Post by BillyK on Jun 2, 2009 12:11:44 GMT -5
SPECIAL REPORT: Canadian ports to twin TWIC
HALIFAX -- Truckers working two of Canada’s three major container ports will soon be faced with tighter security and will require special credentialing to get on the docks.
The ports of Halifax and Montreal are in the process of developing an identification card for truckers which mirrors the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required at U.S. ports.
American ports made the cards mandatory April 15 but some ports had a "soft" implementation. However, as of today, June 1, there will be strict enforcement at all ports.
The Canadian ports, meanwhile, have decided to launch their own card systems as Transport Canada does not yet have a specific security program for truck drivers.
Transport spokesman Brad McNulty said drivers who need to get to high-risk areas on a pier are now escorted by someone who has the proper clearance.
However, he said amendments to the Dangerous Goods Act recently have received final approval which "opens the door" to pursue such a credentialing program. But, he added, there would have to be consultation with industry before anything was created.
Yves Gilson at the Port of Montreal says the port supports the idea of truckers being included in security control measures. "We have always said we would welcome a system similar to the TWIC cards, however, the responsibility is Transport Canada’s to take action” and that has not happened.
In the meantime, though, Montreal has decided "with all partners on the terminals to go ahead with an access control card for the truckers. So we are in process of doing so but it is going to be without the security background checks."
The port doesn’t have the authority to do the background checks so it plans to have truckers' employers sign employment documentation on the drivers.
Gilson said the cost of the access cards and implementation date has not yet been determined.
Halifax has been providing temporary restricted area passes to truck operators but is moving toward a regular pass for drivers going into restricted areas.
The port says it has been working with the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association on the issue. Peter Nelson, director of the APTA, has been informed of port’s plans and says he will put the matter before the APTA board in a few weeks and let the board decide if it wants to support the Halifax program.
On the West Coast, Vancouver apparently is leaving the trucker credentialing issue with Transport Canada and presently is not following the path of Halifax or Montreal.
-- Tom Peters, special to todaystrucking.com