09 / PORT OPERATIONS
Port operations
Port work involves several credentials and systems. Identify which layer is causing the issue before opening the related port, vehicle, or appointment source.
Port access is not settled by one card. Separate access for the driver, registration for the truck and readiness for this pickup or return. For a charge dispute, reconstruct whether cargo could actually be collected or equipment returned.
TWIC concerns unescorted access to secure areas under federal maritime-security rules. The truck-registration example is Los Angeles-specific program guidance. The FMC content interprets container demurrage and detention practices by regulated entities, not every warehouse, port or highway waiting charge.
Start with these requirements
TWIC addresses security access, not authorization to collect cargo
- What the rule requires
- A person needing unescorted access to a covered secure area generally needs a TWIC, subject to the stated exceptions. Possessing it does not release cargo or satisfy appointment, terminal-identification and truck requirements. Before departure, separately confirm access for the person, access for the truck and release of the container. Another person’s card does not establish your identity.
(a) (a) All persons requiring unescorted access to secure areas of vessels, facilities, and OCS facilities regulated by parts 104, 105 or 106 of this subchapter must possess a TWIC before such access is granted, except as otherwise noted in this section. A TWIC must be obtained via the procedures established by TSA in 49 CFR part 1572.
A registered driver does not mean the truck is registered
- What the rule requires
- Los Angeles program guidance requires trucks entering marine terminals to be in PDTR. Check the carrier’s port-access standing and the truck’s accurate registration separately, then confirm the terminal’s requirements for this move. This is port program guidance, not a nationwide regulation. Check Long Beach and other ports individually; one successful gate visit does not establish continuing access.
As part of the Clean Truck Program, all trucks entering marine terminals must be on the Ports Drayage Truck Registry (PDTR). It is important for Licensed Motor Carriers (LMC) to confirm their Concession status and maintain accurate truck data in the PDTR. To obtain access to the PDTR, you will be registered in the PDTR upon completion of your concession agreement processing. As of October 1, 2018, new PDTR registrations of trucks entering new service at the Port of Los Angeles must be model year 2014 or newer.
Official port program guidance, without a separate legal subsection. This example does not reuse expired concession application dates.
Keep evidence when an empty container cannot be returned
- What the rule requires
- The FMC considers whether a charge serves its purpose of encouraging cargo and equipment movement. For covered detention, charges when empty containers cannot be returned are likely unreasonable absent extenuating circumstances. This does not mean an unavailable appointment automatically cancels a bill. Retain appointment restrictions, rejection notices, communications and billed dates, then present specific reasons through the billing party’s dispute process.
(c)(2)(ii) (ii) Empty container return. Absent extenuating circumstances, practices and regulations that provide for imposition of detention when it does not serve its incentivizing purposes, such as when empty containers cannot be returned, are likely to be found unreasonable.
WORKED EXAMPLE
Why might a cleared driver and truck still be unable to collect a container?
Example: the driver has a personal TWIC and the carrier has checked truck registration, but the cargo is not released at the terminal. The person and truck may not be the problem.
Identify the issue with this move
Check cargo release, terminal, appointment date and pickup conditions instead of restarting every credential process.
Keep records of the obstacle
Retain the restriction or notice and its timing. Identify the affected cargo, terminal and period. The parties should keep real records securely.
Match any charges to the dates
Compare the billed period with the documented obstacle and use the billing party’s dispute channel. One gate rejection does not automatically void an entire invoice.
TWIC, truck registration, cargo release and charge disputes require separate checks.
Common mistakes in day-to-day work
Appointment procedures are not federal law
Terminals may use different systems, windows and pickup/return conditions. Identify the terminal and applicable date when reading instructions. Check the current instructions for that terminal before departure rather than assuming another terminal’s procedure applies.
Highway detention is not automatically covered by this maritime rule
Section 545.5 concerns covered container and terminal-space charges, including applicable per diem. A driver’s highway waiting charge at a warehouse is not covered merely because it is also called detention.
Full text and sources
REGULATION TEXT · ENGLISH
§ 101.514 TWIC Requirement.
§ 101.514 TWIC Requirement.
- Source edition date
- 2026-10-08
- Captured
Edition noteOfficial-source snapshot; current consolidated law and subsequent amendments have not been verified.
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REGULATION TEXT · ENGLISH
§ 545.5 Interpretation of Shipping Act of 1984—Unjust and unreasonable practices with respect to demurrage and detention.
§ 545.5 Interpretation of Shipping Act of 1984—Unjust and unreasonable practices with respect to demurrage and detention.
- Source edition date
- 2026-10-08
- Captured
Edition noteOfficial-source snapshot; current consolidated law and subsequent amendments have not been verified.
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OFFICIAL GUIDANCE · ENGLISH
Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program
Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program
- Source edition date
- Not provided
- Captured
Edition noteOfficial-source snapshot; current consolidated law and subsequent amendments have not been verified.
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TWIC and FMC text uses pinned official-source editions in the library; PDTR is official Port of Los Angeles program guidance. Passages from all three sources were reselected against current library editions on October 12, 2026. PDTR guidance is not codified law and does not replace CARB vehicle-emissions requirements or current terminal procedures. See each source for versions, capture dates and limitations; consultation or capture dates are not effective dates. Chinese text is a CTAC explanation, not an official translation. On October 17, 2026, the PDTR excerpt was matched verbatim to the current program-page edition captured October 16; the selected paragraph is unchanged.