Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC™) is a unique two-to-four letter coding system used to identify transportation companies.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)™ assigns SCACs 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.
Download a quick and easy reference guide on SCAC.
This infographic shares if and why you need a SCAC.
Additional SCAC Products
SCAC Data Products include:
- SCAC Online
- Web Service/API
- SCAC Data Daily Distribution Service
- SCAC Data Quarterly Distribution Service
Access Resources
Let us show you how to get the most of your SCAC experience. We've created how-to videos, user manuals, and answered the
most-asked questions.
Self-Serve with 24/7/365 Access
The newest version of the SCAC application is live, giving you the convenience you need, when you need it. Applying, renewing, and managing your SCAC has never been easier.
Goodbye Phone Calls and Faxes!
Need a SCAC or want to renew an existing one? No problem. With the latest version of SCAC, you can easily apply or renew at any time and completely online.
Easily Renew and Eliminate the Risk of an Expired SCAC
The Easy Renew feature makes it possible to quickly renew your existing SCAC without a login. In addition, automated notices remind you when it’s time to renew so you don’t forget! If your SCAC does lapse, you can quickly renew online so your SCAC is updated instantly in real time.
It's a Small, Multilingual World
SCAC supports English, Spanish, and French languages and can be easily translated with a simple click. The transportation world is global and this latest version of SCAC provides on-demand language translation, making it easier to manage your information anywhere.
More Benefits of SCAC
- Are you a planner? Just let us know! Automated future cancellation dates replace the outdated manual system processes of the past.
- On the road? A responsive mobile interface makes it easy to view your SCAC information on your phone or other mobile devices.
- Tired of printed forms, calls, and faxes? Easily renew or apply for a new SCAC via our application.
Frequently Asked Questions
A SCAC is a short letter sequence that identifies transportation companies, primarily carriers operating in the North America. These codes are used to match carriers with shipping data in government and commercial systems. They help reduce confusion when carriers have similar names and keep records consistent across systems like customs, freight booking platforms, electronic data exchanges, billing tools, and compliance forms.
Companies that move freight or provide transportation services can apply for a SCAC through the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™. The process involves completing a form and paying a fee. Once approved, NMFTA’s client services team will send the company a unique code that appears in the official SCAC database. If you’re registering as a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, you’ll likely need one to work with shippers and federal agencies. Visit our easy-to-use, self-service platform at www.scaccode.com.
If your company already has a SCAC, it can be found in your original registration documents. Some teams keep it on file in internal systems or refer to past paperwork to locate it. If you're unsure, you can confirm whether your code is active or expired by searching NMFTA’s database or contacting our support team. Once it’s time to renew your SCAC you’ll be contacted by NMFTA’s client services team. For helpful video tutorials on how to renew your SCAC, visit www.nmfta.org/scac-resources.
These unique codes are used to connect transportation providers with digital and paper-based shipping processes. They appear on bills of lading, customs entries, booking confirmations, partner records, and freight audits. Many supply chain systems rely on SCAC to match the right carrier to each shipment. This makes it easier for everyone in the logistics process to communicate clearly and avoid errors tied to name confusion or missing information.
You can find a carrier’s SCAC by searching for the company’s legal name in the official SCAC directory. View our products at www.scaccode.com/data-products-purchase/products.
