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The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) form represents a crucial step for transportation companies looking to operate seamlessly in the logistics and shipping industry. By obtaining a unique two- to four-letter code, businesses can effectively identify themselves for a variety of essential functions, ranging from U.S. Customs entry to electronic data interchange. This identification is also vital when accessing intermodal interchange agreements, establishing contracts with shippers, or filing rate tariffs with regulatory agencies. Additionally, companies engaging in government contracts must use SCACs to streamline their processes. To access this important code, companies will need to complete the SCAC application and pay a fee, which varies based on the payment method. While submitting an application, businesses must provide specific details, including legal name, trade name, contact information, and type of operation. This form not only helps ensure compliance but also fosters trust in business dealings. For those navigating the complexities of transportation logistics, understanding and completing the SCAC form is a vital part of ensuring smooth operations.

Carrier Alpha Code Scac Example

STANDARD CARRIER ALPHA CODE (SCAC®) APPLICATION

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to four-letter code assigned to transportation companies for identification purposes. The SCAC is required for U.S. Customs entry, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), intermodal interchange agreements, when doing business with many shippers, on rate tariffs filed with regulatory agencies, and doing business with the U.S. Government. The SCAC application fee is $97.00 ($105.00 if payment is made by check in U.S. dollars payable through a Canadian bank). Make checks and money orders payable to NMFTA. Mail completed application and payment to:

National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Applications paid by credit card may be faxed to (703) 683-6296 or 6046. See the reverse side of this application for instructions and further information. Call

(703)838-1831 if you have questions.

Applications may be submitted online at https://secure.nmfta.org/ at a reduced fee of $84.00.

NMFTA assigns SCACs to all companies except railroads. Railroads should contact Railinc Services, 7001 Weston Parkway, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513, (877) 724-5462. Companies seeking identification marks for trailers, containers or chassis equipment operating in intermodal service should call NMFTA at (703) 838-1832 for further instructions.

Please Type or Print in Black Ink (see reverse side for instructions)

[ ] As part of the SCAC application process, NMFTA collects certain personal information. A copy of our privacy policy can be found at http://www.nmfta.org/privacyPolicy. Please acknowledge that you have read and agreed to this policy by checking the box.

1)Applicant/Company Information: Legal Name

Trade Name

Mailing Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

 

 

 

 

ZIP/Postal Code

 

Country

 

Contact Person

 

 

 

 

Email

 

 

 

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

Fax

 

 

 

 

2)Name Change: (Please list previous SCAC, Company Name and Address—leave blank if not applicable)

SCAC

 

Company Name

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

 

ZIP/Postal Code

 

Country

 

3)Type of Company/Operation: (check the descriptions that best describe the applicant)

[ ] Motor Carrier by highway (trucks, busses, etc.)—select one below

[ ] Freight Forwarder—[ ] air [ ] surface FF#

 

 

[ ] Interstate

 

 

 

 

 

[ ] Load board

MC #

 

or MX #

 

, U.S. DOT #

 

[ ] Air Carrier—airline, air taxi, helicopter service

[ ] Intrastate or Local Cartage

 

 

[ ] Leasing Company—equipment leasing or renting

[ ] Canada only

 

 

 

 

 

[ ] NVOCC—non-vessel operating common carrier

[ ] Mexico only

 

 

 

 

 

[ ] Pipeline

[ ] Private Carrier—not for hire

 

 

[ ] Tariff Publisher

[ ] Transporter of exempt commodities

 

 

[ ] Travel Agent

[ ] U.S. Government owned

 

 

[ ] Steamship Agent

[ ] Exempt commodities only

 

 

[ ] Water Carrier—VOCC, steamship, barge, car ferry

[ ] Broker—transportation broker MC#

 

 

 

[ ] Other

 

4)U.S. Border Crossing Requirements: NMFTA’s ACE-lerate program can expedite your border crossing from Canada or Mexico into the U.S. We can also produce PAPS and PARS compliant barcode labels. For more information call (866) 411-6632 or check the box below and we will call you: [ ] Please contact me about ACE-lerate or

PAPS/PARS labels

[ ] No thanks

5)Applicant’s Representative (person completing this application): (leave blank if applicant)

