ARLINGTON, Va. — A top fleet official from the American trucking Association wants Congress to ensure that the TWIC card is approved as the "single, universally accepted security credential for transportation workers that pre-empts all other security and access programs."

Testifying before a House Committee about the status of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Philip L. Byrd Sr., President and CEO of Charleston, S.C.-based Bulldog Hiway Express, noted that ATA supports the original concept of TWIC as having one enrollment process, one fee and one background check called a security threat assessment (STA), so that it can become a singular credential.

However, many drivers are now required to have multiple credentials for various ports, government facilities and state-administered security and access programs.

"The present STA environment of multiple checks does not bode well for my drivers’ morale," Byrd said. "And, worse yet, creates a significant challenge for retention and recruitment of qualified drivers that may seek gainful employment elsewhere to avoid such a costly and cumbersome work environment."

Byrd also called on Congress to require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to immediately recognize U.S. commercial drivers who possess a TWIC as already compliant with the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment program.

Statute already allows this practice, and TSA currently allows Canadian and Mexican commercial drivers who have TWICs to use it as verification of their ability to transport hazardous materials.

Canadian, FAST-approved truckers who access U.S. ports don’t have to undergo a background check for TWIC, but must still pay over $100 for the card.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance continues to lobby officials in Washington to eliminate the application fee since drivers already paid to obtain FAST.