SCAC Codes: A Quick Guide for Shippers

A SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a short identifier used to uniquely reference transportation companies across shipping systems.

Where you'll see it: Bills of Lading, rate confirmations, carrier portals, EDI messages, and customs records.

Why it matters: using the wrong SCAC can misroute updates, fail an EDI transmission, or slow down border processing.

How to find the right one: check the carrier's website or rate sheet, confirm with your rep in writing, and store it in your TMS/address book so it's consistent.

Pro tip: make SCAC a required field for carrier records — it keeps quoting, booking, and tracking aligned across teams.