According to BTS (Bureau of Transportation Statistics), in 2022, there were over 15.8 million workers in the transportation industry in the United States. This includes not only drivers but also warehouse workers, managers, and other personnel involved in logistical processes.
- The market trend shows positive growth. Analysts at Fortune Business Insights forecast that the industry’s value will increase to $1.8 trillion by 2029 (from $1.2 trillion in 2022). It indicates significant growth in the niche, driven in part by demand for vacancies within it.
The potency of the segment is driven by several factors, including:
- Relatively low entry barriers. Basic positions can be filled from the age of 18, with decent income opportunities.
- Career development potential. Even from a laborer position, advancement to a manager, carrier, etc., is possible.
- Earnings. While an employee may not earn $4000 per week, a stable income of $800–$2000 is feasible.
However, all these prospects are only possible if the professional is applying for a TWIC card and obtains certification. This material will help you understand the intricacies of the process and improve your chances of a successful application approval by regulators.
Definition and Features of TWIC Badge
First, let’s understand what a TWIC is in general. In short, TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential, which allows working on maritime facilities without additional checks.
As all ports and similar facilities are critical infrastructure, requirements for workers on them (even temporarily) are quite strict.
Who needs the access card:
- Employees who are permanently stationed at maritime ports, lighthouses, and other maritime facilities.
- Carriers who make periodic or even one-time deliveries to critical maritime infrastructure.
- Third-party workers such as ecologists, geologists, etc., whose duties involve visiting such facilities.
- Coast Guard personnel.
- Maritime security personnel.
- Cruise ship employees.
- Customs officials.
- Merchant mariners.
- Longshoremen.
- Port administration personnel.
- Individuals needing unaccompanied access to MTSA-regulated areas.
Overall, the list of professions requiring a TWIC card is much broader because this credential provides opportunities for those who occasionally visit maritime infrastructure for work purposes.
TWIC Card Benefits
TWIC cards provide conditional privileged access to heavily guarded objects in the USA. Undoubtedly, having such access is already a significant advantage for workers in various fields, but it’s not the only one.
If you have a TWIC card, you gain the ability to:
- Enter ports without escorted security, which monitors every move.
- Reduce the number of potential checks before gaining access to a state maritime facility.
- Travel without additional documents, since TWIC is issued by the TSA and verifies your identity.
- Receive better job offers as TWIC is often a requirement for logistics vacancies.
- Work with hazardous or typically permit-requiring cargoes.
Well, it seems like these are significant reasons to timely apply for a TWIC. However, don’t think that certification will be easy to obtain.
The Process of Getting a TWIC Card
Where to get a TWIC card and where to start? Well, you need to know a few basic things about this certification before deciding to apply for the corresponding permit.
Firstly, let’s talk about:
- Candidate requirements. Not everyone is allowed to work with critical maritime infrastructure, so you’ll need to make an effort to gain trust from the relevant authorities.
- Documents. You’ll be checked against hundreds of different factors, so it’s worth ensuring you have the necessary documents and permits (the list will be provided further).
- Absence of violations. Both criminal and administrative. Note that even minor offenses and legal issues can lead to refusal.
This is general information; we’ll focus on the details of each of the points mentioned here.
Requirements for Obtaining a TWIC Card
How to get your TWIC card? First, determine if you meet the requirements specified on the TSA website. Here are some of them:
- The candidate must permanently reside in the USA. Foreigners with residency status in one of the approved forms, such as labor migrants, are allowed.
- The applicant must have no legal issues. Even minor offenses can negatively affect the status of your application and lead to refusal.
- The professional must provide comprehensive information about themselves. This includes both a list of documents and identification data, such as fingerprints, photos, retinal scans, etc.
It’s quite likely that you’ll be informed of additional requirements at the TSA office, so find out about them in advance by contacting the regulator’s representatives at (855) 347-8371.
Applying for TWIC Cards
The answer to the question “Where to get a TWIC card?” is obvious: at the TSA office. However, you should consult with the center manager by phone before starting, or submit a preliminary application online.
To complete the registration process, you need to take a few simple steps:
- Submit an online application on the TSA website or schedule an appointment by phone.
- Gather the necessary documentation and a valid ID.
- Visit the TSA service center to submit documents and confirm your application.
- Pay the fee, the amount of which depends on the type of service. For new candidates, the fee ranges from $93 to $125.25.
- Periodically check the status of your application processing and document readiness.
- Receive the credential by mail or pick it up at the service center.
It all seems clear, doesn’t it? But pay attention to the details of the mentioned process, especially the list of documents required for candidate registration.
Gathering Documents for TWIC and Care Card
What is a TWIC card used for? It’s used to access critical maritime infrastructure that is tightly secured. Furthermore, possessing the credential allows an employee to enter a facility and perform work, but only during working hours and with an order in place.
Hence, the requirements for candidates are as high as the list of documents you need to gather for obtaining a TWIC, including:
- Valid US passport.
- Enhanced tribal card.
- Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card.
- NEXUS card.
- Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) card.
- Global Entry card. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) with valid expiration.
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or “Green Card.”
- US military ID card.
- Retired US military ID card.
- Dependent Military ID card.
- US birth certificate.
- US Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
- US Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570).
- US Citizenship Identification Card (I-179 or I-197).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
You’ll only need some of them for your application, but it’s better to bring all possible documents from the list to the service center to improve your chances of approval.
Waiting Time for Application Approval and Checking TWIC Card Status Online
How to obtain a TWIC card without visiting a service center? You can’t. Regardless, you’ll have to be personally present at one of the TSA branches when submitting your application (or rather, the documents for it).
However, there are three things you can do without visiting the TSA service:
- Register your candidacy. The corresponding tool is available on the agency’s website, so you only need to fill out the form, confirm your identity, and get a date for your visit.
