Before a carrier can move freight through ports, rail ramps, government facilities, or large shipper systems, certain identifiers must be in place. One of the most commonly required – and frequently misunderstood – is the SCAC code.
A SCAC code is not needed for every load or every carrier, but when it is required, missing it can block access to freight, delay onboarding, or prevent dispatch systems from releasing shipments. Understanding who needs a SCAC code – and when – helps carriers avoid unnecessary delays during setup or expansion.
What is a SCAC code?
This code is used to identify US carriers or shipping companies. Usually consists of a number up to 4 digits. It allows you to register cargo in a system, eliminating bureaucracy and transferring documents from the carrier to the customer. Also, it makes it easier to track the driver, and the cargo carried. With the SCAC code, you can track the movement of goods. As a result, your bills of lading, packing lists, and purchase orders are digitized for easy access.
Drivers work in rather difficult conditions, driving 8-10 hours a day, often forced to spend the night in roadside motels or, in the absence of such, directly in a specially equipped car cabin. They think about their route, follow the rules, fighting fatigue from the monotonous landscapes in front of their eyes, so such automated systems can make your life very easy.
In practice, SCAC requirements usually appear at specific points in a carrier’s operation — such as port drayage, intermodal freight, government-related shipments, or shipper systems that rely on standardized electronic dispatch records. Many carriers operate for years without needing a SCAC code, then suddenly require one to access a specific type of freight.
Who needs a SCAC code?
SCAC codes are also required when working with federally regulated freight programs and shippers that operate under U.S. DOT and FMCSA reporting rules.
The code has become a mandatory part of logistics in the US. It is used by all companies involved in land, air, rail, and sea transportation. Both commercial and government companies use this.
The SCAC code is used both in international and domestic shipments. It gives access to all information about the transported goods and allows you to control the legality of businesses.
The transported cargo can be building materials, furniture, decor, fertilizers, livestock, equipment, textiles, correspondence, etc. Bulk products are transported in dump trucks or containers. Permits are required for some types of cargo (chemicals, medicines, fertilizers).
Why do I need a SCAC code for trucking?
We can say that the code is required for all carriers operating in the United States, especially those cooperating with government agencies.
How to get a SCAC code?
This step you make only after you have already got your CDL. In some states, you can take the exam up to three times. In others, it is allowed to take several times. How much does it cost to complete all the stages to drive a truck? If you want to study at Truck Driving School, your expenses can range from 2000 to 5000 USD.
Then you can get your SCAC code through the NMFTA. All you have to do is apply online or contact them by phone at (703) 838-1831, pay the $84 service fee and wait for a response to your email.
How long does it take to receive a SCAC code?
When the application is processed, you will be able to receive the code by email within 24 hours. If there is a delay, don’t hesitate to contact us to ensure that your application has been sent and that no errors have been made in the feedback contacts.
Why do freight brokers need a SCAC code?
For carriers, this means that SCAC codes often surface during dispatch onboarding rather than during licensing. Brokers, ports, and intermodal systems rely on SCAC identifiers to match loads, equipment, and carriers inside their dispatch and tracking platforms. Without a valid SCAC, loads may appear available but remain inaccessible.
A computer system that gives access to all documents between the contractor and the customer, including the movement of cargo and complete information about it, is called EDI. Its advantage for freight brokers is that all data is provided in one language and does not require fussing with paperwork. This dramatically saves time using mail or faxes and telephone conversations and significantly increases profit. Everything you need you can get online. What types of documents can be used in EDI? Invoices, payments, customs papers, updates, notices, and more.
Who Helps Carriers Navigate SCAC Requirements?
Obtaining a SCAC code is a straightforward administrative step – but knowing whether you actually need one, and when, is where carriers often lose time.
Logity Dispatch does not sell SCAC codes or act as a regulatory authority. Instead, we help owner-operators and small fleets understand which identifiers are required for specific freight types, dispatch systems, and shipper environments – so setup decisions are made correctly the first time.
When dispatch records, broker requirements, and carrier documentation are aligned, onboarding happens faster and access to freight is not delayed by missing identifiers.
