News
Delivering to Ports? - Get Ready for High-Technology Driver ID
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10.29.2008
If your commercial drivers are hauling grain, or anything else, for that matter, to or from U.S. sea or river ports, they’ll soon need their Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC). In fact, as of October 15, the biometric security cards are now required for truck drivers traveling to New England ports.
Part of Homeland Security effort, the TWIC is a tamper-resistant ID containing the driver’s biometric—a fancy name for fingerprint. It will allow for a positive link between the card and the individual and will be used for persons requiring unescorted access to secure areas of ports around the country.
Be aware of April 15 enrollment deadline
New England’s ports went TWIC-active October 15, with other sea ports—and eventually interior river ports—requiring the high-tech cards later this winter and into spring of 2009. That means if you’re hauling to or from Mississippi ports, for example, your drivers will have to get on board the TWIC program soon. Impacted drivers are to enroll by April 15, 2009.
A TWIC computer glitch on October 21 has delayed any further card activations until November 10, but that doesn’t mean your drivers can’t begin the enrollment process. Before obtaining a TWIC, applicants must meet eligibility requirements.
Follow the TWIC process with CMIC
CMIC’s own Transportation Specialist, Terry Lively, will soon begin the process of obtaining his TWIC. We’ll be sharing his experience and information about the process with you through articles on this website. Check in regularly to find details that might be helpful if you have drivers who need to enroll.
In the meantime, if you have additional questions about TWIC and the enrollment process and/or schedule, contact Maurine Fanguy, TWIC Program manager, Transportation Security Administration, at 571-227-3741, maurine.fanguy@dhs.gov, or go to www.tsa.gov\twic.
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