- Track the application status. The TSA website features a tracker that informs candidates about the progress of their application review by the committee.
- Receive the credential. You can order the ready certificate to your mailing address or pick it up directly from the TSA service center.
Note that it may take about six weeks from the application submission to receiving the document. If any issues arise, the term may be extended to twelve weeks.
Potential Challenges of TWIC Endorsement
Where can I get a TWIC card and will there be any problems in the process? Regarding the first part of the question, it’s definitely TSA, but as for the second part, there’s a certain uncertainty.
Primarily because the process itself is quite complex, as are the requirements for candidates. So, if you don’t meet at least one point, yes, you may encounter problems, including application rejection.
Additionally, you might face such challenges as:
- Job inconsistency. Yes, if your job responsibilities don’t involve direct interaction with maritime infrastructure, you can’t apply for a TWIC.
- Data confidentiality. You must provide a wide range of documents and confirmations to the regulator, who will store and transmit this information to security personnel, etc.
- Reputation risks. If you’ve had legal issues, your application won’t just be rejected but the relevant authorities will also be informed of your attempt to obtain a specific permit.
By the way, the latter is the most common reason for nullifying the applications of potential candidates.
Reasons for Denial During the TWIC Card Process Application
If you’re aiming to get a TWIC card, first remember if you’ve had any convictions or even minor legal issues. Check the list that temporarily or permanently disqualifies you from applying for the permit:
- PART A – PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION:
- Espionage.
- Murder.
- Manslaughter.
- Treason.
- Terrorism.
- Transportation Security Incidents (TSI) resulting in significant loss of life, environmental damage, disruption to transportation systems, or economic disruption.
- Illegal transportation of hazardous materials.
- Illegal possession, use, sale, manufacturing, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipment, import, export, storage, or handling of explosive or explosive devices. Racketeering offenses.
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit the crimes listed in this section.
- PART B – TEMPORARY DISQUALIFICATION:
- Illegal possession, use, sale, manufacturing, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipment, delivery, import, export, or trade of firearms or other weapons.
- Extortion.
- Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering.
- Bribery.
- Smuggling.
- Immigration violations.
- Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or importing controlled substances.
- Arson.
- Kidnapping or hostage taking.
- Rape or aggravated sexual abuse.
- Assault with intent to kill. Robbery.
- Criminal trespass into a maritime port.
- Racketeering offenses.
- Involuntary manslaughter.
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit the crimes listed in this section.
- PART C — OUTSTANDING WARRANT OR CHARGE:
- Applicants will be disqualified if they have a pending charge or are wanted under civil or military jurisdiction for crimes listed in parts A and B.
If you haven’t committed any of the listed offenses, your chances of obtaining the permit significantly increase.
Updating a TWIC Care Card or Issuing a New One?
Can you get a TWIC card even if your previous document is lost or expired (valid for five years)? In this case, the renewal process almost entirely duplicates the initial steps to obtain the documents. Namely:
- Check if you are eligible to apply with TSA. If so, begin the card issuance process.
- Visit the regulator’s website and use the replacement credential service.
- Fill in the relevant fields and verify that the information matches what you provided previously.
- Visit a TSA branch if necessary to clarify data, documentation, etc.
- Receive the updated credential by mail or at one of the regulator’s branches.
Also, try to store the document in a way that prevents loss or damage. Renewal costs $60 and does not require additional expenses.
Caring for the Credential
You already understand how to get a TWIC card. However, you probably haven’t studied how to properly store the document. Remember, renewing the credential is cheaper than replacing a lost or damaged one.
So, we’ve prepared some tips for proper document maintenance for you:
- Store the card in a plastic case and attach it to a lanyard.
- Keep the card away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- Never try to fold, bend, or deform the TWIC card.
- Avoid keeping it in your back pocket.
- Keep the card away from strong magnetic fields. They can affect the magnetic stripe.
- Do not lend your card to others.
- Keep it away from adverse weather conditions.
This way, you’ll extend the lifespan of your credential and simply replace it with a new one after five years of use, unless there are grounds for its cancellation.
New Iteration of TWIC Certification
In addition to TWIC card status updates, you can also apply for the latest credential (NEXGEN). This update has several additional anti-counterfeiting features, including:
- Holographic laminate.
- Color-coded expiration coding.
- Biometric fingerprints.
- IC chip with encrypted owner information.
The process of obtaining the document is identical to applying for a standard format credential. The cost of the update is also the same, $60 for card reissue. The timelines for receiving it remain unchanged, as do the privileges provided by the document, including personal identification.
Professions Benefiting From TWIC Badge Expansion
TWIC card trucking is permission to enter and work in US maritime infrastructure areas. In general, the credential will be most useful to those who periodically work at such facilities. These include professions such as:
- Warehouse operator.
- Terminal manager.
- Geologist.
- Trainmaster.
- Heavy equipment operator.
- Environmental scientist.
- Coast Guard.
- Construction foreman.
In addition to the mentioned positions, the certification will also be relevant for carriers who visit the same ports for work purposes. Moreover, it doesn’t matter which class of truck is used for work. The main thing is that certification will streamline the employee verification process and their access to critical facilities.
Conclusion
How hard is it to get a TWIC card? Let’s say it’s quite challenging if you have legal issues or made organizational mistakes when applying for certification. In other cases, you won’t encounter difficulties and will receive the desired permit within about 6–12 weeks.
And with TWIC, you can get employed wherever you want. For example, at Hugo Hunter company for positions like:
- Delivery driver.
- Dry van carrier.
- Truck driver for Class 3–10 trucks.
Want to maximize the benefits of a driving profession? Then start your career at Hugo Hunter, apply for TWIC, and earn more!