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The Carrier Alpha Code SCAC form is an essential document for transportation companies operating in the United States. This unique two-to-four-letter code serves multiple purposes, from facilitating U.S. Customs entry to streamlining Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) processes. Companies must apply for a SCAC to engage in intermodal interchange agreements, work with various shippers, and file rate tariffs with regulatory agencies. The application process includes a fee, which varies depending on the payment method, and requires specific company information, such as legal names, contact details, and type of operations. Additionally, the form addresses name changes and offers options for expedited border crossing through the NMFTA’s ACE-lerate program. It’s important to note that the SCAC remains valid for one year and must be renewed annually. For those looking to apply, the form can be submitted online at a reduced fee, or through traditional mail, ensuring accessibility for all transportation businesses. Understanding the intricacies of the SCAC form is crucial for compliance and operational efficiency in the transportation industry.

Sample - Carrier Alpha Code Scac Form

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 [email protected] or [email protected].

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 [email protected] or [email protected].

File Specs

Fact Name Details
What is SCAC? The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to-four-letter code assigned to transportation companies for identification purposes.
Purpose of SCAC SCAC is required for U.S. Customs entry, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), intermodal interchange agreements, and for doing business with many shippers.
Application Fee The SCAC application fee is $97.00, or $105.00 if paid by check through a Canadian bank.
Payment Methods Payments can be made via credit card, check, or money order. Credit card applications can be faxed, while checks must be mailed.
Where to Apply Applications can be submitted online at https://secure.nmfta.org/ at a reduced fee of $84.00.
Validity Period SCACs remain valid until July 1 of the year following assignment and must be renewed annually thereafter.
Who Assigns SCACs? The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA) assigns SCACs to all companies except railroads.
Contact Information For inquiries, contact NMFTA at (703) 838-1831 or visit their website for more information.
SCAC Certificate Delivery The SCAC Certificate is delivered by email only. Requests for mailed copies can be made via email to [email protected].
Privacy Policy As part of the application process, NMFTA collects personal information. Applicants must acknowledge reading the privacy policy available at http://www.nmfta.org/privacyPolicy.

Carrier Alpha Code Scac - Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Carrier Alpha Code SCAC form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for transportation companies seeking identification codes. The following steps will guide you through the process of completing the application accurately.

  1. Provide the Applicant/Company Information: Enter the Legal Name and Trade Name (if applicable) of your company. Include the complete mailing address, city, state, ZIP/Postal Code, and country. Fill in the contact person's name, email, phone, and fax information.
  2. If applicable, complete the Name Change section: List any previous SCAC, company name, and address.
  3. Select the Type of Company/Operation: Check all descriptions that apply to your company, such as Motor Carrier, Freight Forwarder, or Broker. Provide any relevant identification numbers like MC#, MX#, or U.S. DOT#.
  4. Indicate your interest in U.S. Border Crossing Requirements: Check the box if you would like more information about NMFTA’s ACE-lerate program or PAPS/PARS labels.
  5. Fill out the Applicant’s Representative section if someone other than the applicant is completing the form: Include their mailing address, city, state, ZIP/Postal Code, and country. Provide the contact person's email, phone, and fax information. Indicate if the renewal notice should be sent to the applicant or the representative.
  6. Complete the Credit Card Payment Information: Select your card type and enter the card number, expiration date, billing address, and the name on the card. Ensure you provide your signature.
  7. Specify the SCAC Certificate Delivery method: Note that the certificate will be delivered via email. If you prefer a mailed copy, send an email request to the specified addresses.

After completing the form, review all entries for accuracy. Ensure that all required sections are filled out. Once verified, submit the application either online or by mailing it to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. at the provided address. If you have questions during this process, you can reach out to the NMFTA for assistance.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)?

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to four-letter code assigned to transportation companies. This code is essential for identification purposes. It is required for various activities such as U.S. Customs entry, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and intermodal interchange agreements. Additionally, many shippers and regulatory agencies require the SCAC for rate tariffs and government-related transactions.

How do I apply for a SCAC?

