WASHINGTON — Workers and truckers needing unescorted access to some of America’s shipping ports have until the end of this year to get new security credentials.

The Transportation Security Administration announced its phased-in schedule for enforcement of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.

The ports of Baltimore, Delaware Bay, Mobile, Lower Mississippi River, Ohio Valley, Pittsburgh, and San Diego will implement "access control procedures" utilizing TWIC no later than December 30, 2008.

The TSA and Coast Guard say this date provides sufficient time for the to obtain TWICs.

"We strongly encourage persons requiring unescorted access to facilities regulated by 33 CFR part 105 and located in one of these (ports) to enroll for their TWIC as soon as possible, if they haven’t already," TSA stated.

Nationally, TWIC cards will be required for truckers port workers at other ports by April 15, 2009.

To be cleared for TWIC, truckers, longshoremen, or other workers who need unescorted access at U.S. ports must undergo biometric security background checks.

FAST-approved Canadian truckers who access U.S. ports won’t have to undergo a background check, but must still fork over $105.25 to obtain the card. The cost of a replacement TWIC, if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged, is $60.

CTA says it will continue to pressure officials to eliminate the card application fee for drivers with FAST cards.