Freight answersDrayage
What Does a Trucker Need to Pick Up a Container at Port Newark?
Short answer
At the Port Newark and Elizabeth terminals, a driver needs a valid driver's license, a TWIC and a Port Authority SeaLink card, an RFID tag on the truck, and proof that the trucking company is registered with the UIIA. The container needs a freight release, the container and bill of lading numbers and no customs, freight or demurrage holds, and some terminals require an appointment for every gate move.
The driver and the truck
- TWIC: required under the Maritime Transportation Security Act for access to secure areas of maritime facilities.[2]
- SeaLink card: "SeaLink is mandatory for all truckers doing business at the Port of New York and New Jersey," and the TWIC must be registered with the Port Authority.[1]
- RFID tag: the guidebook asks for "a valid RFID tag mounted on drivers side view mirror."[1] Terminal operators list a valid SeaLink card, TWIC and RFID tag for every transaction.[3][4]
- UIIA registration: proof that the trucking company is registered with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement,[1] the standard contract for interchanging containers and chassis.[5]
- A valid driver's license and, where the terminal requires it, a reservation.[1]
The container
The guidebook lists what an import pickup must have: "Freight release form. Container number. Bill of Lading (BOL) number." It also says to make sure there are no freight, customer, demurrage or customs holds before picking up an import load.[1] At some terminals every gate move needs an appointment, and a container with a customs or freight hold cannot be booked.[1]
Example
A drayage company takes a new driver onto port work. The driver gets a TWIC, registers it with the Port Authority and receives a SeaLink card; the truck already carries an RFID tag and the company is on the UIIA. For the first pickup the dispatcher checks the terminal website for holds, books the appointment and sends the container and bill of lading numbers.
Limitations
These requirements come from the Port Authority guidebook revised in July 2023 and terminal operators' pages. Gate rules change, so confirm with the terminal before dispatch.
Related
Related terms
- TWICA TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is the federal credential that workers, including...Glossary
- UIIAThe UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement) is the standard contract that...Glossary
- DrayageDrayage is the short-distance truck move of ocean or rail freight, such as hauling a container from a marine...Glossary
- ChassisA chassis is a wheeled trailer frame built to carry a shipping container over the road; the container is...Glossary
- Delivery OrderA delivery order (D.O.) is a document issued by the consignee or its customs broker that authorizes release...Glossary
- Marine Terminal OperatorA marine terminal operator (MTO) runs the wharves, container yards and other terminal facilities that ocean...Glossary
Related questions
- What Happens After a Container Arrives at Port Newark?After the vessel discharges, the container has to be released by both Customs and the ocean carrier before...Answer
- What Are the Different Types of Container Holds?A container can be held for unrelated reasons, each cleared by a different party. A customs hold is placed by...Answer
Sources
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, “Truckers Resource Guidebook (revised July 2023),” Port authority guidance. Published July 2023. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Transportation Security Administration, “Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC),” Government page. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Port Newark Container Terminal, “Transaction Requirements,” Terminal operator page. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Maher Terminals, “Receiving and Delivering Requirements,” Terminal operator page. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Intermodal Association of North America, “Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA),” Industry association. Accessed September 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.