More U.S. 'Ports' Added for TWIC Enrollment; Deadline: 9/28/08
The Transportation Worker Identity Card (TWIC) will become mandatory on Sept. 25, 2008, as proof of identification for all personnel, including commercial drivers, entering seaports in the United States. The program requires a full background check prior to issuance of the TWIC card. However, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) was successful in lobbying for the Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST) background check to be recognized by the TWIC program. This means that drivers who already have FAST cards will not be subject to the duplicate background check, but are still required to obtain the TWIC card.
CTA says it plans to continue its lobbying efforts for elimination of the TWIC application fees for commercial drivers who already have FAST cards. Meanwhile, TWIC enrollment continues to be initiated across the United States, with sets of "ports" being added to the existing list on a regular basis. To check the port enrollment schedule online, go to http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov/twicinfo/schedule.jsp.