Even though many large ports are planning to require truckers and port workers to have Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards next month, only 60,000 have enrolled into the program. This number falls drastically short of the estimated 1.5 million mariners, longshoremen, port employees, and truckers that will be required to have the TWIC cards.
This has cause the Transportation Security Administration to launched a campaign directed nationwide at over the road truck drivers and other port workers. The TWIC program is designed to increase security in ports by requiring a background check on persons who need unescorted access to ports.
The ultimate deadline for the TWIC certification is April 15, 2009. However, most major port zones are planning the move by December 30, 2008. Some ports, mainly in New England, are going so far as to require the cards by October 15, 2008.
The issued cards contain residency documentation and biometric data. Workers with similar certification such as Free and Secure Trade (FAST), Merchant Mariner Documents, or HAZMAT, will be able to receive a discount when obtaining their TWIC Cards. The standard cost of the card is set at $132.50.
Some ports that are currently requiring TWIC by December 30 are:
* Pittsburgh
* Baltimore
* Ohio Valley
* Delaware Bay
* Lower Mississippi River
* Mobile
* San Diego
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