Do you want the annual renewal notice sent to the Applicant’s Representative? Yes / No (please circle)

Company

Mailing Address

City

 

 

State

 

 

 

ZIP/Postal Code

 

 

Country

 

Contact Person

 

 

 

Email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

 

 

 

Fax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Credit Card Payment Information:

[ ] VISA

 

[ ] MasterCard

[ ] American Express

[ ] Discover

$97.00 U.S. Funds

Card Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration Date (Month/Year)

 

 

/

 

Address where you receive your statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

 

 

 

Zip/Postal Code

 

 

Country

 

Person’s name on card

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7)SCAC Certificate Delivery: The SCAC Certificate will be delivered by email only. To receive a copy of the certificate by mail, please send an email to SCAC@nmfta.org or Customerservice@nmfta.org.

January 2022

EXPLANATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STANDARD CARRIER ALPHA CODE APPLICATION

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to four-letter code assigned to transportation companies for identification

purposes. The SCAC is required for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), intermodal interchange agreements, U.S. Customs entry, when doing business with many shippers, on rate tariffs filed with regulatory agencies, government bills of lading, and on bids for government traffic. SCACs are published in the Directory of Standard Carrier Alpha Codes, NMF 101 Series, copyrighted by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA).

The SCAC application fee is $97.00 ($105.00 if payment is made by check in U.S. dollars payable through a Canadian bank). Make checks and money orders payable to NMFTA. The SCAC will remain valid through July 1 of the year following the year of assignment and must be renewed annually thereafter. You will be notified of the SCAC assignment by mail. Applications may be submitted online at https://secure.nmfta.org/ at a reduced fee of $84.00.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. assigns SCACs for all companies except railroads. Railroads should contact Railinc Services, 7001 Weston Parkway, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513, (877) 724-5462. Companies seeking identification marks for trailers, containers or chassis equipment operating in intermodal service should call NMFTA at (703) 838-1832. All other inquiries should be directed to NMFTA at (703) 838-1831.

1) Applicant/Company Information:

Provide the complete Legal Name and Trade Name (if applicable) of the applicant/company. A Trade Name is sometimes known as the “doing business as”, “d/b/a”, “trading as”, or “t/a name”. For motor carriers and freight forwarders, NMFTA will use the Legal Name and/or Trade Name as they have been registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. If the applicant does not have a Trade Name, leave this space blank.

Provide the complete mailing address, city, state, zip/postal code and country for the main office of the applicant.

All correspondence will be directed to the Contact Person unless otherwise specified in the Applicant’s Representative section. Provide the e-mail, telephone, and fax information for the carrier contact person. International companies should include the

country and city telephone codes.

2)Name Changes: If the company to be assigned a code previously operated under a different name, complete this section.

3)Type of Company/Operation: (Check all applicable operations and descriptions of applicant/company.)

Motor carrier is a company or person operating vehicles over the highways. Applicants should identify:

MC#, MX# and U.S. DOT#-If applicable, provide all certificate or docket numbers as issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or former Interstate Commerce Commission. If the authority has been applied for, but not yet issued, write "Pending" in this space. NMFTA will validate the company name and registration numbers with FMCSA.

Exempt applies to carriers operating in the U.S. and exclusively transporting exempt commodities for compensation.

Private Carrier means a company involved in transportation on a not-for-compensation basis. A company transporting its own goods on its own vehicles without compensation for the transportation service would be a private carrier.

U.S. Government applies to a carrier owned by the U.S. Government.

Air Carrier identifies a company that transports people or goods via air including helicopters.

Broker is a person or company, other than a motor carrier or an employee or agent of a motor carrier that, as a principal or agent sells, offers for sale, negotiates for, or holds itself out by solicitation, advertisement, or otherwise as selling, providing, or arranging for, transportation by motor carrier for compensation. Brokers operating in the United States are required to obtain a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and should include the docket number on the line provided.

Exempt Motor Carrier transports exempt (unregulated) property owned by others for compensation. The exempt commodities usually include unprocessed or unmanufactured goods, fruits and vegetables, and other items of little or no value. For a partial listing of exempt and non-exempt commodities, please refer to Administrative Ruling 119.

