February 17, 2005: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set a $94 fee for the hazardous material endorsement background check that the U.S. will require under new security rules. The cost includes a $38 fee for collecting and transmitting fingerprints, $34 for a TSA threat assessment, and $22 for an FBI background check. It may take 30-60 days to process the application. It will be a one-time charge and drivers will not be required to submit to further fees and investigation should they need to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential under future regulations.
Experts expect these background checks to reduce the currently available pool of 2.7 million drivers with hazmat endorsements by 20 percent. Fewer drivers with the endorsement may pressure non-union carriers to increase pay or offer other incentives to hazmat drivers.
Under our national trucking contracts the employer should be required to pay the fee, as they are required to pay for other examinations. Hopefully this protection will be established for all Teamster drivers.