Dec 1, 2004 12:00 PM

The Transportation Security Administration has started testing its Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program at the Port of Long Beach (CA) Container Terminal. This test will expand to 34 locations in six states and is expected to last seven months. Upon completion, TSA will examine results to see how to implement the program.

TWIC contains biometric data about its holder in the form of a fingerprint, a handprint, or an iris scan of the eye so lost or stolen cards cannot be used by anyone else. Transportation firms can prove identity and keep unauthorized people from accessing secure sites.

Eventually, this program will require background checks and identification cards for six million truck drivers, dock workers, and cargo handlers at ports, railways, and airports in the United States.

Next to receive TWICs are workers at the Philadelphia Maritime Exchange in Pennsylvania, along with Florida's Port of Pensacola and Port Canaveral.