Fair in Chicago, where America sort of declared itself on a world map," Williams said. "The white marble is actually related to what came out of that World's Fair in 1893 — what was sometimes referred to as the White City. And so white marble buildings become synonymous with the modern city. Even though it's this old classicism, it would have been seen as a modern building."
(READ MORE: Kemp signs bills aiming to improve school safety, literacy)
A roughly 60,000-square-foot addition was built in 1932, effectively tripling the building's original size. That addition, too, was a product of its time.
"They did it in a way that if it happened today, the federal government would prohibit this kind of expansion," Williams said.
That's because the expansion was designed essentially as a mirror image of the original structure — an approach that runs counter to federal guidelines adopted in 1966 through the National Historic Preservation Act.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, gardens, rail cars to see $10 million revamp)
"One of the standards is that when you put an addition on a building, it should be distinguishable," Williams said, adding that although the guidelines say that an addition should be compatible with the original structure, its design should be at least somewhat distinctive.
"I love to stand in front of the building with anyone I'm giving a tour to or my students, and say 'Find the seam,'" he said. "It's very subtle. The original corbels — the brackets up in the cornice up at the top — are just slightly different and slightly dirtier than the ones that were on the expanded part. But otherwise, the difference is really difficult to see."
The partial collapse came as a surprise to Williams, as he said that the courthouse was built with high-quality materials.
Rambagh Palace in India Ranked World's No.1Today, Tripadvisor announced the winners of its 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards. In its 21st edition, the awards align with the kickoff of the summer travel season, providing inspiration by revealing the best places to stay in the U.S. and around the world. Tripadvisor analyzed 12 months of review data (January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022) from real travelers covering more than 1.5 million hotels, to determine travelers' highest-rated accommodations of the year. ...
Rambagh Palace in India Ranked World's No.1
Today, Tripadvisor announced the winners of its 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards. In its 21st edition, the awards align with the kickoff of the summer travel season, providing inspiration by revealing the best places to stay in the U.S. and around the world. Tripadvisor analyzed 12 months of review data (January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022) from real travelers covering more than 1.5 million hotels, to determine travelers' highest-rated accommodations of the year. Discover all the winners and get planning at tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels.
"It's clear that our community ventured far and wide last year: Our 10 winning subcategories encompass 37 regions around the world and include a wide range of amazing places to stay," said Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor. "An opulent palace in Jaipur topped the charts, while hotels ranging from a 'glamping' retreat in Patagonia to a rock 'n' roll–themed boutique in Boston made their mark as well. As our savvy reviewers know, hotels can sometimes be the entire reason for the trip—I'm personally very excited to consult this list as I plot out the next year of vacations with my own family."
Hotel Headlines: 2023 Trends
And the Winners are…This year's No. 1 Hotel in the prestigious Top Hotels category is Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India. Dubbed "The Jewel of Jaipur," this 1835 palace-turned-luxurious hotel holds unbelievable extravagance. A new No. 1 winner for 2023, Rambagh Palace has over 5,000 five-bubble reviews and is beloved for its polo bar, historic suites, and high tea.
In the U.S., The Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, ranks No. 1 for travelers this year. The luxurious, cosmopolitan hotel provides a rare duality in contemporary design and draws inspiration from the historic city it calls home. Ranking No. 22 in 2022, The Perry Lane rose to the top this year based on glowing traveler reviews highlighting its chic rooftop bar, food and beverage offerings, and warm Southern hospitality, to name a few.
The distinguished Top Hotels list is a diverse ranking with winners from 19 countries around the world. On the U.S. list, 21 different cities are home to a 2023 winner.
Top 10 Hotels in the World
Top 10 Hotels in the U.S.
New for 2023, Tripadvisor reveals the Best Hotels for Sleep, spotlighting the top 10 accommodations around the world where guests have rated sleep most highly in their reviews. For travelers in need of sweet dreams, visit Dromoland Castle Hotel in Ireland, rated No. 1 in the world in this inaugural subcategory, where a serene slumber is almost certain. For those looking to stay closer to home, the U.S. holds two great spots for shut-eye: the Harbor House Inn in Santa Barbara, California, and Graduate Tucson in Tucson, Arizona. The full top 10 is as follows:
A second new subcategory for 2023 also spotlights relaxation: the Best Hotels with Spas. While many hotels aim to induce zen, none succeed quite like The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, the No. 1 rated Spa Hotel. This is the "highest" hotel in the world, so the views alone are worth visiting the spa on the 116th floor, which redefines the urban spa experience in the city and across Asia. The full top 10 is as follows:
As the hospitality industry continues to rebound, many new hotels have opened their doors, the best of which are recognized in Tripadvisor's Hottest New Hotels for 2023. OBLU SELECT Lobigili in the Maldives secures Tripadvisor's "rookie of the year" status, ranking No. 1 in the world. This 5-star resort exclusively for adults features nature-inspired designs that bring to life a secluded, castaway feel, once again proving wellness is paramount for travelers. In the U.S., San Francisco's design- and art-driven LUMA Hotel takes the crown.
