Tmc now requires drivers to get passport and port card

Yeah, you are wrong.

You can use a medical card as long as it is valid anywhere else.

Alot of companies though, do require a medical card issued through their program.

 

Thought I was. The few times I've changed companies always got a new medical card thru them.

 

That is exactly what I was going to say. You are not required by law or regulation but I've never seen a company that didn't want you to get a fresh on their dime when you come on board regardless of how old it is. I could see how you would think it's law though.

 

According to the June driver issues meeting minutes that were recently posted up, the passport card, hazmat endorsement and TWIC are all now mandatory. Not sure what the enforcement mechanism is going to be on this, time will tell. I have or am in process of getting two of the three, the third I'm probably going to hold out on. By the way, for anyone looking into getting the hazmat endorsement keep this in mind, I've hauled several hazmat loads for TMC and have not been paid for any of them. According to TMC the hazmat pay is like detention, they only pay it if their customer pays it. I just discovered this tonight and will be addressing it with my FM in the morning, I'll let you know what he says.

 

In my opinion, which isn't worth much, if the company requires you to get something extra, they should pay for it. I've already talked to my FM and don't need to get a passport card or TWIC. I run just local dedicated. This is the first I've heard of being required to get hazmat. That's a pretty expensive endorsement to get these days, not to mention a pain in the but.

 

from TMC training centers FAQ

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Are there any additional endorsements/requirements I need to obtain to drive for TMC?
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yes. Just as other professions require tools of the trade, Professional truck drivers are no different. After reaching 30 days in your own truck you will be required to begin the process of obtaining a Hazardous Materials endorsement on your Class A CDL, a Passport or Passcard and a TWIC Card.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HAZMAT
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TMC transports a very limited amount of hazardous materials, but because of this you are required to obtain this valuable endorsement. Each State is different so you need to contact your State's Department of Transportation for specifics.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]PASSPORT/PASSCARD
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TMC also transports freight into and out of Canada, so you will be required to obtain either a [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]U.S. Passport, or a Passport Card[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (PassCard). You need to have a certified copy of your birth certificate and it must have the raised seal.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TWIC
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally and most importantly is the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TWIC[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] card. In order to gain access to U.S. Ports you must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. You can begin the pre-registration process at the above link.[/FONT]

 

well crap i guess ill ahve to fork out another $95 for the hazmat! when i go to renew my license its gonna cost me a months paycheck...#### IL

 

there is freight from canada(alot of steel and lumber) and instead of getting twic card tmc will pay the $50-$75 fee for them to escort you around the port. If you dont get your passport they just wont send you to canada. That easy.

 

i had my passport before i ever started driving trucks but:
can tmc legally require you to obtain a u.s. passport at your expense?
can tmc legally require you to obtain a twic card at your expense?

 

Sure they can, it's a requirement to get a job with them, you want a job get the necessary tools for the job, simple.

As a driver why wouldn't you want to have all the available endorsements, port cards, etc., makes for a more marketable individual, plus all can be a write off on your taxes I believe.