If you are a driver looking to transport loads in and out of United States ports, it’s going to be critical that you apply and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
The TWIC® card, or Transportation Worker Identification Credential is a federal ID granted by the transportation security administration (TSA), and the U.S Coast Guard. It grants emergency personnel, maritime workers and truckers unescorted access to secure areas of our country's ports, vessels and maritime areas.There’s more to know about TWIC cards specially if you are a truck driver.
What are the benefits of getting a TWIC® card?
A TWIC® card is a great investment for a truck driver if you intend to conduct business at any restricted areas of the ports, vessels or other continental shelf facilities.
Some larger shipping terminals require a TWIC® card as well so having one opens up more freight opportunities for better paying loads.
The TWIC can also be used to board airplanes. TSA officers are trained to recognize the TWIC as a valid form of federal ID.
How do you get a TWIC® Card (and how long does it take to get one)?
There are 3 main steps to apply for a TWIC® Card.
- Complete an online application or visit an application center to complete the process in person.
- Schedule an in person appointment at a TWIC® application center.
- Visit the TWIC application center to be fingerprinted, photographed and pay the registration fee which will be valid for 5 years.
Routine service can take up to 6-8 weeks from the day the application is submitted to when a new TWIC® card is received. Once an applicant is approved it takes between 7-10 days to receive a card in the mail.
Is there anything that can disqualify a trucker from getting a TWIC® card?
Certain crimes, and convictions could permanently disqualify a truck driver from getting a TWIC® card. These include:
- Treason
- Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage
- A crime involving Transportation Security
- Terroristic threats
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase, shipping, transfer, storage or dealing with an explosive or explosive device.
- Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
- Murder
- Improper transport of a hazardous material under 49 U.S.C 5124 or a comparable state law.
- Violations of the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations Act, or a comparable State law, where one of the acts found by a jury or admitted by the defendant, consists of one of the permanently disqualifying crimes.
It’s not impossible to get a TWIC® card as a convict but it is far more difficult. Some convictions can temporarily disqualify you from getting your credentials. These include:
- Extortion
- Smuggling
- Distribution, possession of a controlled substance
- Kidnapping, hostage taking, or false imprisonment
- Assault with intent to kill
- Arson
- Money Laundering
- Bribery
- Immigration Violations
- Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
- Robbery
- Voluntary Manslaughter
What is the cost of getting a TWIC® Card?
A TWIC® credential is valid for five years and is available for a one-time fee:
New Applicant TWIC® Fee | $125.25 |
Applicants who hold and present a valid Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, may pay a reduced fee of $105.25. |
Do truck drivers need a TWIC Card?
TWIC cards are not a requirement for most trucking jobs but it can give a driver access to different freight opportunities.
Drivers who hold a TWIC credential can accept:
- Import Drayage
- Export Drayage
- Hot-shot Drayage
- Pick and Strips
- Airport Pickups and Dropoffs
- Intermodal (Rail) Drayage
- Pickup at secure bulk loading terminals
- Container Freight Station (CFS) Pickups
Driver’s holding TWIC cards are usually preferred amongst brokers and large trucking companies because it confirms the passage of a background check and allows the company to charge a premium for these specialized freight opportunities.
If a driver does not have a TWIC card, it’s still possible to enter the port and other secure areas with a qualified TWIC holding escort.
Source:
https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
