Driven by security concerns, PierPass Inc. has developed a program at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to improve the check-in process for trucks and drivers entering the terminals, the company said Thursday.

Pierpass will distribute 10,000 radio frequency identification (RFID) tags provided by WhereNet Corp. to trucking companies through eModal, a database company that tracks trucking companies and drivers. The trucking companies will install the RFID tags in the trucks. Drivers will use the tag to enter and exit the terminal gates, similar to the FasTrak and the E-ZPass devices used for automated toll collection in California. The RFID tag is expected to enable quick and secure check-in.

Marine terminals are required by the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard to provide security by ensuring that only those authorized enter the ports. The terminals, working through PierPASS, are launching the TruckTag program as part of their proactive approach to meeting these requirements.

TruckTag is the second program created by Pierpass, a not-for-profit company established by marine terminal operators in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to address multi-terminal issues. In July 2005, Pierpass launched the OffPeak program, aimed at reducing congestion in and around the ports by establishing new night and Saturday shifts at the ports. By December, more than 1 million truck trips had been diverted out of daytime traffic, leading to a noticeable reduction in congestion.

The marine terminal operators will cover the $1.2 million estimated cost of the program, which is expected to begin by March. To truck drivers or trucking companies the first 10,000 tags for the project are free.

On Jan. 27, Richard Steinke, executive director for the Port of Long Beach, will discuss the ports growth, terminal efficiencies, security and environmental programs at a gather hosted by the International Business Association of Southern California. The event is being held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif.