A huge amount of United States’ export and import goods arrive and departure the country over the maritime ports. Show
The truck driving industry plays a big part in the process. Trucks are the only vehicles responsible for delivering those goods in and out of the country. In spite of their status, the truck drivers entry to those ports is not easy and they need to pass strict security measures before entering. What is a TWIC Card?TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. This national ID card is obligatory by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for all workforces who needs entry to secure areas of the country’s ports, vessels, and maritime areas. The TSA security orders each truck driver to own this card if they wish to continue with their freight distribution. So, TWIC card allows truck drivers to transport freight to ports, government ports or government maritime facilities.  TWIC CARD REQUIREMENTSThe primary qualifications that each truck driver needs to possess before applying for TWIC card are:
Steps to get a Twic CardThe process of getting a TWIC card is considered as long process. It is estimated that takes between 6-8 weeks. First, the driver needs to complete the online application or start the entire process in person at an application center. At the TWIC application center, the applicant needs to provide the required documentation, take a facial photo and fingerprints. Then the driver will be asked to pay a non-refundable fee. TSA usually provides a response within 30-45 days of getting the information. If there were some difficulties during the enrollment, the response can take longer. Truck drivers can always check their status online. The Cost of twic cardThe application fee for new TWIC card is $125.25. New applicant reduced rate is $105.25 and the cost of replacement card is $60. The reduced fee applies to those drivers that have also a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card. The TWIC card is valid for 5 years. For TWIC card renewal, the applicant must go through the whole process again. ConclusionThe TWIC card is considered as a huge asset for truck drivers and it can expand their job opportunities. My name is Stephanie and I am young blog writer interested in creating content that is fun, informative, relevant and engaging for all truck drivers. Skip to content
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Everything You Need to Know About TWIC CardsA large portion of America’s imported and exported goods move through maritime ports. Whether the cargo is coming or going, it falls on truck drivers to get freight where it needs to go. However, ports have very strict security measures when you are trying to drop off a load or pick up. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) won’t let just anyone access American docks, even if that someone has a Rate Confirmation. In order to gain access to ports – and by extension, the freight – truckers may want to look into getting a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. What is a TWIC Card for Truck Drivers?A TWIC card is means of security threat assessment for authorized individuals to gain access to sensitive areas. The TWIC program gets you a government identification similar to a driver’s license but with this program designed to give individuals access to secure facilities within the United States such as maritime facilities and vessels. CDL drivers need these TWIC cards if they want to access ports without paying for an authorized escort. If your company does regular business on these ports, investing in TWIC cards for your trucking company drivers may be good for your business. Benefits of Having a TWIC CardA TWIC card is a federal identification card for Transportation Workers that gets administered to those who need unrestricted access to areas included in the maritime transportation security act, including ports, port facilities, boats, and continental shelf facilities. You are even able to get a hazardous materials endorsement also known as a hazmat endorsement added to fit your needs. TWIC cards are a good investment if you do a lot of business at these types of restricted locations. The TWIC card saves your business time and money since you won’t need an authorized escort each time you haul to or from the port. Sometimes brokers will let you negotiate the escort fee into the load price, but this isn’t always the case. It’s better to be safe than sorry and apply for the TWIC card. How to Get a TWIC CardThere are 2 parts to the TWIC application process.
Due to the vigorous background checks performed on a TWIC application, receiving your TWIC card can take up to 12 weeks. Make sure you apply well before it’s actually needed. Once you have your card, you will not need to renew it for 5 years. The Cost of a TWIC CardThe cost associated with a TWIC card is not exactly cheap, but when looked at as a business expense and the benefits of having one vs not having on in your business it can be a minor expense in comparison. You can always find the most up to date pricing through the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic. To break down the current pricing though, the new application fee is $125.25. If you qualify, you may be able to obtain the new applicant reduced rate of $105.25. The other expense that you may run into is if you happen to lose your card then you have to deal with the replacement cost of $60. How to Renew your TWIC CardThe good news for renewing your TWIC card compared to some other services that you may run it with big drawn-out processes, the same process is followed to renew as you followed to apply as a new applicant. TWIC cards are a good investment if you do a lot of business at maritime ports. The card saves your business time and money since you won’t need an authorized escort each time you haul to or from the port. Sometimes brokers will let you negotiate the escort fee into the load price, but this isn’t always the case. It’s better to be safe than sorry and apply for the TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). If you have more questions or want more truck driving tips we have a knowledgeable team ready to help. Give us a call today! 913.393.6100 By TAFS|2022-07-21T08:08:22-05:00July 21st, 2020|Tips for Drivers|Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About TWIC Cards Related Posts |
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