Standard Carrier Alpha Code

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association developed the SCAC code in the 1960s to help road transport companies computerize data and records.

[1] The Standard Carrier Alpha Code, a two-to-four letter identification, is used by the transportation industry to identify freight carriers in computer systems and shipping documents such as Bill of Lading, Freight Bill, Packing List, and Purchase Order.

SCACs are commonly used by the automobile, petroleum, forest products, and chemical industries; as well as suppliers to retail businesses, carriers engaged in railroad piggyback trailers, and ocean container drayage.

Freight Carriers who participate in the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement (UIIA) are required to maintain a SCAC.

Codes ending with the letter "Z" are reserved for the identification of truck chassis and trailers used in intermodal service.