Freight Forwarder is a person or company holding itself out to the general public (other than as a pipeline, rail, motor, or water carrier) to provide transportation of property for compensation and, in the ordinary course of its business--(A) assembles and consolidates, or provides for assembling and consolidating, shipments and performs or provides for break-bulk and distribution operations of the shipments; (B) assumes responsibility for the transportation from the place of receipt to the place of destination; and (C) uses for any part of the transportation a carrier subject to jurisdiction of the ICC Termination Act. In the United States, surface freight forwarders, as previously described, are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are issued certificate numbers beginning with "FF". This “FF” number should be included on the line provided. Non-regulated forwarders should leave this line blank.

Load Board is a company that posts shipper or broker loads for motor carriers as well as available trucks for shippers

Tariff Publishing Agent is an individual or company that publishes rates for carriers. Agents for household goods carriers should identify any MC or U.S. DOT numbers they hold in their own name, otherwise select Intrastate or Local Cartage.

Water Carrier is a company engaged in transportation by vessel over a body of water such as a vessel operating common carrier, steamship line, tug boat operation, barge line, ferry, etc.

4) U.S. Border Crossing Requirements:

ACE-lerate is NMFTA’s system for expediting electronic manifests to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We can also produce barcode labels meeting the requirements of CBP’s Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and Canada Border Services Agency’s Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS). Check the box in this section to obtain further information or visit our website at www.nmfta.org.

5)Applicant’s Representative:

If someone other than the applicant is completing this application, complete the representative’s information section including the full mailing address, city, state, zip/postal code and country. All correspondence will be directed to the contact person. Provide the e-mail, telephone, and fax information for the applicant’s representative. International companies should include the country and city telephone codes. Also indicate if the annual SCAC renewal notice should be mailed to the applicant or the applicant’s representative.

6) Credit Card Payment Information:

If payment is to be made by credit card, provide all the requested information. The “Person's Name” is the name of the person to whom the card is issued and is usually embossed on the card. The “Address where you receive your statement” is the address where you receive your monthly statement. We are required by the credit card companies to provide this information as part of the credit card validation process. Credit card payments cannot be processed unless all information, including signature, has been furnished. Applicants paying by credit card may fax the completed application to (703) 683-6296 or 6046. If paying by check or money order, return the completed application together with payment to NMFTA, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314.

7) SCAC Certificate Delivery:

The SCAC Certificate will be delivered by email only. To receive a copy of the certificate by mail, please send an email to SCAC@nmfta.org or Customerservice@nmfta.org.

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
SCAC Purpose The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique code that identifies transportation companies. It is crucial for customs entry and business operations with shippers and government agencies.
Application Fee The application fee is $97.00, but if paid by check through a Canadian bank, it increases to $105. A reduced fee of $84.00 is available for online applications.
Validity and Renewal The SCAC remains valid until July 1 of the year following its assignment and requires annual renewal thereafter.
Submission Options Applications can be submitted online, via fax, or by mail. Ensure payment details are complete to avoid delays.

Guidelines on Utilizing Carrier Alpha Code Scac

After gathering the necessary information, it is important to complete the Carrier Alpha Code SCAC application accurately. Following these steps will ensure that the application process is smooth and efficient.

  1. Provide applicant/company information: Fill in the Legal Name, Trade Name (if applicable), mailing address, city, state, ZIP/Postal Code, country, contact person, email, phone, and fax details.
  2. If there has been a name change, list the previous SCAC, company name, mailing address, city, state, ZIP/Postal Code, and country.
  3. Indicate the type of company/operation: check all that apply (e.g., Motor Carrier, Freight Forwarder, Public Carrier, etc.).
  4. For U.S. border crossing requirements, choose whether to receive additional information about ACE-lerate or PAPS/PARS labels by checking the appropriate box.
  5. Complete the applicant’s representative section if it differs from the applicant. Include all relevant contact details and indicate where to send the annual renewal notice.
  6. Fill in the credit card payment information if paying by card. Include the card type, number, expiration date, address for statements, person's name on the card, and signature.
  7. Note that the SCAC Certificate will be delivered via email. If mail delivery is required, submit a request via email to SCAC@nmfta.org or Customerservice@nmfta.org.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the SCAC and why do I need it?

