What Is a SCAC Code? A Complete 2026 Guide
SCAC Codes – Standard Carrier Alpha Code is a unique 2-to-4 letter code assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to identify a transportation carrier in shipping, customs, and EDI systems.
What are SCAC Codes?
A SCAC code is a unique two-to-four-letter identifier that the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns to a transportation company. Carriers, brokers, and customs systems use it to identify who is responsible for a shipment across freight, rail, and ocean transport.
SCAC codes are letters only — not numbers — and are used in bills of lading, EDI transactions, and customs filings with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Who needs a SCAC code?
You need a SCAC code if your business files with CBP, moves freight for U.S.-bound or domestic shipments, or is required by a shipper/broker to have one. Common holders include motor carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, customs brokers, and rail/ocean carriers.
Not every shipment requires a SCAC, but most professional carriers and anyone filing customs documentation will need one.
SCAC code format
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 2–4 characters |
| Characters | Letters only (A–Z) |
| Issued by | NMFTA |
| Renewal | Annually |
| Delivery | Email certificate |
Note: codes ending in certain letters are reserved (e.g., historically U for freight containers, X for privately owned railroad cars, Z for intermodal chassis/trailers).
How much does a SCAC code cost?
As of 2026, the SCAC application fee is $100, plus a $5 identity-verification fee that applies to every new application and renewal. Renewal is required every year to keep the code active.
How do I apply for a SCAC code?
You apply through NMFTA’s official portal at scaccode.com (or nmfta.org/scac) — the only authorized channel. You’ll need your legal company name, DBA, mailing address, and your FMCSA-issued USDOT, MC, or MX number. Approval is typically emailed within 1–2 business days.
(How to Apply scac code)
What happens if you don’t renew?
If you miss your annual renewal, you have a three-year window to reinstate the same code through NMFTA’s Easy Renew — and only the last company that held it can reclaim it. After three years, the code returns to the available pool and can be assigned to someone else.
SCAC vs USDOT vs MC number
| Code | Identifies | Issued by | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCAC | Carrier (freight/customs/EDI) | NMFTA | Paid |
| USDOT | Safety/registration of a carrier | FMCSA | Free |
| MC / MX | Interstate operating authority | FMCSA | Free (verify) |
Need to check a carrier’s USDOT or MC number? Use our free USDOT Lookup and MC Number Lookup.
2026 update: NMFTA becomes sole issuer
Effective February 26, 2026, NMFTA ended third-party reseller services and became the sole issuer of SCAC codes for non-Class 8 carriers, adding an identity-verification step to reduce freight fraud. Always apply directly through NMFTA to avoid scams.
Frequently asked questions
Are SCAC codes letters or numbers? Letters only — 2 to 4 alphabetic characters. They are not alphanumeric.
How often are SCAC codes renewed? Every year. Miss the deadline and you have three years to reinstate the same code before it returns to the pool.
Can I look up a SCAC code for free? Yes. Use our free SCAC Code Lookup to find a carrier’s code by name or code.
Who issues SCAC codes? The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), via scaccode.com — the only authorized portal.
Look up a SCAC code