The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique, four-letter identifier assigned to transportation companies operating within North America. It serves as a standardized digital signature for motor carriers, rail carriers, and freight forwarders across the logistics industry. For shippers, brokers, and supply chain professionals, knowing how to accurately look up and verify a carrier’s SCAC is a routine operational necessity. This guide provides practical steps for accessing the official registry and using alternative methods to confirm a carrier’s identity.
Understanding the SCAC Code
The SCAC is an industry-standard code consisting of two to four alphabetic characters. This short sequence provides a unique identification for every company involved in freight movement. The codes are administered and assigned exclusively by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
The NMFTA holds the proprietary rights to the system and licenses the database for commercial use throughout the supply chain. This centralized administration ensures there is only one definitive source for the codes, maintaining the integrity of the system for electronic data exchange and automated logistics operations.
Why SCAC Codes Are Required
The primary function of the SCAC is to facilitate the standardized exchange of electronic data interchange (EDI) documents between trading partners. Using a uniform code allows for automated tracking, accurate billing, and simplified communication across disparate software systems. The code is frequently used in manifest documentation and invoices to link data back to the originating carrier.
The codes are also mandatory for carriers conducting business with certain government entities. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires the code for all carriers utilizing the Automated Manifest System (AMS) for shipments entering the country. Similarly, the Department of Defense (DoD) requires all carriers handling military freight to possess a valid, registered SCAC before being awarded contracts. This ensures that carriers moving sensitive or regulated goods can be quickly and reliably identified by federal agencies.
The Official Method for SCAC Code Lookup
Accessing the definitive SCAC database requires navigating the official channels established by the NMFTA. Most direct access to this data is managed through licensed portals. Shippers and logistics providers often integrate the SCAC lookup directly into their existing transportation management systems (TMS) via subscription services to ensure constant access to updated information.
The most common method for direct, on-demand verification is through the NMFTA’s designated partners, such as the U.S. Bank Freight Payment System interface. This system provides a gateway to search the licensed database, though it typically requires a paid account or a commercial relationship with the service provider. A direct, universal search function that is both free and comprehensive is generally not available due to the proprietary nature of the data.
To perform an effective search, having the carrier’s full legal name and primary physical address is helpful. The official database allows users to search either by the four-letter code to retrieve the carrier’s details or by the company name to determine the assigned code. Relying on this official source ensures the code is currently active and correctly assigned to the intended legal entity. Verification is important because codes can be revoked or reassigned if a carrier goes out of business or changes its legal structure.
Alternative Search Methods and Verification Tips
When immediate access to the official NMFTA database is unavailable, several alternative avenues exist for preliminary code identification. Many third-party logistics (3PL) providers and large freight brokerages maintain their own frequently updated internal databases of active carriers. These systems often cross-reference the SCAC with insurance and operating authority data, offering layered verification.
A carrier’s existing documentation provides another reliable, though non-official, source for the code. The SCAC is routinely printed on a carrier’s Bill of Lading (BOL), shipping manifests, and sometimes on their corporate website. While these methods can quickly yield a potential code, they should be treated as preliminary information, particularly when dealing with a new or unknown partner.
It is important to verify the code’s active status, especially when relying on self-reported documents. An inactive or revoked SCAC means the carrier cannot legally participate in specific high-security or government-mandated shipping programs. Cross-referencing the code against the carrier’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number can provide an additional layer of certainty regarding the operating entity’s identity and authority.
How Carriers Apply for a New SCAC Code
For a transportation company without an existing identifier, the process to acquire a new SCAC is managed entirely through the NMFTA. The first step involves submitting a formal application directly to the association, ensuring all required supporting documentation is included. This documentation typically includes proof of operating authority, such as an active Motor Carrier (MC) number, and other legal business registration details.
The application process requires the payment of a one-time setup fee, followed by the initial annual registration fee. After the application and payment are processed, the NMFTA reviews the submission to ensure the proposed code sequence is not already in use and assigns a unique identifier.
The timeline for approval can vary, but carriers should expect a processing period before the new code is officially registered and active in the database. Maintaining the code requires carriers to adhere to an annual renewal cycle, which involves paying a recurring fee to ensure continuous compliance.