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two- to four-letter identifier assigned to transportation companies. This code is necessary for several aspects of the logistics and transportation industry. It's required for U.S. Customs entry, electronic data exchange, intermodal interchange agreements, and when dealing with many shippers. Additionally, it's important for rate tariffs submitted to regulatory agencies and for government-related transportation operations. Essentially, having a SCAC helps streamline the identification process of your company within various transportation networks.

How do I apply for a SCAC?

You can apply for a SCAC through the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). The application fee is $97.00 if you pay by credit card or $105.00 if you pay by check issued through a Canadian bank. Applications can be submitted online at the NMFTA website for a reduced fee of $84.00. After completing the application, you need to submit payment either by mailing it to NMFTA at their Alexandria, VA address or by faxing it if using a credit card. Ensure that all necessary information is filled out correctly to avoid delays.

How do I renew my SCAC?

Your assigned SCAC will remain valid until July 1 of the year following its assignment, after which it must be renewed annually. You will receive a renewal notice from NMFTA when it is time to renew. To ensure continued validity, make sure to take note of your SCAC's expiration date and follow the renewal instructions provided by NMFTA.

What should I do if I need assistance with the application?

If you have any questions regarding the SCAC application process, the NMFTA's telephone number is (703) 838-1831. Alternatively, if you have specific queries on U.S. border crossing requirements or need further instructions about your application, you may call their respective departments. It's important to reach out with any concerns to avoid potential issues with your submission.

Common mistakes

Applying for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) can be a straightforward process, but certain mistakes can lead to delays or complications. One common mistake is failing to provide the complete Legal Name and Trade Name of the applicant or company. These names should match the records registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Incomplete or incorrect information in this section could result in a rejection of the application.

Another frequent error is misidentifying the type of company or operation. Applicants sometimes check more than one box or select descriptions that do not accurately reflect their business. Each type of operation has different requirements, and selecting the wrong one can complicate the processing of the application. It is crucial to review options thoroughly and check only those that apply.

Additionally, many applicants overlook the required payment details. When submitting the application, the payment method must be clearly indicated, along with accurate credit card information if that option is chosen. Providing incorrect payment details or failing to sign the authorization can lead to processing delays.

Providing inaccurate or missing contact information can also be problematic. This includes the email address, phone number, and mailing address of the applicant or representative completing the application. If NMFTA needs to contact the applicant for any reason, having updated and accurate contact information is essential.

Lastly, neglecting to follow the instructions related to the SCAC Certificate delivery can cause issues. Applicants should note that the SCAC Certificate is delivered via email only, unless specific arrangements are made. If someone wants a physical copy, they need to send a follow-up email for that purpose. Failure to do so could mean waiting longer to receive important documentation.

Documents used along the form

The Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) form plays an essential role in the transportation industry. However, several other documents and forms are often used alongside it to ensure smooth business operations. Here’s a brief overview of these complementary forms.

  • U.S. DOT Number Application: This form is needed for businesses that operate commercial vehicles within the United States. It assigns a unique identifier that monitors safety and compliance with federal regulations.
  • Freight Forwarder Registration Form: If your company acts as a freight forwarder, this document is required to register with the appropriate authorities. It outlines the services you provide and ensures compliance with industry standards.
  • Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP) Form: Companies providing intermodal equipment must complete this form. It identifies owners and operators of intermodal chassis, ensuring proper tracking and compliance.
  • Insurance Certificates: These documents confirm that your company has the necessary insurance coverage for operations. They are crucial during transactions and audits to demonstrate compliance and financial responsibility.
  • Government Bills of Lading: This form is used to transfer goods when dealing with government entities. It outlines shipping terms, ensures proper handling, and serves as proof of agreement.
  • Rate Tariff Document: A rate tariff outlines the pricing structure for specific services. It is vital for transparency in transactions and is often submitted to regulatory agencies for approval.

These documents, along with the SCAC form, help build a clear framework for transport-related activities. Whether you're a new operator or an established business, understanding these forms and their functions is key to successful operations in the transportation industry.

