Get a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
The required carrier identification code used across the freight industry to move goods, verify businesses, and do business with confidence.
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC™) is the industry’s universal carrier identifier. It’s required for doing business across the freight transportation ecosystem, including with shippers, brokers, platforms, and government agencies.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)™ is the official issuing authority for SCAC. Applying online is straightforward, and once issued, your SCAC becomes the code the industry uses to identify your operation.
SCAC for Class 8
Carriers
For heavy-duty trucking fleets that operate Class 8 vehicles and move freight nationwide.
SCAC for Non-Class 8 Carriers
For smaller or specialty carriers using box trucks, vans, or local delivery vehicles.
SCAC for Railroad and Maritime
For rail and maritime operators involved in intermodal and freight transportation.
What is a SCAC?
A SCAC is a unique two-to-four letter code used to identify motor carriers and transportation providers. It is embedded into contracts, load tenders, transportation management systems (TMS), customs filings, and government programs.
If you move freight, chances are you need a SCAC.
What You'll Need to Apply
Basic business information
Your official company details used to create and manage your SCAC.
Carrier operating details
How your business operates and uses its SCAC across transportation modes.
A designated individual
An authorized representative linked to your SCAC record.
As part of the application, identity verification may be required to help protect carriers and industry from fraud.
Who Needs a SCAC?
You may need a SCAC if you are:
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A motor carrier or trucking company
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An owner-operator or small fleet
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A non-CDL or last-mile carrier (box truck or van)
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A carrier working with brokers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), or large shippers, and/or
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A contractor for government agencies such as USPS.
Trust the Code
SCAC is more than an administrative requirement. It's the identifier the industry uses to confirm who is authorized to move freight, support onboarding and tendering workflows, and reduce the risk of impersonation and double brokering. Watch the video below to discover what SCAC Verified means for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Applying for a SCAC via scaccode.com is the first step to operating with confidence in today’s freight environment.
Got Questions?
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SCAC is a unique two-to-four letter identifier used to identify transportation companies across the freight industry. It is commonly required for onboarding, load tendering, contracts, and government-related freight programs. SCACs are issued and governed by NMFTA.
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SCACs are issued and managed exclusively by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), the official SCAC issuing authority.
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Shippers, brokers, platforms, and government agencies use SCAC to consistently identify carriers across systems and documents. Using a standardized identifier helps reduce confusion, streamline onboarding, and support operational trust.
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A SCAC is not required by law in every situation, but it is often required by customers, partners, platforms, or government programs as a condition of doing business.
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In most cases, a SCAC can be issued shortly after the application is submitted and its details are successfully verified and validated. Processing times take 1-2 business days but may vary based on application accuracy.
