The Transportation Worker Identification Credentials, known as TWIC, refers to a Maritime Transportation Security Act requirement for unescorted workers needing access to restricted or secure areas of the country's maritime vessels and facilities. Eligible individuals receive a tamper-resistant credential with their biometrics data, i.e., a fingerprint template for a positive link with the card.
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TWIC escort services ensure security in the Port's most sensitive areas. They ensure;
TWIC escort services significantly reduce the possibility of terrorism, illegal activities, and smuggling.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard necessitate various protocols that TWIC holders reinforce while guiding non-holders within the facilities or vessels.
TWIC escorts oversee escorted persons, preventing them from pursuing unauthorized areas or suspicious activities and quickly identifying potential threats.
Truck drivers, delivery personnel, and contractors all require temporary access to sensitive areas of the Port.
Ports handle military cargo, imports, and exports, which need constant monitoring to prevent the occurrence of national threats like human trafficking.
The Maritime Transportation Security Act (2002) depicts the country's adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS). Its streamlining and full implementation was after the 2001 recurrent terrorist attacks. It is divided into six major categories, as discussed below:
MTSA encapsulates control of vessel traffic, security elements of the Maritime industry, and organizational structures.
A TWIC card is a general requirement for anybody authorized to access restricted maritime facilities and vessels without an escort. The parties needing TWIC cards include;
Ports enforce TWIC compliance through technology, training, and physical security measures. They implement;
Hiring a TWIC escort is simple after carefully planning to ensure adherence to port security regulations.
Learn the rules for the specific Port you are interested in, such as the duration of access. Look up the Port's website or contact its security office.
Find authorized TWIC services for the Port of choice through logistics and transportation entities that render the service or port security offices. Ensure the provider's validity with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Provide the escort company with your details, reason for port access, preferred date and time, and the duration of your stay. Also, confirm the charges.
Carry your Identification documents and meet your TWIC escort, who will elaborate on the purpose of your visit. Stay with them always and comply with the Port's security instructions.
As soon as the purpose of your visit meets completion, leave the Port alongside your TWIC escort.
Ensure to book in advance and know the rules before the visit.
Clear and effective communication between TWIC escorts and the Port's security ensures compliance and safety. It allows non-TWIC holders to avoid encountering accidents or endangering the Port. The chain of communication is as follows;
Pre-Entry Communication Protocols
The Port's security must get an alert before arrival at the Port. Various ports might necessitate pre-approval and registration. The required details in such a case include;
Onsite Communication Procedures
Escorts carry a phone, radio among other communication devices, from the Port to maintain real-time contact with security in the cases of
Escorts must inform security when they move to new locations, and other ports require random check-ins with security during extended stays.
Emergency Communication Procedures
In case of violations, the TWIC escort must;
Such incidents include security threats, fires, or medical emergencies
Post-Exit Communication Procedures
Check Out and Exit Clearance
Escorts must ensure non-TWIC holders exit the Port by checking out at the gate. Different ports require escort logs to be signed and handed over.
Incident Reporting
An official report is necessary if an accident occurs, followed by references from CCTV cameras and other means.
The duration within which TWIC escorts operate within the Port is dependent on;
Below, we discuss the different escort duration requirements;
Short-Term Activities (Less an Hour)
For instance,
Escort lasts for 15 to 60 minutes. However, there might be a waiver on escort services if individuals remain in a non-secure area.
Medium-Term Activities (1 to 4 Hours)
This category includes;
Long-Term Activities (More than 4 Hours to Full Day)
In such cases, different ports require escort shifts and issue temporary TWIC badges for multi-day projects.
Multi-Day Recurring Activities
Under this category are:
Some ports may allow companies and vendors with long-term contracts, special security clearances, and temporary TWIC applications.
Non-TWIC holders need to confirm with the specific ports on the escort requirements.
A TWIC holder can accompany up to 10 non-TWIC holders within a secure area or facility by the TSA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. However, the Port's regulations and security plans may be otherwise.
There are additional rules regarding TWIC escorts and limitations within the Port besides the number of escorted individuals an escort can handle at a time. That is;
Restricted Areas: Individuals must be authorized to access restricted areas, and some ports have more stringent rules regarding access.
Non-TWIC holders may enter and operate vehicles or equipment accompanied by a cardholder.
Vessel security officers must approve escorts for non-TWIC holders who must access a ship.
There are procedural consequences for non-compliance to TWIC escort rules for TWIC holders and non-holders. They include;
Civil Penalties or Fines
Revocation of TWIC Privileges
Employer and Facility Consequences
Criminal Penalties
Below is what people with TWIC cards and those without can access.
