Not all ports will allow escorts. Chesapeake, VA does not allow escorts. You either have a TWIC or you don't go in. Your only option with them is to pay another driver to take your truck in and that can be a pain. Even with an escort, the cost is so high that it only takes once, or at the most twice, to save enough to justify the cost. Some shippers who receive or send product through ports now require a TWIC. Military bases are supposed to be going to that requirement, as well. Pilots are being required to have them along with others who are involved in aviation, power plants, construction (if they work at power plants).
The other night I did a pickup at PPG in Lake Charles, the Guard asked me if I had a TWIC card. I showed her mine and her comment back was good boy. I suspect before long you will be required to have one to get into the PPG complex. I understand more companies are going to this system, I suspect it will be much more then ports in a few years.
It's a bull#### money-grab, plain and simple. If a terrorist wanted access to a port, they would get access--TWIC or not. I refuse to get one out of principle. If my employer requires me to get one, I guess I'm out of a job.
Eventually the guards etc will use card readers to read the chip on the card. Then they will restrict access to certain areas depending on your need to be there. If a driver does not work at the port he can only be in common areas etc.
Thank You so much for pointing that out! Even though it's kind of the obvious...lol TWIC is a joke, plain and simple! Go over to NJ ports with that TWIC card and be prepared for all the laughter....! This card was supposed to allow you into all ports and end the headache of having to get multiple port cards. I'll be dead before that happens.
Some of the ports, such as New Jersey also have their own cards that you must buy. You are required to have the TWIC but they won't allow you access until you pay for their card.
I have had a twic for a couple of years now, we use it at the ports and plants that are on the water. Mainly fuel companies and tank farms use these such as Nustar and Kinder morgan