To apply for a SCAC, you can submit an application either online or by mail. The online application is available at https://secure.nmfta.org/ and costs $84.00. If you choose to apply by mail, the application fee is $97.00. Make checks and money orders payable to NMFTA and send them along with your completed application to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. at 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314. If you pay by credit card, you can fax your application to (703) 683-6296 or (703) 683-6046.

What is the cost of the SCAC application?

The standard application fee for a SCAC is $97.00. However, if you pay by check in U.S. dollars through a Canadian bank, the fee increases to $105.00. For those who apply online, there is a reduced fee of $84.00. This fee covers the processing of your application and the assignment of your unique SCAC.

How long is the SCAC valid, and how do I renew it?

Your SCAC remains valid until July 1 of the year following its assignment. To keep your SCAC active, you must renew it annually. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will notify you of your SCAC assignment by mail, and they will also provide instructions for the renewal process.

What should I do if I have questions about the SCAC application?

If you have any questions regarding the SCAC application process, you can call the National Motor Freight Traffic Association at (703) 838-1831. They can provide assistance and answer any specific inquiries you may have. Additionally, you can refer to the privacy policy on their website at http://www.nmfta.org/privacyPolicy for more information about how your personal information will be handled.

Common mistakes

  1. Not providing the complete legal name of the company. Ensure that the name matches what is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

  2. Failing to include a trade name if applicable. This is crucial for proper identification, especially if the company operates under a different name.

  3. Leaving the mailing address incomplete. All correspondence will be sent to this address, so it must be accurate and thorough.

  4. Not checking the appropriate type of company/operation. This can lead to misclassification and potential delays in processing.

  5. Ignoring the name change section if applicable. Previous SCAC information must be provided for a smooth transition.

  6. Providing incomplete credit card information. All fields, including the cardholder's name and signature, must be filled out accurately.

  7. Forgetting to check the box acknowledging the privacy policy. This is a necessary step in the application process.

  8. Not specifying whether to send the annual renewal notice to the applicant’s representative. This can cause confusion and missed notifications.

  9. Failing to submit the application online if eligible for the reduced fee. This could result in unnecessary extra costs.

Documents used along the form

The Carrier Alpha Code SCAC form is an important document for transportation companies. Along with this form, several other documents are often needed to ensure compliance and smooth operations. Below is a list of these documents with brief descriptions.

  • U.S. Customs Entry Form: This form is required for importing goods into the United States. It provides details about the shipment, including its value and the parties involved in the transaction.
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Documents: These documents facilitate the electronic exchange of information between businesses. They help streamline processes such as invoicing and shipment tracking.
  • Intermodal Interchange Agreement: This agreement outlines the terms under which containers or trailers can be transferred between different modes of transportation, such as rail and truck.
  • Rate Tariffs: These documents list the charges for transporting goods. They are filed with regulatory agencies and are essential for determining shipping costs.

Having these documents ready can help transportation companies operate more efficiently and comply with regulations. It is always a good practice to keep them organized and accessible.

Similar forms

The Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) form shares similarities with the Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) application. An EIN is a unique identifier assigned by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes. Like the SCAC, obtaining an EIN is essential for conducting business in the U.S. Companies use both codes to identify themselves in official documents, such as tax filings and regulatory submissions. The EIN application process requires detailed information about the business, including its legal name and structure, much like the SCAC form requires information about the transportation company.

Another document comparable to the SCAC form is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number application. The DOT number serves as a unique identifier for companies operating commercial vehicles in the U.S. Just as the SCAC is necessary for intermodal agreements and customs entry, the DOT number is essential for compliance with federal regulations governing transportation. Both applications require detailed company information and are critical for maintaining legal operations within the transportation industry.

The Motor Carrier Operating Authority application is also similar to the SCAC form. This application is necessary for companies that wish to transport goods for hire across state lines. Like the SCAC, obtaining operating authority involves providing specific information about the business, including its type of operation and compliance with safety regulations. Both documents ensure that transportation providers meet necessary legal requirements and can be trusted to operate within the industry.