Those looking for more bucket list adventures and Instagram-worthy photo-ops can explore the most Out-of-the-Ordinary Hotels for a stay to remember:
Planning a family getaway can be difficult enough, so let Tripadvisor take some of the pressure off hotel selection. The Best Family-Friendly Hotels hold fun stuff for kids, plus all the perks for parents.
Great hospitality doesn't always mean massive resorts; sometimes the best stays are a cozy bed and breakfast, which is why Tripadvisor awards the Best B&Bs/Inns.
Luxury Hotels recognize places with above-and-beyond hospitality and amenities for days.
Sometimes, Small Hotels make a big impression. Here are travelers' favorite hotels under 30 rooms:
Finally, the Best All-Inclusive Hotels hold everything you could ever need (and more), all in one place.
All the winners, including in different countries and continents, can be seen here.
MethodologyThe 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between January 1 and December 31, 2022, as well as an additional editorial process.
Above: The Beach Boys are headed to SavannahSavannah's music scene is thriving and, whether it's national acts or local bands, there's no shortage of performances in and around the Hostess City.Here's a look at the next several months of concerts and musical events scheduled in Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry. Legendary singer, songwriter Stevie Nicks to perform at Sav...
Above: The Beach Boys are headed to Savannah
Savannah's music scene is thriving and, whether it's national acts or local bands, there's no shortage of performances in and around the Hostess City.
Here's a look at the next several months of concerts and musical events scheduled in Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry.
Legendary singer, songwriter Stevie Nicks to perform at Savannah's Enmarket Arena this fall
Did we miss one? Email us at news@wjcl.com.
Check back as more events are added.
MAY
May 2nd: The Book of Mormon, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
May 3rd: Jill Scott | Who is Jill Scott? Tour, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
May 4th: Old Dominion, Enmarket Arena - Tickets
May 5th: Daily Bread: Invisible Cinema Tour - Tickets
May 5th: Easily Amused with The Coyotes, The Wormhole - Tickets
May 6th: Surf Curse, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
May 6th: The Rewind Tour with Jeezy, Plies, and Webbie, Enmarket Arena - Tickets
May 7th: VooDoo Soup, Congress Street Social Club - No Purchase Necessary (click here for more info)
May 11th: For King + Country | What Are We Waiting For?: The Tour, Enmarket Arena - Tickets
May 12th: A Tribute to the 3 Kings | Ft. the Eric Culberson Band and Friends, Victory North - Tickets
May 14th: VooDoo Soup, Congress Street Social Club - No Purchase Necessary (click here for more info)
May 14th: Princess Goes, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
May 18th: Sophie B. Hawkins, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
May 19th: Grace Potter, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
May 19th: Auragami, The wormhole - Tickets
May 20th: Street Clothes with Johnny Couch (and a very special disco drag show), Victory North - Tickets
May 21st: VooDoo Soup, Congress Street Social Club - No Purchase Necessary (click here for more info)
May 21st: The Beach Boys, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
The legendary Beach Boys are headed to Savannah. Here's when tickets go on sale
May. 27th: Super Blue | Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
May 27th: The Gaslighters, The Wormhole - Tickets
May 28th: VooDoo Soup, Congress Street Social Club - No Purchase Necessary (click here for more info)
June 1st: FUTUREBIRDS, Victory North - Tickets
June 2nd: FUTUREBIRDS, Victory North - Tickets
June 3rd: Dead Man's Hand, The Wormhole - Tickets
June 4th: Jonathan Reynolds | My Truth Tour, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
June 7th: The Talbott rothers, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
June 11th: Adam Ezra Group, Plant Riverside district - Tickets
June 14th: Thurston Howell | A Premiere Yacht Rock Spectacular!, Victory North - Tickets
June 16th: LCO Magnetic Bass, The Wormhole - Tickets
June 16th: Early James, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
June 16th: Early James, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
June 28th: EYEHATEGOD, The Wormhole - Tickets
June 30th: Larry Fleet, Victory North - Tickets
July 6th: The 502's, Victory North - Tickets
July 7th: The Talbott Brothers, Plant Riverside District - Tickets
July 8th: Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
July 12th: Lazy Ass Destroyer, Seenloc, Chad Carrier & More, The Wormhole - Tickets
July 18th: Nonpoint, Victory North - Tickets
July 19th: Elevation Nights | Summer Tour, Enmarket Arena - Tickets
July 29th: Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child, Savannah civic Center - Tickets
Aug. 4th: Electric Avenue | The 80's MTV Experience, Victory North - Tickets
Aug. 11th: The Purple Madness | A Tribute to Prince, Victory North - Tickets
Aug. 13th: An Evening with Patti LaBelle, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia will open a four-year campus at the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University.The St. Joseph’s/Candler CEO is hoping the new campus will give better access to training for medical students and help with Georgia’s ongoing physician shortage.The site is just down the street from St. Joseph’s Hospital, where CEO Paul Hinchey says third and fourth-year students will team up with nearly 80 physicians.“Our job is to train...
