ARTICLE: For truckers, new ID means background check - again (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com): "Truck drivers must pay for a federal background check to get the license they need to haul hazardous cargo. They must pay for a federal background check to move freight for the Department of Defense and another for the Department of Energy. And if they want to take freight into Canada? That's one more they'll need.
This week, truckers learned of yet another check, a pricey investigation they will need to undergo to drive their big rigs in and out of U.S. ports, including Hampton Roads.
It's required to apply for a new federal ID called the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, which is intended to make the country's 360 ports more secure against terrorism by scrutinizing the backgrounds of port workers for crimes, immigration violations and terrorist activities.
About 750,000 port workers across the country, including longshoremen, truck drivers and mariners, will need to apply for the cards. At least 15,000 workers in Hampton Roads are expected to need the high-tech cards.
Each card carries a microchip storing the fingerprints of the card owner that will eventually be read by electronic scanners at the entrances of marine terminals and shipyards."
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