Dray Insight
Get set up to pull from a port
A truck and a CDL are not enough. A terminal checks six things before it lets you through the gate.
Jonathan Sinton · Checked November 14, 2026
You need
- USDOT number and operating authority
- Insurance certificates
- A list of your trucks and drivers
- About 60 days before your first pull
Steps
- Get a SCACNMFTA issues it. Ports, ocean carriers and customs use it to identify you. It renews every year.
- Sign the UIIAIt is the standard contract for using an ocean carrier's containers and chassis. IANA runs it and keeps your insurance on file.
- Get a TWIC for every driverTSA issues it. Without one a driver needs an escort inside the terminal. TSA says to apply 60 days ahead.
- Register with the portSome ports keep their own truck registry and want an RFID tag on each truck.
- Open accounts in the appointment systemsEach terminal uses its own. You book pickups and pay gate fees there.
- Line up chassisSign with the pool or provider that serves your port.
The numbers
| SCAC, new, online | $110 |
| UIIA, per year | $409 |
| TWIC, per driver, 5 years | $127 |
| NWSA RFID tag, per truck | $103 plus fees |
Insurance is the large cost. UIIA asks for $1,000,000 auto liability and $1,000,000 general liability, and each equipment provider sets its own cargo and interchange limits.
Watch out
Each ocean carrier approves you separately under the UIIA. Check you are active with the one on the bill of lading.
Los Angeles and Long Beach only register trucks of model year 2014 or newer.