Proposed bill would streamline application process for drivers seeking TSA clearances

WASHINGTON – Many in the trucking industry are lauding a new bill that would, if passed, require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to standardize the enrollment and renewal system for individuals applying for or renewing multiple TSA Security Threat Assessment programs, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Hazardous Materials Endorsement and TSA PreCheck programs.

The Transportation Security Administration Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act, introduced by Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., would enable drivers to use a single valid background check from TSA when applying for the above credentials.

“This commonsense legislation will ease the burden on many hardworking men and women and allow them to focus on navigating the nation’s highways instead of government bureaucracies,” American Trucking Associations (ATA) President and CEO Chris Spear said.

“Duplicative fees and redundant background checks are placing unnecessary costs – both financial and time – on truckers at a time when our economy is short more than 80,000 drivers. We thank Senators Wicker and Fischer for their leadership and urge the Senate to pass this much-needed legislation.”

In a letter to the Senate, ATA Senior Vice President Edwin Gilroy called the bill “a tangible step toward a more resilient workforce and American economy.”

“This legislation will result in significant financial and time savings for truck drivers. It also makes well-paying careers in the trucking industry more accessible for qualified drivers who are otherwise deterred by financial and/or logistical barriers to entry,” Gilroy wrote.

Mississippi Trucking Association President Hal Miller said the legislation “would meaningfully ease the burden of duplicative and redundant background checks on many thousands of hard-working, patriotic Americans — allowing them to focus on delivering goods and moving our economy forward. I want to commend senators Wicker and Fischer for their commitment to the trucking industry and to improving the lives of truck drivers,”

In Nebraska, the Nebraska Trucking Association President Kent Grisham, said: “We are very grateful that senators Fischer and Wicker have listened to pleas for help raised by the trucking industry. Across Nebraska and the nation, truckers are working every available hour to address the crisis in America’s supply chain. But we are often handicapped by red tape, particularly when it comes to obtaining the proper clearances from the TSA. By sponsoring this Act, the Senators are taking a critical step toward removing that handicap, allowing us to get vetted drivers in the trucks sooner, and getting much need freight moving safely and efficiently.”

The Trucker News Staff

The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.