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The following questions and answers have been produced to provide further information on the phased introduction of the RHIDES ID cards at the Port of Felixstowe.

A leaflet containing these most ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ is also available to download under the ‘Additional Information’ section of this website.

Why ID Cards?

Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited (HPUK) is introducing RHIDES ID cards to meet the requirements of the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code, whereby all personnel entering a 'Restricted Area' should carry and display ID that can be checked by security staff.

Why biometric cards?

Cards with biometrics stored on the chip are already in use in ports outside the UK. They are unique to the individual, quick to use, allow automated checks at Self Service and can withstand bad weather and exposure to diesel fumes. At Felixstowe, it has been decided to use a handscan as the biometric data.

How does the system work?

On arrival at the Port, the driver places the card into a reader and their hand on a biometric scanner. If a valid card is presented, the Port's gate control system records the number against the container/s and allows the driver to enter the 'Restricted Area' of the Terminal.

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How much will cards cost?

The Port of Felixstowe will not charge haulage companies or their drivers for the cards (although there will be a charge of £20 for lost/replacement cards).

Where can I obtain more information from?

The Port of Felixstowe has set up an e-mail 'Alert' system, which will be used to send out updates on RHIDES as well as more general alerts on Port conditions.

To register for this service please go to the ‘Alert Subscription’ section of this website.

Do I need to do anything now?

Yes - if you own or run trucks you will need to ‘Register’ via the RHIDES website. This is different from subscribing for alerts.

Before you can apply for cards for your drivers, you will need to become a recognised company within the RHIDES system. To do this, you will need to complete a form, which can be downloaded at http://www.rhides.com/register

When we receive your registration, we will send you a letter confirming the ‘Card Management System’ website address, your ‘User Name’ and ‘Password’, a copy of the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and a ‘User Guide’. This will allow you to log on to RHIDES itself and start registering drivers.

We will send a letter to the driver at your address asking him/her to arrange a time to come to the Pass Office and get their card. This letter contains a PIN which will only be needed when the driver is issued with the card – it is not used at any time after this.

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How is the system being introduced?

The system is being introduced gradually to ensure that it is robust and able to cope with the 4,000+ lorry movements that the Port of Felixstowe handles every day.

The expected timescales of the rollout are as follows:

April - May 2006 Pilot trials with initial group of drivers
June 2006 Number of haulage companies and drivers increased.
Fixing any system glitches as they emerge.
July - September 2006 Mass issuing of cards

The target for mandatory use of cards at Felixstowe is expected to be the end of October 2006.

Remember:

After the implementation date, every driver will need a RHIDES card to gain entry to the Terminals at the Port of Felixstowe - a "No Card, No Container" policy will come into effect.

How will the cards be issued?

  • Companies will need to register their details via the website at http://www.rhides.com/register.

  • They will then be able to request cards for their drivers.

  • The drivers will be able to go to the Pass Office at the Port where their ID will be checked and their biometric data (handscan) taken. A card will then be issued on the spot.

  • This will take less than 5 minutes.

What are the Pass Office opening hours?

The Pass Office will be open between 07:00 and 18:00. These hours will be extended and an announcement will be made via the 'Alerts' when this happens.

How long will it take at the gates?

The whole ID check at the gates should take less than 5 seconds.

Will on-line access be available?

Yes, haulage companies will have access to a list of their drivers issued with ID cards under a "Card Management System" area of the website.

The website will assist with :

  • Lost cards - haulage companies will be able to log on and report lost cards, which will be 'locked' and so cannot be used. If a card is locked, the haulage company will be informed by e-mail.

  • Drivers joining and leaving - if a driver leaves the employment of a haulage company, the company must use the online facility to remove the driver from their list. Similarly, when a driver joins a haulage company, the company will need to add the driver’s name to their list.

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Remember:

  • A driver can only be on one haulage company's list at a time.
  • When a driver is removed, they become an "orphan" and will not be allowed onto the Port until another company "adopts" them.

How do I stop a driver using his card?

Drivers cards can be blocked by their haulage company or the Pass Office. This will prevent their use at the gates, and may be done if the driver loses a card or is banned from the Port for some reason. If the Pass Office puts a block on the driver, the haulage company will receive an e-mail confirming the details.

What if a driver loses or forgets his/her card?

Drivers can apply for a new card if they lose or damage their normal card. The driver will be charged £20 for the replacement card.

What about cards for "one off" drivers?

"One off" drivers will be able to get a One Trip Card. The first one will be free, any further One Trip cards will be charged at £20 (permanent cards are free).

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Will the cards need replacing?

Cards have a fixed lifespan of four years, after which they expire. When the expiry date approaches, the haulage company will be sent a reminder a few weeks beforehand.

Will different cards be needed for different ports?

The Port of Felixstowe is keen to avoid this situation, and as such has made contact with a number of other ports in the UK to share knowledge and discuss solutions to any possible compatibility issues. The card will not carry the HPUK branding and is therefore available for use at other ports if they decide to join.

How secure is the card?

The card is extremely secure, as it utilises a handscan unique to the individual. The card number is recorded against every container, making the individual driver directly accountable, thereby providing a powerful deterrent against theft.

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Introduction
Information regrading the new Haulier Identity system that is to be implemented at the Port of Felixstowe.
News
The latest news regarding RHIDES.
Frequently Asked Questions
View the answers to the most common questions regarding RHIDES.
Alert Subscription
Subscribe to the latest RHIDES information and other Port of Felixstowe operational messages.
Additional Information
Additional information for RHIDES.
Contact Us
Details on how to get in contact with us.