In addition, the Freight Forwarder Registration application aligns closely with the SCAC form. Freight forwarders are responsible for arranging the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. The registration process requires detailed information about the company, similar to the SCAC application, which helps establish a unique identity within the logistics sector. Both documents facilitate smoother operations and compliance with regulations in the transportation industry.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) agent application is another document that bears resemblance to the SCAC form. IATA assigns unique codes to travel agents and freight forwarders involved in air transportation. Similar to the SCAC, this code is essential for identifying and managing business operations in the air transport sector. Both applications require comprehensive company details and serve to enhance the efficiency of transactions within their respective industries.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) serves as another document that shares similarities with the SCAC form. A BOL is a legal document between the shipper and carrier that outlines the details of the goods being transported. Like the SCAC, it is crucial for identifying the parties involved in the transportation process. Both documents play a significant role in ensuring that shipments are tracked and managed properly, providing a clear record of the transaction.

Additionally, the Certificate of Insurance is comparable to the SCAC form in that it provides essential identification and verification for transportation companies. This certificate proves that a company has the necessary insurance coverage to operate legally. Just as the SCAC is required for various regulatory purposes, the Certificate of Insurance is crucial for demonstrating compliance with industry standards and protecting all parties involved in the transportation process.

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing is another document similar to the SCAC form. UCC filings are used to establish a legal claim on collateral in transactions involving loans or credit. Both the SCAC and UCC filings require detailed information about the business and its operations. They serve as essential tools for protecting the interests of creditors and ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly within their respective industries.

Lastly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment application is akin to the SCAC form. This application is necessary for individuals and companies involved in transportation that requires security clearance. Similar to the SCAC, the TSA application collects detailed personal and business information to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Both documents are vital for maintaining security and operational integrity within the transportation sector.

Dos and Don'ts

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting the application.
  • Do provide complete and accurate information for the applicant/company.
  • Do check the box to acknowledge the privacy policy.
  • Do ensure all payment information is filled out correctly if paying by credit card.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't forget to include your contact information for follow-up questions.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) form is crucial for transportation companies. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are ten common misconceptions about the SCAC form, along with clarifications:

  1. SCAC is only for large companies. Many believe that only large transportation firms need a SCAC. In reality, any transportation company, regardless of size, may require a SCAC for various business operations.
  2. SCAC is optional for U.S. Customs entry. Some think that having a SCAC is not necessary for U.S. Customs entry. This is incorrect; a SCAC is required for this process.
  3. SCACs are assigned indefinitely. There is a misconception that once a SCAC is assigned, it remains valid forever. In fact, SCACs must be renewed annually to maintain their validity.
  4. Only freight forwarders need a SCAC. While freight forwarders do need a SCAC, other types of transportation companies, such as motor carriers and brokers, also require it for identification purposes.
  5. Payment can only be made by check. Some individuals believe that checks are the only method of payment for the SCAC application. However, credit card payments are also accepted, and online applications offer a reduced fee.
  6. The SCAC form can be submitted in any format. There is a belief that the SCAC application can be submitted in any format. In reality, it must be completed using the official form provided by NMFTA.
  7. SCAC is the same as a DOT number. Some may confuse SCAC with a DOT number. They serve different purposes; a SCAC identifies the carrier, while a DOT number is a unique identifier for companies operating commercial vehicles.
  8. SCACs are only for domestic operations. A common misconception is that SCACs are only necessary for domestic operations. However, they are also essential for international shipments, especially when crossing borders.
  9. All carriers can apply for a SCAC. It is often thought that all transportation companies can obtain a SCAC. However, railroads must contact a different organization, Railinc Services, for their identification codes.
  10. The SCAC Certificate is mailed to all applicants. Many believe that the SCAC Certificate will be mailed to them. In fact, it is delivered via email, and a request must be made for a mailed copy.

By addressing these misconceptions, transportation companies can better navigate the SCAC application process and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Filling Out and Using the Carrier Alpha Code SCAC Form:

  • The SCAC is essential for various transportation-related activities, including U.S. Customs entry and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
  • Application fees are $97.00, with a reduced online fee of $84.00. Payments can be made via credit card or check.
  • Ensure all information, especially the Legal Name and Trade Name, is accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.
  • SCAC Certificates are delivered by email only; a request for a mailed copy must be made via email to NMFTA.