SCAC Code List 2023 & What is a Standard Carrier Alpha Code? (2024)

The world of freight shipping is far from simple and easy in the very beginning. If goods travel across borders with no trace left behind, or, if air/ocean carriers are doing business all over the world without identifiable information, the whole industry will only be more disorderly. For facilitation, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has introduced SCAC Codes, enabling the building of a database of carrier information.

In this guide, we will reveal everything you need to know about the SCAC Code. And at the end of it, we will also put a list of the most commonly used SCAC Codes for your lookup.

1. 1. What is the SCAC Code?
2. 2. Why Do You Need a SCAC Code?
   1. 2.1 Using SCAC Codes to Identify Carriers
   2. 2.2 SCAC Codes Are an Essential Part in Shipping Documentation
   3. 2.3 SCAC Codes Play a Big Role in Getting Shipment Updates
   4. 2.4 SCAC Codes Remain Necessary When Importing to/through the US
3. 3. When to Use SCAC Codes?
4. 4. How to Maintain or Renew SCAC Codes?
5. 5. Conclusions
6. 6. List of Commonly Used SCAC Codes for Your Lookup

1. What is the SCAC Code?

SCAC refers to Standard Carrier Alpha Code, a unique code with two-to-four letters. It is issued by National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). SCAC codes are generally used to identify carriers and track international shipments. Besides, it is required by the US CBP that importers need to submit the correct SCAC code when filling AMS or ISF.

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is a private organization in the US with the mission of developing the shipping industry by offering comprehensive information. It creates the SCAC code to digitalize the data and records. And SCAS codes have been so popularized over the years that carriers without one will run into obstacles when engaging in global trade. Air/sea carriers need to register with NMFTA first, and then apply for a new SCAC code on the official website of NMFTA.

2. Why Do You Need a SCAC Code?

2.1 Using SCAC Codes to Identify Carriers

The initial purpose of minting SCAC Codes has been to find a practical way to identify carriers. The SCAC Code digitizes their information, which can be stored and accessed in computer systems. Carriers, or more specifically, transportation companies (including freight forwarders) with the intention of providing transportation services to/through the US cannot do it without SCAC Codes because they have to verify their identification to the US customs under request.They have to apply for SCAC Codes and renew them regularly. So the process of transporting international shipments will be less troublesome.

2.2 SCAC Codes Are an Essential Part in Shipping Documentation

Shippers will refer to SCAC when they prepare shipping documents. The Bill of Lading, Packing List, Shipment Invoice, Purchase Order, customs documents, inventory documents, and payment documents, all these above needs to include SCAC Codes. So when goods cross the borders, customs authorities can identify the carrier from the documentation. And shippers will know the specific carrier that handles the goods. The application of SCAC eliminates the hassle of managing various paper documents.

2.3 SCAC Codes Play a Big Role in Getting Shipment Updates

The SCAC Code is part of Bill of Lading, which serves as the digital footprint of transportation of goods. With SCAC Codes, it is possible to check the updated status of their shipment online.

2.4 SCAC Codes Remain Necessary When Importing to/through the US

Goods arriving or passing through the US are required to file AMS and ISF prior to the vessel's departure. And the SCAC Code is an indispensable part of the AMS/ISF filing requirement. So the US customs authorities are allowed to regulate and supervise the activities of carriers.

But the application of SCAC is not limited to US-bound shipments. If the goods have to pass through US Customs, this is where SCAC Codes come in, too. For example, when the goods head for Canada, it is possible that the shipment has been routed through the USA. Prepare yourself for the AMS and ISF filing in this scenario. You will see the relationship between the SCAC Code and AMS/ISF in the next part.

3. When to Use SCAC Codes?

● The US Customs Border Protection (CBP)

The US Customs Border Protection (CBP) is a customs authority in charge of examining and checking all the products imported into the US to control the potential threats and guard the safety of the USA. CBP has imposed a set of rules carriers need to abide by in order to get a smooth importing. And carriers crossing the border into the US are required to have a SCAC in order to identify themselves to CBP.

● The Automated Manifest System (AMS) and the Import Security Filing (ISF)

AMS and ISF cannot be left out when mentioning CBP. Let us start with AMS first. AMS refers to Automated Manifest System, a computer system introduced by CBP to not only increase the efficiency in importing into the US, but also help the US customs inspect imports. It will provide CBP with the required shipping information before the arrival of goods. The US customs will check to see if there is any discrepancy. The SCAC Code is a must in the AMS filing process. And it will be used for the subsequent customs clearance.

AMS is used for all air and sea shipments. Carriers or freight forwarders need to input information into AMS 48 hours earlier than the vessel/airplane's departure and ensure that all the AMS requirements are met. Or they will be confronted with hefty fines and delays.

And ISF, on the other hand, stands for Import Security Filing. It is an import requirement set by US customs. Only ocean shipments are required ISF. Likewise, carriers or freight forwarders need to comply with it by submitting all the needed cargo information online to the US customs 48 hours prior to the departure of the vessel. So CBP can have access to all the required shipment details and importer/supplier information through ISF, allowing it to determine whether the imports are in compliance. Again, the SCAC Code is necessary when filing an ISF, too.

4. How to Maintain or Renew SCAC Codes?

Maintaining a valid SCAC is important for air/sea carriers. So remember to renew it annually via the official website of NMFTA or its email address of scac@nmfta.org, or chances are that your SCAC will be reassigned. After you complete the renewal, you will get a confirmation letter. The electronic copy of it should be sent to CBP via fax or email so the renewed code will be entered into the system of CBP.

5. Conclusions

The SCAC Code really improves the management of the supply chain. Computerized information reduces errors to a minimum and improves efficiency greatly. Without SCAC Codes, the long-used identification number, the current situation will be full of confusion.

For carriers, obtaining and maintaining SCAC Codes can demonstrate a level of credibility to some extent, accompanied by recognition from their peers. Viewing the NMFTA website, registering with NMFTA, completing the application form, and paying the applicable fees, so you can have a valid SCAC. If your SCAC Code expires, it won't be recognized. Renewal efforts should be made without delay. Or even financial losses would incur.

6. List of Commonly Used SCAC Codes for Your Lookup

Below we will put a list of the most widely used SCAC Codes for your reference.