New Trucking Business Startup, TWIC, Port Contracts
Topic 14282 | Page 1
Hello Mark, and welcome to the forum!
Unfortunately we try not to get into these discussions like this, we focus on helping folks make a good run at getting started in this career as a new driver. I'll say this, you are in a great area, but you seem to know precious little about what it is you are getting into. As a business owner for thirty years, I know you will take some heavy hits if you don't get yourself better equipped in the information area of pulling containers from the ports. I recommend you take a look at the Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association web site and see if you can find some help from them.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
OOIDA:
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
Who They Are
OOIDA is an international trade association representing the interests of independent owner-operators and professional drivers on all issues that affect truckers. The over 150,000 members of OOIDA are men and women in all 50 states and Canada who collectively own and/or operate more than 240,000 individual heavy-duty trucks and small truck fleets.
Their Mission
The mission of OOIDA is to serve owner-operators, small fleets and professional truckers; to work for a business climate where truckers are treated equally and fairly; to promote highway safety and responsibility among all highway users; and to promote a better business climate and efficiency for all truck operators.
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I am looking to start my own trucking company in the Virginia area. This area has quite a few ports, and federal, government agencies all around. Can anyone tell me how hard is it to get into the ports and get contracts? I am in the process of getting my operating authority and a truck. I know that the driver will have to need a twic card. I do not drive. This is a startup, so any info would be greatly appreciated. I really don't know who to call. The port said I would have to call the carriers. Also, what is the going rate for port drayage drivers?
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.