According to the FBI’s “Highway Serial Killings Initiative,” at least 850 murders in the United States over the past few decades have been linked to long-haul truck drivers.
Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence, revealed that truckers who spend the majority of their time on the road are often the suspects.
The FBI initiative plays a crucial role in connecting murders that may appear unrelated initially but follow a distinct pattern involving female victims, many of whom are associated with prostitution or sex trafficking. These victims are typically picked up at truck stops, sexually assaulted, and then murdered, with their bodies later found in various locations.
Figliuzzi stated, “The FBI is certain that the 850 killings are the work of serial killers. To date, 25 long-haul truckers are already behind bars for multiple homicides.”
He also mentioned that there are 200 unsolved cases with 450 suspects currently under investigation.
Figliuzzi discussed his new book, “Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers,” where he delves into three subcultures: long-haul truckers, sex trafficking victims, and crime analysis. His research for the book involved spending a year riding over 2,000 miles in a semitruck to better understand the subculture.
In his findings, Figliuzzi highlighted the isolating lifestyle of long-haul truckers, where 10% drink alcohol daily, 20% engage in binge drinking regularly, and 44% experience clinical depression.
He added, “Some of these serial killers, when interviewed, express the realization that they now have the freedom to kill due to the ability to exploit the complexities of different law enforcement jurisdictions.”
The FBI acknowledges that while the majority of truck drivers are diligent workers, the inherent isolation and transience of the job could potentially attract serial killers or even serve as a breeding ground for them.
