What is TWIC and do I need to have this?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Nightwind8830, Nov 7, 2013.

  1. philbert4058

    philbert4058 Bobtail Member

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    It is not necessary to have it to get in the port. You would then need to hire and escort to take you in. Escort fees range from $35 to $200+. The port of Houston is $200 if you don't have a TWIC. At the end of the day, you are better off with it if you go there a lot. I have stopped taking freight to ports if I can help it.
     
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  3. Nightwind8830

    Nightwind8830 Medium Load Member

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    Her. And I appreciate the input, if its something that I wont need to use often and dont need to spend money on right off the bat its good to know :yes2557:
     
  4. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    To be serious again for jus a sec--like I said earlier really gonna depend on the carrier you go with and what you are doing--so I do not see how waitin and keepin the $$$ in your pocket will hurt for now
     
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  5. Nightwind8830

    Nightwind8830 Medium Load Member

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    thanks everyone for the info!
     
  6. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    It's purpose is mainly security identification for ports. I had considered getting one right off the bat, but never did.
    I'm glad I didn't, because I didn't waste $90-$120 (it's somewhere in there) and never went near any ports.
    With a local LTL job, like you mentioned (OD & CWF), it would be a waste.
     
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  7. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    Not sure if its a standard fee all over but in NY its $129 for 5 years. I just renewed mine today and did it over the phone which I didn't think you could do but it was $60 for another 3 years or had the option to do the process all over again for 5 years at $129 (no brainer). I just have to go to there office to pick up the new card. Unless your an O/O and certain you'll never need one I think I would splurge and get it. If anything its a good selling feature down the road if your on a job hunt.
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2013
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  8. Big Red Pete

    Big Red Pete Bobtail Member

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    Do you need a TWIC to cross into Canada? I know in the 90's when I use to run up their you didn't need a passport or TWIC. But after 9/11 everything changed. When I worked in Texas hauling crude oil I got a TWIC since most companies down their required it to deliver to the ports. In my case I delivered to the ports a lot along the Gulf, so I got one. I don't remember the exact cost, but I know it cost over $100 to get one and it's good for 5 years. In my case, I had to pay for 2 background checks and get finger printed twice. Once for hazmat and again for the TWIC. Stupid gov't has to make their $$. Just wondering if anyone else had to pay for 2 seperate background checks?
     
  9. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    TWIC wont do any good as far as crossing into Canada. I have an enhanced drivers license for that. Not sure if your state offers them. I also had to pay twice for background checks on HazMat and TWIC as they will not honor one for the other.
     
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  10. jldilley

    jldilley Medium Load Member

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    I would love to get my TWIC card but the nearest office is over 100 miles away and only open three days a week. What the heck?!?!
     
  11. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    3 days a week, you gotta love those gubment jobs
     
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