How Many Risk Assessments Do You Need ?

[scott_vt]

Good Evenin Guys,
I guess this pretty much pertains to all the CDL drivers out there that want to truck hazardous materials and or drive a tanker trucking the same !

When I went to get my hazardous materials and tanker endorsement I had to previously apply to the TSA, Transportation Safety Administration, for them to do a risk assesment along with finger prints ! After I got the green light I was able to go to the DMV and take the two tests for my endorsements.

Im interested in working for a larger oil company, and they seem interested in me, so they told me to start the application process to obtain a TWIC card. Which is Transportation Worker Identification Credential card.

I guess Im ranting, because the TSA allready has done a risk assessment on me allready ! I do understand that this card allows me to get into the oil terminals to get loaded. But it just seems that the whole thing is a big duplication, I mean how many sets of my fingerprints do they need ?

Any feelings on this from other truckers ? Thanks !

 

[Ductape]

Yes........... it IS redundant. We are talking about the government, right?? Are you surprised........ honestly?

 

[scott_vt]

Yes........... it IS redundant. We are talking about the government, right?? Are you surprised........ honestly?

Good Evenin Scott,
No not suprised ! But bit upset that I had to pay $89.25 for the TSA assessment to get the endorsements, and then another $132.50 for the same thing to obtain the TWIC card !

I know we are talking about the goverment !

 

[CurlyDave]

Just think of it as job security -- it keeps the competition down.

 

[scott_vt]

Just think of it as job security -- it keeps the competition down.

Good Evenin Dave,
Thanks thats one way to look at it !

 

[chh]

Evening Scott,

Just ONE more!

Everybody has to get a little piece of the action.

 

[scott_vt]

Evening Scott,

Just ONE more!

Everybody has to get a little piece of the action.

Good Mornin Chuck,
Not only does it cost a bunch of money, but then they make you wait 6 weeks or better, just to tell you the same thing... your not a risk to national security !

Im certainly glad Im not a thief, because with all the fingerprints Ive given out, they would have me in a New York minute !

After 36 years of machining, I just cant do it anymore, oh well !

Career change !

 

[EddieWalker]

Hey Scotty,

When I got my haz mat rating, it was a simple 20 question test that you took. I think you were allowed to get four wrong and still pass the test. I read through the booklet while standing in line and missed two questions. It was mostly common sense and placarding type stuff.

Since 9-11, I heard it's changed quite a bit. I have my doubts that any of it will really make a difference, and think it's just some second rate politician writing laws to make his resume look better. If a terrorist wants to use a tanker truck to blow something up, then why won't he just kill the driver and take the truck out on the road?

I also heard that the refinery here had to change allot of things with who they allow into their facility. I'm all for security, but really question how effective allot of it really is and how much of it is pretend or feel good type stuff.

Does this mean you are thinking about getting out of the tow truck line of work?

Eddie

 

[scott_vt]

Hey Scotty,


Since 9-11, I heard it's changed quite a bit. I have my doubts that any of it will really make a difference, and think it's just some second rate politician writing laws to make his resume look better. If a terrorist wants to use a tanker truck to blow something up, then why won't he just kill the driver and take the truck out on the road?

I also heard that the refinery here had to change allot of things with who they allow into their facility. I'm all for security, but really question how effective allot of it really is and how much of it is pretend or feel good type stuff.

Does this mean you are thinking about getting out of the tow truck line of work?

Eddie

Good Mornin Eddie,
Yep things have changed consideraby since 911 !


If a terrorist wants to use a tanker truck to blow something up, then why won't he just kill the driver and take the truck out on the road?

Yikes dont tell that to Kathleen !

The only good thing I can see with the TWIC card, is that it has your mug shot on it, and without somebody at the terminal gates checking the driver to the TWIC card, your not going to gain admittance !

Honestly like you mention, whats to have someone kill the driver, take the truck and ram through the gates at the terminal ! I mean we are talking about large trucks, surely capable of mowing down a page link gate !

As you know I drove the flatbed car carrier almost a year before the scrap market dried up. Then I still needed some thing part time so I picked up a machining job back last Oct and have been there since. Its kind of a cheap little outfit, but two weeks ago they told me I need to punch out if I take a coffee break ! That kind of did it for me, so I have been searching any driving oppurtunities since then. I like being out on the road, your kind of your own boss, and I really liked driving the flatbed, so this is why Im going in this direction ! The company that is interested in me sent me for a drug and alcohol test yesterday, so Im thinking that I have a shot at this job ! I will let you know how it goes !

 

[firedog]

Another case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.
I didn't have to apply to the TSA when I was licensed, but the TWIC card is pretty much mandatory for everyone working in a "high risk" facility/location based on DHS criteria. (Try going thru Customs at international ports..geesh)
I've got a friend that trucks chlorine cylinders and is "supposed" to notify his dispatcher at every stop and at certain time intervals if too long between stops.

Are you looking at local or OTR?