SCAC Codes | FreightCenter (2024)

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Discover the world of SCAC codes, essential in transportation. Learn why SCACs matter, who needs them, and the benefits they offer.

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What are SCAC Codes?

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (or SCAC Code) is a unique two-to-four-letter code used to identify transportation companies.

In the 1960s, NMFTA developed SCAC identification codes to help facilitate computerization in the transportation industry. Codes are assigned for almost all companies. The exception is for those used to identify freight containers that do not exclusively operate in North America. This includes intermodal chassis and trailers, non-railroad-owned rail cars, and railroads.

The SCACs are used by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), United Nations Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and for all motor, rail, and water carrier transactions where carrier ID is required.

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Who needs SCAC codes?

SCACs are required for tariffs filed with the Surface Transportation Board (SBT). The use of SCACs has been mandated by the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the Automated Commerical Environment (ACE), Automated Manifest (AMS), and pre-arrival-processing systems.

SCACs are required for business with all US government agencies and commercial shippers. Agencies and shippers include automobile, petroleum, forest products, and chemical industries, tracking imported food (FDA), and even retail businesses and carriers involved with railroad piggyback trailers and ocean container drayage.

Also, carriers who use the (UIIA) Uniform Intermodal Interchange Facilities Access Agreement must keep a valid SCAC. It is common for commercial shippers and receivers to utilize SCACs in their freight bill payment systems.

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History of SCAC codes

SCACs were invented to fulfill the need to create a standardized system for carrier identification for shipping and logistics documents. Before the use of SCACs, a variety of other methods were used to identify transportation companies. The methods used were not standardized, which created inconsistencies and confusion when identifying. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the SCAC system. The system was designed to streamline communication and documentation in the industry.

The SCAC codes are used on various shipping documents, including bills of lading, freight bills, and shipping manifests. Each code is unique to the carrier and not duplicated, preventing confusion in different contexts. SCAC codes have helped improve the accuracy and efficiency of logistics and transportation processes. As technology has advanced with electronic data interchange (EDI), information such as SCAC codes could be exchanged electronically between various entities within the supply chain, making it even easier to identify transportation companies.

Currently, the NMFTA still manages and updates the SCAC system, ensuring the SCAC codes stay unique and reflect the evolution of the logistics industry. SCACs have become standard practice, and the codes are recognized internationally.

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How to Find a SCAC

SCAC codes are used for specific purposes.

  • Codes ending in the letter “U” are used to identify freight containers
  • Codes ending in “X” are used to identify privately owned railroad cars.
  • Codes ending in the letter “Z” identify truck chassis and trailers used in intermodal service.

The SCAC code can be found in various places, so it is good to know where to look when you need to find it.

The SCAC codes can be found in shipping documents, such as bills of lading, freight bills, or shipping manifests from the transportation company.

Another way to determine the SCAC is to contact the carrier or transportation company directly. Databases can also be an excellent resource. Specific online databases and directories compile SCAC data. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has an online lookup tool to look up codes for particular carriers.

SCAC Code List For Common Carriers

Here is a list of the SCAC Codes for some of the biggest carriers.

UPSN – UPS (Parcel Service)
FDEG – FedEx Ground
CSXT – CSX Transportation (Railroad)
BNSF – BNSF Railway (Railroad)
MAEU – Maersk Line (Ocean shipping)
MSCU – Mediterranean Shipping Company (Ocean shipping)
COSU – COSCO Shipping %

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SCAC Codes | FreightCenter (2024)

FAQs

How do I find my carrier SCAC code? ›

Each Standard Carrier Alpha Code is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. The SCAC data is available via an online search engine on the internet through SCAC Online.

Does every trucking company have a SCAC code? ›

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA) assigns SCAC codes for all companies except those codes used for identification of freight containers not operating exclusively in North America, intermodal chassis and trailers, non-railroad owned rail cars, and railroads.

What is the SCAC code for all cargo? ›

What is SCAC Code in Shipping?
Shipping Line NameAbbreviationSCAC
Asiatic Shipping ServicesAsiaTicAIDA
Atlantic Caribbean LineAC LineACBL
Atlantic Container LineACLACLU
Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers IncAtlantic Ro-RoAROF
12 more rows

Is a SCAC code free? ›

You will also be asked to pay a small fee at the end of your application – this will have to be paid before your application for a SCAC code can be processed. So, it is not free to apply for a SCAC code. You will need to pay a fee of $97 – this fee used to be $84 but it has since risen to $97.

How do I find my carrier code? ›

The Carrier Code is a 4 digit alpha/numeric code at the beginning of your PARS label or Cargo Control Number.

What are SCAC codes trucking? ›

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a privately controlled US code used to identify vessel operating common carriers (VOCC). It is typically two to four letters long. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association developed the SCAC code in the 1960s to help road transport companies computerize data and records.

Can a carrier have multiple SCAC codes? ›

Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is used to identify the transportation company (ocean carrier) associated with the information provided. It is a unique code, containing 2 to 4 letters. It is possible for one company to have multiple SCAC's.

Does UPS have a SCAC code? ›

Worldwide Express, Worldwide Saver (Express) or Worldwide Expedited) or Ground / Standard. UPS's SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is UPSA for AIR volume only.

What is the difference between SCAC code and IATA code? ›

What is the difference between the SCAC and IATA? The SCAC is the carrier identification for vessel, rail, and truck shipments. These codes are issued and maintained by the National Motor Freight Association (NMFTA). In contrast, the IATA is responsible for issuing carrier identification codes for air shipments.

What is USPS SCAC code? ›

A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a two-to-four-letter code that identifies freight carriers. This code is used on many documents, including bills of lading, EDI invoices, EDI advanced shipping notices, and EDI purchase orders. SCAC are assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

What is the Amazon SCAC code? ›

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code or SCAC is a unique, four-letter alpha code used to identify a carrier of Amazon's. There is a list of these codes that can be found in the Resource Center on Amazon's Vendor Central where you can see which code applies to which carrier.

How do I look up a SCAC code? ›

Your SCAC code can be found by checking the official list maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

Does SCAC expire? ›

What happens if I do not renew my SCAC assignment(s)? SCACs that are not renewed will be cancelled and made available for reassignment to other companies after three years of expiration.

How do I get my SCAC code from UIIA? ›

You can use Form 4 of the UIIA Application packet to apply for a SCAC Code through the NMFTA or you can apply for the code online at https://secure.nmfta.org/.

What is a carrier SCAC IATA code? ›

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) code are used to identify the carrier that transports the goods out of the United States. Before selecting a carrier code it is important to be aware of which company is actually moving the goods out of the country.

What is the standard carrier access code SCAC? ›

What is a SCAC Code? The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (or SCAC Code) is a unique two to four-letter code used to identify vessel operating common carriers (VOCC) in computer systems and shipping documents. In shipping, shipping documents are documents that provide information about the goods being shipped.

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