A bill recently introduced in the Senate would streamline the process for truckers applying for TSA credentials including TWIC and HME.
On March 14, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, Angus King, Deb Fischer, and Jon Tester.
The bill seeks to modernize current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policies which often require essential transportation workers, including truckers, to submit and pay for separate applications for required credentials like the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME).
The bill would allow truckers use existing valid background checks for multiple TSA credentials without paying a duplicative cost.
The bill is endorsed by the American Trucking Associations, National Propane Gas Association, Transportation Trades Department, Border Trade Alliance, National Tank Truck Carriers, Mississippi Trucking Association, Association of the American Railroads, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and National Energy and Fuels Institute.
“Subjecting essential supply chain workers to the same exact background check multiple times in order to receive different credentials from the same agency does nothing to enhance security. This system only serves to pad government coffers by forcing truckers and other transportation workers to pay duplicative fees for a background check they’ve already cleared. Congress should not allow the inefficiencies of government bureaucracy to impede the efficiency of our supply chain. We applaud Senators Wicker, Tester, Fischer, and King for introducing this commonsense, bipartisan bill to support the hardworking men and women who keep our economy running,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.
“In the midst of a nation-wide truck driver shortage – we must be doing everything in our power to simplify the credentialing process for these essential workers in our supply chain,” Senator King said. “The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act would streamline the application process and fees for applicants undergoing redundant background and security checks. As we look to keep our supply chain rolling and workforce strong, we must support our truck drivers by modernizing the credentialing process while keeping our trucking industry safe.”
“Truckers and other transportation professionals often need a variety of security certifications to do their job. However, maintaining so many different credentials takes time, money, and can be complicated. To ease that burden, our bill will streamline the TSA’s certification process without sacrificing security,” Senator Fischer said.