Terminal Security & Access

Container Terminal Security & Access

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

All persons seeking unescorted access to restricted areas of Port Houston‘s regulated facilities must present their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) before being allowed unescorted access.

The TWIC program is mandated by federal law, Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), and enforced by two federal agencies that are part of the Department of Homeland Security: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Click here to begin the TWIC enrollment process online.

Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA)

The Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Facilities Access Agreement is a standard interchange contract administered by IANA and developed to promote intermodal productivity and operating efficiencies.

The shipping lines and Port Houston require all truck drivers to be registered with UIIA prior to entering a facility. Click here to apply online for participation in the UIIA.

Lynx Registration For License Plates

Lynx is an access controlled portal which enables customers to obtain information on containers, shipments, register truck license plates, and enroll in ExpressPass. It can be accessed at csp.poha.com. Port Houston requires all truck license plates are registered in Lynx prior to arrival at our facilities.

Truck Drivers are required to present a valid TWIC at entry points into the secure/restricted areas of Port Houston’s facilities. Drivers also must have an UIIA approved Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC), license plate registered in Lynx, and a valid gate transaction before entry can be granted.

Taxi Cabs, Uber, and Lyfts are not allowed entry at Bayport or Barbours Cut Container Terminals.

Vendors/Visitors shall be placed on the gate list by the appropriate party. Contact the appropriate ship agent, Port Houston tenant, and/or Port employee for gate list approval. The primary vendor/visitor access points for Port Houston’s Container Terminals are as follows:

  1. Bayport Gate 1, located at 12619 Port Rd Seabrook, TX 77586
  2. Barbours Cut Gate 12, located at 1515 E Barbours Cut Blvd La Porte, TX 77571

Ship Agents shall file their gate lists electronically using the electronic Visitor Management System for all visitors, vendors and crew members by specific ship, according to current security procedures.

Port Houston Tenants shall file their gate lists electronically using the Visitor Management System for all visitors and vendors required for specific work, according to current security procedures.

Port Houston Employees shall file their gate lists electronically using the Visitor Management System for all visitors, vendors, and contractors requiring access for specific work.

Please note: Possession of TWIC does not guarantee access to Port Houston terminals. Access is determined by Business Need, Approval and TWIC. Only ship agents, Port Houston tenants and Port Houston employees are allowed to submit gate lists for terminal access. Contact the appropriate party for your company to be included on the gate list.

Multi-Purpose, Breakbulk, & Project Cargo Terminal Security & Access

Truck drivers delivering or picking up cargo should proceed first to Cargo Bay Road for prescreening. Please be prepared to present appropriate paperwork and valid TWIC. If all paperwork and driver’s TWIC is valid and complete the driver will be directed to the appropriate gate and desired stevedore area. If truck drivers do not have a valid TWIC or correct documents for cargo transport, truck drivers will be directed to the truck office located next to the executive building for processing. Drivers without a valid TWIC will require a TWIC Escort for access to any secure-restricted area entry points. Passengers are authorized with valid ID. Driver may be required to fill out Escort documentation. If selected for random vehicle screening, driver must advise security of any passengers in the vehicle. Access may be denied if false statements are provided or compartments cannot be opened.

Taxicabs, Ubers, and/or Lyfts are allowed on lower level (secure-restricted area) with a valid TWIC and valid Port of Houston TWIC Escort Credential to transport vessel crew. All crew members will need their U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued shore pass and a copy of their passport and must be checked out at the gate.

Vendors and/or Visitors shall be placed on the gate list by contacting the desired Port Houston tenant, employee or agent responsible for handling the vessel or other operation that needs to be visited. Vendors and/or Visitors are allowed access only through staffed security gates.

Ship Agents shall file their gate lists electronically using the electronic Visitor Management System, for all visitors, vendors and crew members by specific ship, according to current security procedures. Contact the ship agent for access to a vessel.

Port Houston Tenants shall file their gate lists electronically using the Visitor Management System for all visitors and vendors required for specific work, according to current security procedures.

Port Houston Employees shall file their gate lists electronically using the Visitor Management System for all visitors, vendors and contractors requiring access for specific work.

Please Note: Persons seeking access to any secure-restricted area without a TWIC must be escorted by an approved TWIC escort and by consulting the desired vessel agent, stevedore, or Port Houston contact.