The Transportation Security Administration began the second phase of the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program Monday with the fingerprinting of commercial truck drivers applying for hazardous materials endorsements

on state-issued CDLs.
During phase one, TSA ran name-based security checks on all 2.7 million Hazmat drivers to determine if any presented a potential terrorist threat. Phase two augments this effort by adding an FBI fingerprint-based checks of criminal and immigration history records. The third and final phase of implementation begins May 31, 2005 when drivers, who currently hold hazmat endorsements and wish to renew or transfer the HME, must undergo the fingerprint-based background check.
Under the USA PATRIOT Act, a state cannot issue, renew or transfer a hazmat endorsement unless the driver successfully completes TSA’s security threat assessment.
The ATA has compiled a list of locations where hazmat drivers can go for fingerprinting required by the TSA. The ATA list in Microsoft Excel format can be found on the ATA web site at www.truckline.com. Click on Public Affairs, then on Press Releases and finally on “TSA Contractor Selects HazMat Fingerprint Collection Sites.”
Drivers must renew the HME at least every five years, although a state may require more frequent renewals. Under TSA rules, drivers are responsible for reporting disqualifying events.
For more information on the TSA program, visit www.hazprints.com.