Truck Driving Jobs

caddmann05 · #1 03-30-2013, 02:55 PM

Now that it's 2013 and the requirements for a driving job get to be more costly than ever. With the price that us drivers pay for our HZ endorsement along with any other endorsements, you basically have to have a few hundred dollars spent before setting foot in a truck. I renewed my hazmat with tanker endorsement last year around this time even though I didn't have a driving job, but what I went thru as far as training to get my cdl, I will not let it lapse. So for me it's cost effective to maintain it. Now I am hearing more and more that another requirement for a driving job is the TWIC card. That is another 130 dollars required out of pocket, but if you have a HazMat, they will wave about 30 dollars of that. That helps, but what do you do if you are seeking a driving job (my preference is tankers), and you need the TWIC card now. I believe it will take up to 8 weeks to get the card if you are elligible. I don't know if a company will hire you and let you drive until you get your card or not. I have already talked with one company and they do require the TWIC. Homeland Security requirements are getting to the point that you may one day have to get security clearences even before getting your cdl. I know it's to protect us from any home grown or foreign terrorists, but its making it more costly for us as drivers to keep doing our job to earn our living. Is it now worthwhile to get the card or not?

caddmann05

GMAN · #2 03-31-2013, 06:35 AM

I would not spend the money for a TWIC unless you actually need it. Power plants, ports and some shippers require drivers have a TWIC. If you don't have a TWIC, you may be able to hire an escort to show you around a facility. However, the escort can easily cost $80 or more for a single trip. If you think that you may be going to some facilities that require the TWIC, then it may be worth it to you to go ahead and spend the money. There are many drivers who don't have a TWIC and earn a very good living. It should only take a couple of weeks to get your TWIC card, once you have made your application and paid your money. The TWIC isn't about security, it is about money. The same company does the background checks for TWIC as the hazmat. There is no good reason to require either of them to have a fee attached. They can easily check you out using your CDL. But, if you plan on being in this business, you will need to learn the rules and abide by them, whether you agree or not. I have a TWIC, but dropped the hazmat when they started charging for the background check. They can check you out just using your CDL in only a few minutes.

cmac7203 · #3 03-31-2013, 01:20 PM

I think it's helpful and I know some carriers require it, but the TWIC is a credential that is required to enter US Ports, i.e., Tampa, LA, etc. If you don't have a TWIC you have to wait for a pilot vehicle to guide you through the port. With the TWIC you can drive in and out on your own. Not sure why you would need this with a tanker unless onloading bulk liquids at a US Port? I got my TWIC b/c I use it in the flatbed world...worth it simply b/c I can be in and out which = more miles that day. It only took me 3 weeks. Here is a link for more info: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) | Transportation Security Administration

Blacksheep · #4 03-31-2013, 02:16 PM

A T.W.I.C is needed at all ports and waterways like chemical/oil refineries in Chicago on the river, or Houston, Texas City and a crap load of other places.

You would be surprised at how many will not give you an escort, no card no entry.

Bigmon · #5 03-31-2013, 04:19 PM

I got paid $200 to escort a load at a Navy base in NH because they wouldn't let the driver on the base.

Musicman · #6 04-07-2013, 02:07 AM

For no more than it costs, I think it's a good idea to have your TWIC. I've been to dozens of places where it was required and even made a few hundred dollars (over a few different occasions) acting as an escort for the broker's other trucks who did not have TWICs. Your HAZMAT background check suffices for your TWIC and (at least in my location, which was Paducah, KY) was a very quick and painless experience. I think I had my card in just under three weeks, but turn-around time may vary.

GMAN · #7 04-17-2013, 01:56 AM

I believe it only took about 10 days to get my TWIC. It really depends on how busy they are at a given time. I didn't apply for mine in the beginning, so the rush died down. I also have an inland port in my area where I could apply and it is a small office. It was also easy to check me out. If you are someone who moves around a lot, it might be more difficult to run a background check. Fewer people applying can also mean less wait time. You are correct in that not all ports offer escorts.

caddmann05 · #8 04-21-2013, 03:47 AM

Thanks for everyone's advice. I made the decision to go ahead and get my TWIC card. So I did my pre-enrollment over the computer, but had to call the help desk to set up my appointment to do the rest in Corpus Christie, TX. That was on April 9th. I checked back on the TWIC website a couple of days later, and they informed that my application was approved. Wow, that was April the 11th. They worked real fast to approve me. Thank God! So the next notice was the card going into production and then being sent to Corpus. Finally I checked the website on April 17th and the notice said I could now make an appointment to pick up my card and get it activated. Later that morning I then got the automated phone call also stating I could get the card. Went to the website again, tried to make my appointment, but the slots were all filled until May 11th, and then I called the help desk, and the person stated a slot may not be open even later, but she didn't know because she didn't have the new appointment calender to verify that. The office in Corpus has walk in service so I will be there Tuesday at 7 in the morning to get it. I don't mind waiting a few hours, just really can't afford to wait 3 or more weeks for activation.
caddmann05

GMAN · #9 04-22-2013, 01:12 AM

It doesn't take long once they call you into their office. They give you the card and you set a password and that is about it.

straygoose · #10 07-24-2013, 06:08 PM

I know I'm a little alte to the party here, but I just spoke with a guy the other day, and he told me it took him about ten days to get his TWIC. He's in Baltimore which is one of the busiest ports around so if it only took him that long, you shouldn't take any longer than that.