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia will open a four-year campus at the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University.
The St. Joseph’s/Candler CEO is hoping the new campus will give better access to training for medical students and help with Georgia’s ongoing physician shortage.
The site is just down the street from St. Joseph’s Hospital, where CEO Paul Hinchey says third and fourth-year students will team up with nearly 80 physicians.
“Our job is to train them and prepare them to go into their residency after they finish their fourth year,” Hinchey said.
On Tuesday, the University System of Georgia approved $1.7 million for renovations at Georgia Southern - Armstrong for the new medical campus. That money coming from Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget that Governor Brian Kemp signed in Bryan County earlier this month.
State House speaker Jon Burns says that Georgia ranks 40th in the country for the number of active physicians. In a statement, he said, “Increasing opportunities within the University System of Georgia allows Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia to educate and train more students and meets a clear need to make sure our communities receive better health care.”
University officials say the new four-year campus will provide the “full spectrum” of medical education and will allow the school to accept 40 more students a year.
Hinchey says that by studying in Savannah, he hopes prospective doctors will stay in the Hostess City when they’re job ready.
“The probability of them staying here when they graduate and finishing their residency is really high. That’s going to benefit everybody here and all boats are going to rise. We’re kind of molding the future of medical care in the state and that’s why we’re particularly excited,” Hinchey said.
Under this partnership, Georgia Southern will provide tens of thousands of square feet for student instructional spaces. University officials say the renovations needed at Armstrong include the creation of a new anatomy lab.
The new campus at Armstrong is expected to enroll its first students by Fall 2024.
Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - When you hear the words “human trafficking,” you might picture people being kidnapped or taken from public places.But one local organization says that’s not how it usually happens.Tharros Place is an organization in Savannah that helps survivors of human trafficking - specifically, teenagers. The signs of a teenager being trafficked can be subtle, but it’s something people should know to be on the lookout for.Kate Templeton, the outreach coordinator at Tharros Place, says it...
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - When you hear the words “human trafficking,” you might picture people being kidnapped or taken from public places.
But one local organization says that’s not how it usually happens.
Tharros Place is an organization in Savannah that helps survivors of human trafficking - specifically, teenagers. The signs of a teenager being trafficked can be subtle, but it’s something people should know to be on the lookout for.
Kate Templeton, the outreach coordinator at Tharros Place, says it’s especially important in Chatham County.
“Out of 159 counties, we rank fourth for highest rates of minor victims of human trafficking,” Templeton said.
That could be for a number of reasons. Templeton says one of them being Savannah’s tourism industry.
Templeton says for teenagers, however, online grooming is a particular risk.
“Online recruitment actually increased 22 percent during COVID, and it continues to go up just because everyone’s online. Every student has some type of Instagram, TikTok, or something like that.”
Sometimes, the risk of trafficking doesn’t come from strangers online, but people potential victims know and trust.
“Parents, uncles, you know, aunts, other types of family members trafficking children in their lives for house payments, car payments, drug money, things like that. So it’s kind of a variety of things we’re seeing in Chatham County.”
Templeton adds that sometimes, teenagers are trafficked without their parents even knowing something is wrong. That’s why it’s important, she says, for adults to pay close attention to the kids in their lives.
Some signs to look out for include kids suddenly having expensive phones or clothes with no explanation for where they came from, showing signs of malnourishment or having unexplained injuries.
Another sign could also be an adult speaking on behalf of a child in seemingly inconsequential situations.
If you suspect someone you know it being trafficked, Templeton says it’s important to know what resources are available, including a Georgia specific hotline, 1-866-END-HTGA, by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia, and, of course, 911.
And if you’re in doubt:
“If you have any concern at all, even if you think it’s a small concern, it’s always best to report.”
According to Tharros Place, Chatham County ranks 4th in the state for highest rates of child victims. That’s why it’s important, they say, to learn about the signs someone you know might be being trafficked.
It’s part of Tharros Place’ ‘Lunch and Learn’ programs. Each week this month, they, along with the Chatham County Juvenile Court, are putting on lunchtime Zoom meetings for people to learn more about human trafficking.
Each week is targeted towards a different group of people. There have already been lunches for people in the tourism industry and healthcare workers.
Kate Templeton says that parents are a very important group that need to be educated about the dangers of human trafficking.
She says Tharros Place has seen cases of teenagers being trafficked, right under their parents’ noses.
But knowing what to look out for, could make all the difference.
“Traffickers really turn to the Internet to find their victims. During COVID, obviously there was an uptick in online recruitment because people weren’t out in the community as much. So we really want to create awareness among the parents that online safety, not sharing personal information online, things like that, are so vital.”
Wednesday’s meeting will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is recommended, but not required.
And, if you want to attend one of these meetings, but you’re not a parent, there is one for the general public a week from Wednesday.
Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.