WASHINGTON — The upcoming requirement to have all transportation workers that access U.S. ports and other “safety sensitive” areas to undergo new security clearance could be delayed indefinitely.

The Department of Homeland Security says the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program has “significant vulnerabilities” that could delay implementation.

Canadian trucking officials hope to convince DHS
overlapping biometric security checks aren’t necessary

Richard Skinner, Homeland Security’s inspector general, said the department has identified “high risk” security problems during a review of TWIC prototype systems.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance, which just recently convinced American border officials to accept the FAST card in lieu of overlapping security background checks for hazmat haulers entering the U.S., has been proposing the same solution for the biometric TWIC program as it would apply to Canadian truckers.

Although the number of Canadian trucker affected that would be affected by first phase of TWIC is relatively small, the CTA has filed comments with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, asking that mutual recognition agreements should be explored to avoid potential duplication of security checks.

Furthermore, CTA recommends that the agency not charge a fee of $50 for security checks for individuals who have already undergone a government security check under a program, such as FAST operated by the same Homeland Security Dept.

CTA also requests that TSA not penalize Canadian drivers with processing delays for failing to “voluntarily” provide their U.S. social security number — a document they cannot legally possess. Foreign drivers are specifically mentioned in the proposed rule.