The TWIC serves as a single security credential used system-wide across all maritime transportation facilities for individuals requiring unescorted access to secure areas.   ATA believes that the TWIC will eventually serve as a single universal security credential acoss all transportation modes allowing individuals unescorted access to secure areas of the national transportation system. TWIC was developed in accordance with the legislative provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act and the Maritime Transportation Security Act.  As of April 15, 2009, a TWIC will be required to enter the secure area of any U.S. port facility, which includes most truck loading and unloading areas.

In January 2007, the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard issued a final rule to begin the implementation of the TWIC in the Maritime sector. Port truck drivers requiring unescorted access to maritime facilities are required to apply for and obtain a TWIC. All enrollment facilities in the continental United States are currently open.

You can find the enrollment center closest to you by visiting https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/.  The Coast Guard will begin enforcing TWIC access on a rolling basis from Oct. 15, 2007 to April 15, 2008.

A TWIC costs $132.50. Drivers who have already received a background check for the HME may apply for a TWIC at a reduced cost of $105.25. ATA and other key industry stakeholders continue to communicate with TSA and the Coast Guard regarding when drivers will be required to have TWIC access to enter secure areas of the ports.

Drivers and other workers who require a TWIC may pre-enroll for the card. Pre-enrollment allows an applicant to electronically submit all information to the TWIC center in advance. Pre-enrolling applicants will still be required to submit fingerprint images at an enrollment center but will not be required to fill out paperwork on site. Visit https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ to pre-enroll. Applicants will need to create an account and then follow the instructions to pre-enroll.

TSA has published a list of frequently asked questions on its Web site. Click here to view them.
If you have other questions or need further information about TWIC, please click here to ask an ATA staffer.  You can also submit questions to the TSA contractors via e-mail by visiting http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov/twicinfo/contact.jsp.