The Transportation Worker Identification Credential card (or TWIC) is something we’ve mentioned a few times in the past. This is the new, high-tech identification card that’s slowly being phased into a number of U.S. ports. But this week, ports in New England will be the first to officially require all workers to carry the cards, which act as another layer of protection for areas considered to be vulnerable to terrorism.

Those who receive TWIC cards must first go through an extensive background check. This ensures that everyone with port access meets federal standards. Each card is scannable, and contains a photo plus a smart chip that carries the cardholder’s fingerprint. Port and delivery workers, cargo handlers, and any employees with unescorted access to secure areas will be required to submit a fingerprint scan before entering. The scanning device then matches the print with the one stored on the card’s smart chip.
Beginning on October 15, New England port workers who don’t carry the TWIC card will either be denied entry, or personally escorted to their destinations.