Category | Unescorted TWIC Access | Escorted TWIC Access |
TWIC Requirement | Required | Not required |
Secure Areas Access | Full access | Limited access |
| Supervision | No supervision required | Must be accompanied by a TWIC holder |
Escort Ratio | None | A maximum of 10 individuals per escort |
Movement Restrictions | Free movement | Must remain in the areas allowed under a TWIC escort holder |
Facility Security Plan | Operates independently under the guidelines | Must adhere to the guidelines and the escorts rules |
| Responsibility | Personal compliance needed | Escort are responsible for the escorted persons behavior |
Consequences for Violations | Revocation, legal actions and penalties | Escorts are responsible |
The most reliable way to locate TWIC escort services in the United States ports is by:
The steps above make hiring and utilizing escort services seamless across the country.
Various licensed and approved TWIC escort companies cut across ports in the United States. Among the most popular ones include:
Container Transport
Port of Houston, Texas
Port of Hueneme, California
Port of Savannah, Georgia
Port of Jacksonville, Florida:
Always verify your choice of provider's credentials, familiarity with the port's regulations, and experience with them. The port can provide a list of approved escort service providers.
When it comes to verifying a TWIC escort service provider, the most dependable solution is to:
NOTE: to check for red flags, including lack of proof for certification, demand for upfront payments, and lack of online presence.
The TWIC escort services differ depending on the service provider and the designated Port. For example:
The outlined charges are $156.00 for Port Police Escort in the first two hours and an additional fee of $140.40 per hour.
They charge $100 per escort.
The terminal escort fee is $75 per individual.
They charge a processing fee of $25 for escort privileges payable through cashiers or company checks.
NOTE: that the charges might vary depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your needs. For accuracy, contact the port authority for more information.
Several factors regulate the costs of TWIC escort pricing within the ports of the United States. These are:
Contact your Port of entry for more information.
YES, there are flat rates and hourly rates for TWIC escort services relative to different service providers, ports, and unique requirements, as we shall explain below;
Private companies and ports offer fixed prices per escort service without factoring in the duration of the stay. This is most common for quick trips and standardized port procedures.
Clear examples are SeaPort Manatee and, Port Everglades & Jacksonville.
On the other hand, some companies and ports charge depending on the time spent within the Port, which has a minimum time requirement. It's mostly true for high-security areas, longer jobs, and unforeseen delays. The Port of Savanna, Georgia, and most private escort companies charge hourly rates.
Consult the port authority or local TWIC escort providers for the best pricing.
The situation dictates who is responsible for paying for TWIC escort services. The most straightforward payments are made by:
Scenario | Who Pays? |
Independent trucker without a TWIC card | Owner-Operator i.e., the driver |
Company truck driver without a TWIC | Employer |
Freight broker using non-TWIC driver | Freight Broker |
Cargo owner needing port access | Shipper / Importer / Exporter |
Contractor working within the port | Contractor’s Employer/Port Tenant |
Visitor/inspector at the terminal | Visitor/Company/Terminal Operator |
NOTE: you can avoid paying for escorts by getting a TWIC card, negotiating with your employer to cater for the fees, or using a TWIC-certified trucking company.
Obtaining a TWIC is mandatory for anybody accessing the United States port's secure areas. The procedural outline for getting a TWIC card is as follows;
One can pay via money order, credit card, company, or cashier's check.
A thorough background lasting between 30 and 45 days, within which you receive an email or mail when your TWIC is ready. You can also follow up on your order through (855) 347-8371 or online.
Upon approval, return to the enrollment center with a valid ID to collect your card. However, some places deliver it by mail.
NOTE: you should start early, especially if you need the card urgently, and confirm the accuracy of your details before submission. Finally, the card must be kept secure to avoid replacement, which costs time and money.
Whether to acquire a TWIC card or hire escorts depends on the frequency with which you need port access. Below, we find the most cost-effective choice:
| Expense | Cost | Details |
Standard TWIC Card (Valid for 5 years) | $124 | Full fee |
Reduced-Fee TWIC Card | $93 | Only for CDL holders with a FAST card or a HME endorsement |
Replacement Card | $60 | For damaged or lost cards |
In Person Renewal Cost | $124 | As in first application |
Escort service fees differ depending on the duration, port, and provider. The estimated costs include;
The duration of receiving your TWIC card varies between
Factors affecting Processing time include:
You can renew it a year before expiration.
There are no reminders, and knowing when to renew the card depends on you.
Visit the TSA TWIC website https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ and choose Renew TWIC Card to start the Application.
You can walk in or book an appointment at the nearest TWIC enrollment center.