Similar forms

  • MC Number Application: Similar to the SCAC, the MC Number (Motor Carrier Number) is a unique identifier for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. This number is required for company registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is essential for compliance and operational purposes.
  • DOT Number Registration: The DOT Number is assigned to companies by the Department of Transportation for safety monitoring. Like the SCAC, it is necessary for interstate operations and helps track commercial vehicles and their compliance with federal regulations.
  • Freight Forwarder Registration: Freelance companies acting as intermediaries between shippers and carriers must register as freight forwarders. This is akin to the SCAC application in that it facilitates specialized operational roles in the transport industry.
  • Motor Carrier Permit Application: A motor carrier permit is vital for legally operating as a motor carrier. This document ensures that the carrier complies with state regulations, similar to how the SCAC validates a carrier's standing for federal purposes.
  • Customs Bond Application: A customs bond is necessary for the import/export of goods. Like the SCAC, it guarantees that duties and taxes will be paid and facilitates smoother customs processes, especially for companies involved in international shipping.
  • Intermodal Interchange Agreement: This agreement allows for the transfer of cargo between different modes of transportation. The SCAC serves a similar purpose by providing a unique identifier, ensuring all parties involved in the interchange can communicate seamlessly.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Carrier Alpha Code SCAC form, there are several important dos and don’ts to consider. Adhering to these guidelines can help ensure a smoother application process.

  • Do provide your complete legal name and trade name if applicable. This information is crucial for identification purposes.
  • Don't leave any sections blank that apply to your situation, especially the company type and payment information. Missing information can delay processing.
  • Do use black ink when filling out the form. This helps maintain clarity when the application is processed.
  • Don't forget to check the box acknowledging that you have read and agreed to the privacy policy. This step is mandatory.
  • Do ensure that the contact information provided is accurate. This includes email addresses and phone numbers, as they will be used for communication regarding your application.
  • Don't submit payment information that is incomplete. Credit card applications must include the card number, expiration date, and the cardholder's signature.
  • Do submit your application online if possible, as it often incurs a lower fee and can be completed more quickly.
  • Don't forget that the SCAC certificate will only be delivered via email. If you prefer a hard copy, you must request it separately.
  • Do reach out to NMFTA if you have any questions during the application process. They provide a contact number for assistance.

Misconceptions

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) form is critical for transportation companies in the United States, yet several misconceptions surround its use and requirements. Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance and smooth operations.

  • Misconception 1: The SCAC is only necessary for large companies.
  • This is incorrect. All transportation companies, regardless of their size, need a SCAC for various transactions, including U.S. Customs entries, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and intermodal interchange agreements. Smaller companies may also work with shippers and need this identification.

  • Misconception 2: The SCAC never expires once it is obtained.
  • In reality, SCACs are only valid until July 1 of the year following assignment. Companies must renew their SCAC annually to maintain its validity. Failure to do so can lead to complications in business operations.

  • Misconception 3: The application process is overly complicated and time-consuming.
  • Many applicants find the process straightforward. The SCAC application can be completed online, which often speeds up processing. Additionally, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) provides clear guidelines and support, making compliance easier.

  • Misconception 4: Payment options for the application are limited.
  • Applicants have multiple payment options. While a credit card is a standard payment method, individuals can also pay by check or money order. There are reduced fees for online submissions, offering flexibility in how companies can manage this expense.

Key takeaways

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) application is crucial for transportation companies operating in the U.S. Here are the key takeaways to consider when filling out and using the SCAC form:

  • Unique Identification: The SCAC is a specific two-to four-letter code assigned to identify transportation companies. It's essential for U.S. Customs and various regulatory processes.
  • Application Fee: The fee for submitting the SCAC application is $97. An additional charge of $8 applies if payment is made through a Canadian bank. However, submitting the application online reduces the fee to $84.
  • Renewal Requirement: Once assigned, the SCAC remains valid until July 1 of the following year, requiring annual renewal to maintain its validity.
  • Online Submission: Applications can be submitted electronically at NMFTA’s secure website, providing a convenient option over mail.
  • Information Collection: The form requires personal information, and applicants must acknowledge understanding of the privacy policy set by NMFTA.
  • Delivery Method: The SCAC Certificate will be sent exclusively via email. If a physical copy is needed, a separate request must be emailed to NMFTA.
  • Contact Information: For any questions regarding the application, applicants can reach NMFTA at a dedicated phone number for assistance.