TWIC and passport questions

Sorry. Forgot you are a newbie. Thought it went without saying that if you're taking the hazmat endorsement test you're more than likely taking the rest of the tests to get a permit. So to clarify for the newbs....when you take the tests to get your CDL permit you can, at the same time, take the hazmat test. Upon passing you can start the fingerprint and background check process so that when you do pass your skills and driving test your hazmat will be on your license. I hope this clears it up.

 

Clear as mud.

Heck, not even a student until September. But this is my understanding thus far; All tests for endorsements and the CDL are administered by the DMV, but
the HME blessing by Homeland Security IS NOT available at, or through the DMV. If it was in the past, it is no longer provided that way now. So, in short, you can earn the HazMat endorsement on your CDL from the DMV, meaning you understand what is involved and required when hauling HazMat, but the HME from Homeland Security gives the DMV the authority to issue that endorsement to you after passing the threat assessment evaluation. Two separate things, and in order to apply to receive the endorsement, one must go through the process as outlined on the link I provided.

 

Military bases no longer recognize a TWIC,, people with some criminal convictions can get a TWIC, I was at Davis Monthan AFB and Hill AFB and they told me that TWIC cards are not valid any more,,At Davis Monthan I was with 5 other trucks loading OS loads going to FL one Landstar Driver had a TWIC but 28 years earlier he had a felony conviction for a bar fight, He was not allowed on the base,,Having a TWIC is a plus gives you more opportunities to haul freight. Can't hurt only cost about $135.
A passport will allow you to enter Canada and Mexico but Canada will not allow you in if you have any kind of criminal record including past DUIs.

 

You are correct. The dmv tests you for knowledge of transporting hazmat. The TSA says your background is clean enough to haul hazmat.

 

Wow, to my surprise I received my TWIC card in the mail today ALREADY! I applied in person only last Wednesday Aug. 13 2014, and here it is. Either the process has been streamlined dramatically, compared to what I heard of 4-6 weeks as typical, or having applied for and received a Passport 6 months ago helped to expedite the process.

 

Most of the sheep have been fleeced by now.
Unless you need it specifically for your job for access to port facilities, it's worthless.
TSA doesn't even accept it at airport security checkpoints, military doesn't accept it to get on bases.

That truck driver who killed those sailors in Norfolk had a TWIC.
http://wavy.com/2014/03/25/navy-base-shooting-suspect-had-credentials/

 

However you feel towards the value of having a TWIC card, it has merit and value and demand by companies hiring drivers, I see it as required in job listings frequently. As for TSA, I really take issue with that entity existing at all, for what that is worth.

As to the murderer at Norfolk and the relevance of the TWIC card... irrelevant, people from all walks of life from the lowliest of the low to the highest of the high go off the deep end, go nuts and do heinous despicable ugly stupid things all of the time.

 

Check one, check two, background check, check, check, write a check.

P.T. Barnum approves of the TWIC card and requires it of his roadies and roustabouts...