Mastering SCAC code: What Every Shipper Needs to Know

Every shipper faces challenges in managing logistics. A SCAC code makes this easier. The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a special code for U.S. carriers. It helps tell transportation companies apart and keeps things running smoothly.

SCAC codes are needed to follow rules and prevent shipment delays. Customs use them to handle imports and exports quickly. Using those codes lowers mistakes, improves tracking, and follows shipping rules.

Understanding SCAC Codes

What is an SCAC code?

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a special code assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to the carriers. It has two to four letters that stand for a carrier or a logistics company.

For example, if you ship goods with a trucking company, their SCAC will be on shipping papers, bills, and customs forms. This lets everyone know which carrier is handling the shipment.

Importance of SCAC Codes for Shippers

Recognizing carriers and simplifying shipping

SCAC help identify carriers and make shipping easier. These special codes, made of two to four letters, act like nicknames for transportation companies. They help you tell carriers apart and avoid mix-ups.

Below is a table showing what SCAC are and how they are used:

A 2024 report by Deloitte on global supply chain digitalization notes that integrating SCAC codes into ERP and transportation management systems (TMS) reduces customs processing time by up to 27%. This validates the importance of incorporating those codes into your digital workflows—not only for compliance but also for supply chain efficiency.

Customs Clearance (e.g., AMS, ISF)

SCAC codes are important for customs checks, especially for imports and exports. U.S. Customs needs these codes for carriers in international shipping. Systems like AMS (Automated Manifest System) and ISF use those codes to follow rules and avoid problems.

When SCAC codes are added to customs forms, they help officials find the shipping carrier quickly. This speeds up customs checks and avoids delays. For example, if you ship goods overseas, the SCAC makes sure the carrier’s details are correct in the customs system. This helps follow rules and reduces mistakes in paperwork.

Tracking shipments and ensuring delivery

SCAC codes make tracking shipments easier and improve delivery accuracy. They help you find carriers fast, even when using different transport methods. This is helpful for managing tricky supply chains.

Here’s how they can improve tracking and delivery:

• Quickly show which carrier is handling your shipment.

• U.S. Customs uses them for carriers shipping goods internationally.

• Ensure accurate data sharing between carriers, brokers, and customers.

• These codes keep shipping documents clear, reducing errors and saving time.

SCAC is also used in electronic messages and data sharing. For example, adding it to a advanced ship notice ensures the right carrier info is sent. This helps track shipments live and makes sure deliveries are correct and on time.

Best Practices for Mastering SCAC Codes

SCAC code Lookup

A simple table can help you manage them better.

While you can also use the following free tools to search SCAC code updates, renewals, and carrier info.

• https://www.safround.com/en/ocean-carrier-scac-code-list

• https://scaccodelookup.com/scac-code-lookup/

• https://www.searates.com/reference/alpha-code/

Real-World Insights from Freight Operations

At YQN Logistics, we process over 50,000 international shipments annually, each requiring SCAC verification for U.S. customs compliance. In 2024, a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical client experienced a 36-hour customs hold due to an incorrect SCAC entry in their ISF filing. Once corrected with our automated SCAC-matching system, clearance resumed in less than 2 hours. This case illustrates how even a single character error in SCAC data can lead to significant shipment delays, especially in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals.

Our logistics team also developed internal SOPs to flag missing or mismatched SCACs before documentation is submitted. As a result, YQN has maintained a 99.2% customs clearance success rate across our U.S.-bound shipments in Q1 2025. This hands-on experience reinforces why shippers must treat SCAC accuracy as a critical compliance checkpoint—not just a technical detail.

Conclusion

YQN Logistics collaborates with over 300 carriers, including Maersk, COSCO, and MSC. Our systems automatically sync with SCAC databases, reducing paperwork delays and customs rejections.

Need help matching the right SCAC code or want to streamline your freight bookings?

📩 Email us at info@yqn.com

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