Who assigns the code and who needs one
NMFTA issues SCACs and keeps the directory, and each code belongs to one company. The system grew out of North American transport, but ocean carriers serving the US generally hold one. Carriers and NVOCCs that file US manifest data identify themselves by SCAC. Drayage companies usually need one to register with US port terminals and to sign equipment interchange agreements, and railroads and motor carriers use them on shipping documents and EDI messages.
SCAC letters versus container prefixes
A SCAC and a container owner prefix often look alike, yet they come from different registries: NMFTA for SCACs and BIC for owner codes. For some lines the letters match, as with OOLU for OOCL. For many they differ. CMA CGM files as CMDU while many of its boxes start with CMAU, Hapag-Lloyd uses HLCU against HLBU on equipment, and Evergreen uses EGLV against prefixes such as EGSU.
Where SCACs turn up in a shipment file
On an import, the carrier's SCAC often appears on the arrival notice and in US manifest records, and it usually leads the bill number used in those filings. EDI status messages name the sender by SCAC. At the terminal, the trucking company's own SCAC is logged with each gate move. When a document lists several four-letter codes, check which party each one identifies before searching.
Example
Maersk's SCAC is MAEU, yet its containers carry owner prefixes such as MSKU, so entering MSKU in a SCAC field mixes up two different registries.
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Questions
What does SCAC Code mean?
A SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a unique code of two to four letters that identifies a transportation company. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns SCACs, and ocean carriers, NVOCCs, trucking companies and railroads use them on documents and in electronic filings.
How do I find a company's SCAC?
NMFTA maintains the official directory. Carriers also print their SCAC on bills of lading and arrival notices, and freight partners can usually confirm the right code for a shipment.
Does every NVOCC have a SCAC?
Not necessarily, but an NVOCC that files its own US manifest data needs one, and many others hold one so partners can identify them on documents and EDI messages.