Standard Carrier Alpha Code — NMFTA · Ocean, Rail, Truck & Air Carriers
NMFTA Standard100+ CarriersAMS · ISF · EDI
Try: MAEUMSCEvergreenHLCUZIMHapag-Lloyd
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SCAC
CARRIER NAME
REGION / HQ
TYPE
WHAT IS A SCAC CODE?
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique 2–4 letter identifier assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to transportation companies operating in North America.
SCAC codes appear on Bills of Lading, Freight Bills, Packing Lists, and Purchase Orders. They are mandatory for AMS (Automated Manifest System) and ISF (Import Security Filing) submissions to US Customs (CBP).
First developed in the 1960s to computerize trucking records, SCACs are now used across all transport modes and are required for EDI data exchange. They must be renewed annually with NMFTA.
SUFFIX LETTER GUIDE
U
Freight Containers
Codes ending in U identify freight containers (e.g. MAEU, MSCU, HLCU)
X
Private Rail Cars
Reserved for privately owned railroad freight cars
Z
Intermodal Chassis
Truck chassis and trailers used in intermodal service
—
Motor Carriers
No specific suffix — 2–4 letters, no reserved ending (e.g. BNSF, UPSN)
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QUICK FACTS
📋 AMS Rule: Carriers must transmit cargo manifest to US CBP at least 24 hours before vessel departure.
🔄 Annual Renewal: SCAC codes expire yearly. Lapsed codes cause AMS/ISF filing failures and customs delays.
🌐 Containers outside N. America: Use BIC codes (Bureau International des Containers, Paris) — separate system from SCAC.
SCAC codes are issued and maintained by NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) · Data for reference only · Always verify with official sources