U.S. Passport
Driver's License and Birth Certificate
Permanent Resident Card, if applicable, and
Foreign Passport + U.S. Visa, if applicable
Submit fingerprints and a photo, hand in your identification documents, and pay the renewal fees. The standard renewal fee is $124.
That is 30 to 45 days before heading to collect the card.
These three regions have different TWIC escort policies that cater to diverse security needs, local regulations, and operational requirements.
Various security risks are associated with unauthorized access to restricted and secure areas within a port. For instance;
Unauthorized access can lead to misuse of the transportation of goods at ports to conduct human trafficking, smuggling drugs, and other forms of contraband trade.
Letting unauthorized individuals in sensitive port areas can pose threats, including smuggling weapons and other forms of sabotage.
Ports handling hazardous materials have hazardous zones with dangerous chemicals and heavy machinery, which can endanger one's physical well-being.
Some unauthorized interferences seek to hack port systems to steal or disrupt sensitive data.
Criminals who manage unauthorized access can result in Tampering or stealing shipments and other financial losses.
Every crime committed within the Port attracts specific penalties, as discussed below.
Anybody trying to access secure areas might suffer an arrest, imprisonment, or Fines.
Unauthorized entry disregards MTSA and other laws that have outlines for their violations.
Offenders risk permanent bans from accessing maritime facilities.
Unauthorized access to ports in sensitive areas may attract thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per violation relative to the extremities of the violation.
If the port or company's negligence leads to unauthorized access, the Port or company might face suspension, loss of contracts, or fines.
Ensure compliance with the Port's security protocols to avoid penalties and risks.
When an escorted person breaks the security protocols in restricted or secure areas, it results in various consequences depending on the severity of their actions. Some of the consequences include;
Violation might result in federal charges, fines, and imprisonment. It is up to the escort to ensure escorted individuals keenly follow through with the outlines and protocols of the Port at all times.
They are mandated to ensure all escorted individuals follow all the security guidelines. If violations occur, they might be held accountable through;
Escorted persons must adhere to all security protocols. Failure to result in;
NOTE: To avoid legal liability, closely monitor your non-TWIC holders and report suspicious activities. In case you are under an escort, follow the guidelines of your escort to the letter.
It’s relative to the individual's needs. Escort requirements, type of activity, and the facility protocols mainly influence it. Contacting the Port for more information will provide an accurate time estimate.
YES, you can enter a port without a TWIC card under the provision that you have an escort or follow the visitor's procedures, such as signing in at the gate or being pre-approved. In addition, some ports have more restrictive policies that deny access, so contact the designated Port for more information. Finally, consider applying for a TWIC card if regular port visits are required.
No, not all ports require TWIC escorts. The requirements for TWIC escort services depend on the type of facility. Maritime Security (MARSEC) regulated facilities require a TWIC card for unescorted access to restricted and secure areas. Persons without a card must have an escort to access such areas.
The charges associated with TWIC escort services vary depending on the facility, service provider, and the Port. The general prices include an hourly rate between $30 and $75, a flat fee of $100 to $150 for short visits, and a minimum charge for 2 to 4 hours.
Finding a TWIC escort for your local Port involves contacting the Port Authority to ascertain their recommended providers. Most ports have a list of their approved escort companies. You can also check the Port's website.
Yes, a TWIC holder can serve many people at a time with strict restrictions and requirements. In most cases, one escort can serve as many as five people at a time, while others allow one escort for up to ten people. The policies governing the escort ratio to non-TWIC holders depend on the Port and the area.
You will face various consequences if you enter a restricted port area without an escort or a TWIC card. You might be detained for questioning and identification, penalized or fined, face criminal charges, permanently banned from accessing the Port, or lose employment. If you realize you've committed such an offense, cooperate with the security to minimize the repercussions.
YES, you can be denied TWIC escort services under various circumstances. The most common reasons for denial include security concerns where the individual has a criminal record or gets flagged for suspicious behavior. Incomplete paperwork can also lead to the refusal of escort services.
Additionally, lack of proper identification, escort limitations where you exceed the number of escorted persons, and temporary security alerts might temporarily curtail escort services.
A TWIC card is a critical security measure under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for enforcing maritime security. It’s regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). It's mandatory for persons needing unescorted access to secure or restricted areas. The major persons needing the card include contractors, truckers, and other port workers. Individuals without TWIC clearance and who need access to such Port areas require escort services for compliance.
At Container Transport, we offer reliable TWIC escort services across the various ports in the United States. We are well-versed in the TWIC escort requirements, guaranteeing a smooth process. We have a proven track record among contractors, truck drivers, and other non-TWIC cardholders in the country. Our services are affordable and transparent. Contact us today to book nationwide TWIC escort services at competitive rates.
