The decision by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to halt research into sexual assault within the trucking sector has sparked significant concern among industry stakeholders and advocates for safety and equity. This cessation of research not only stymies the collection of critical data but also leaves a void in understanding the prevalence and impact of sexual violence in an industry that employs millions across the United States. As the trucking sector continues to grapple with issues of workforce retention and diversity, the lack of reliable information on sexual assault undermines efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all employees. The implications of this decision extend beyond immediate safety concerns, posing challenges for regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and advocacy groups striving to address the systemic issues contributing to this pervasive problem.

In this article, we will explore the potential consequences of the FMCSA's actions, examining the need for comprehensive data to inform policy and foster a culture of accountability within the trucking industry. By highlighting the voices of those affected and the broader societal implications, we aim to underscore the urgent need for renewed commitment to research and action in the face of this critical issue.

Trump Administration Halts Sexual Harassment Research in the Trucking Industry

The Trump administration has decided to halt a research initiative aimed at addressing sexual harassment and assault within the trucking sector, according to one of the project’s contributors.

Anne Balay, a member of the working group involved in the study, expressed deep disappointment at the decision. She revealed that the team received a message instructing them to cease all project activities immediately. “We devoted significant time and effort to this initiative, only to receive an email notifying us that our work has been terminated,” Balay told FreightWaves.

Balay, who is an author, union organizer, and former truck driver, explained that the three-year study had been designed to explore areas that previous research had not addressed. “Our approach aimed to engage individuals who had not been previously included by the industry, particularly minorities and transgender women, and to conduct research at truck stops, which are often the sites of such incidents,” she elaborated.

The Study’s Purpose and the Broader Problem

Balay emphasized that the issue of sexual assault and harassment in trucking is widely acknowledged, yet rarely addressed in depth. The canceled study, she said, was meant to provide actionable insights and promote meaningful change to make the industry safer for women.

“There is a widespread acknowledgment that sexual assault and harassment are prevalent issues within the trucking industry,” Balay explained. “This study was intended to contribute to meaningful solutions and create a safer environment for women in the field. The decision to cancel it was not a cost-saving measure—funding had already been allocated—but rather an effort to suppress findings that might lead to public awareness and industry reform.”

A notice from the administration later clarified that the project’s termination stemmed from a shift in governmental priorities, which no longer aligned with the research’s objectives. This explanation has drawn criticism from several advocacy groups who view the decision as a setback in addressing gender-related challenges in the transportation sector.

WOTAB’s Role and the Push for Reform

The issue of sexual violence and harassment was identified as a key focus by the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB). Established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) during the Biden administration, WOTAB was formed to tackle barriers to recruitment and retention for female drivers.

Balay, who previously served on WOTAB, had been critical of earlier FMCSA initiatives. During WOTAB’s initial meeting in 2022, she objected to a crime prevention survey that listed “inappropriate touching” as the most frequently reported offense. “Labeling rape as mere ‘inappropriate touching’ is profoundly disrespectful,” she remarked. “Numerous women truckers I interviewed conveyed that they view rape as an unfortunate aspect of their profession. It is imperative that this reality is recognized.”

The formation of WOTAB and its partnerships reflected a growing institutional acknowledgment of these issues. For many, the cancellation of the SASH study undermines this progress and signals a troubling step backward in efforts to improve safety and equality within the trucking profession.

The SASH Working Group and Its Research Goals

In coordination with WOTAB, the FMCSA created the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Working Group to directly address these issues. The group was tasked with identifying the root causes of sexual harassment and violence within the industry, particularly among female drivers, and developing data-driven strategies for prevention and support.

The canceled study, launched by SASH in the fall of the previous year, sought to expand upon prior FMCSA research. Its objectives included gathering comprehensive data on incidents, improving understanding of workplace conditions, and identifying resources available to victims. A January WOTAB report to Congress noted that the study would incorporate best research practices, including demographic inclusivity by gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.

These methods were expected to provide the most complete picture yet of sexual harassment and assault in trucking, an industry where long hours, isolation, and male-dominated environments can exacerbate safety challenges for women and minorities.

Policy Shifts and Their Broader Implications

Shortly after the WOTAB report was submitted, President Trump implemented a freeze on regulatory actions. This order barred all executive departments and agencies from proposing or finalizing new rules until approved by a presidential appointee. As a result, many ongoing initiatives, including those related to safety and driver welfare, were effectively paused.

Among the affected proposals was one titled “Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators and Additional Curriculum and Training Provider Requirements.” This rule, also derived from WOTAB recommendations, aimed to strengthen safety training and incorporate education on harassment prevention and workplace conduct.

The delay of this rule, alongside the cancellation of the SASH study, has raised concerns that critical measures to protect women in trucking are being deprioritized. For advocacy groups and female drivers, the move represents a setback to ongoing efforts to build a culture of respect, safety, and accountability within the industry.

Conclusion: A Step Backward for Industry Safety and Equality

The termination of the SASH study and the delay of related regulatory efforts reflect a significant shift in federal priorities that could have long-term implications for the trucking industry. For many women drivers, these developments send a discouraging message about the government’s commitment to addressing harassment and violence in the workplace.

Research and policy initiatives like those proposed by WOTAB and FMCSA are not just bureaucratic exercises—they are vital tools for creating a safer, more inclusive environment in one of America’s most essential industries. Without continued commitment to such efforts, the progress made toward gender equality and safety in trucking risks being undone.

As the industry continues to evolve, meaningful action on these issues remains essential to ensuring that every driver, regardless of gender, can work without fear or discrimination.

Staying Committed to Safety, Compliance, and Respect on the Road

At Labworks USA, we believe that safety in the trucking industry goes beyond compliance — it’s about fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and integrity across every mile traveled. As the industry faces challenges such as harassment, inequity, and shifting regulations, staying informed and compliant is more important than ever.

If you’re a truck driver or fleet operator looking to maintain FMCSA and DOT compliance, our team is here to support you every step of the way. From random drug and alcohol testing to FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, Labworks USA provides dependable solutions to help you stay protected, proactive, and professional on the road.

Stay connected with us for trusted insights, safety updates, and compliance guidance that empower every driver — because a safer, more respectful trucking industry starts with informed and responsible professionals.

👉 Visit LabworksUSA.com to learn more.

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