Part of an efficient supply chain process is knowing where your shipments are at any given time. Accurate tracking is essential for suppliers and retailers as freight moves not only from warehouse to shelf, but also from one transportation mode to another. Locating where a shipment is in an intermodal route helps all parties plan, forecast, and gauge costs effectively.
A required identifier for intermodal freight is the SCAC code. As we will discuss, the SCAC code is a requirement for various freight companies (inside and outside of retail) and plays a role in simplifying the supply chain tracking process.
What Is a SCAC Code?
A SCAC code (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a two- to four-letter code used to identify transportation companies in North America. For any carrier or transport company moving cargo in and out of the United States, a SCAC code is essential. These codes have been used since the 1960s when transportation companies started using computers in their operations.
What Is a SCAC Code Used For?
The purpose of the SCAC code is to allow companies to electronically keep track of shipping containers. To help ensure a shipping container is on its way to the correct destinations, the system of coding is consistent with freight companies around the world.
The code also helps customers track shipments being delivered to their facilities. SCAC codes are used in shipping and logistics transactions, such as freight bills, bills of lading, and import manifests
Who Needs a SCAC Code?
Freight carriers meeting the following criteria require a SCAC code:
Intermodal Shipping
Any company dealing in intermodal freight (freight transported via two or more modes of transportation) or a company filing a tariff with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) require a SCAC code.
FDA Shipments
A SCAC code is required for carriers that transport freight related to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These companies use PNSI (Prior Notice System Interface) to track the shipment of imported foods.
Petroleum Carriers
Containers being shipped by petroleum companies require a SCAC code. This is important for petroleum companies using software programs that combine tracking tools (i.e., pipeline tickets, bills of lading, product transfer orders).
Government Services
Any company that is providing freight line services for the United States government is required to have a SCAC code.
International Carriers
A freight carrier moving shipments internationally requires a SCAC code so that the company is associated correctly with its shipments.
List of Common SCAC Codes
The following table contains a list of commonly used SCAC codes and the corresponding company:
Code | Carrier Name |
| AACT | AAA Cooper Transportation |
| AYAF | AAFES Private Fleet |
| ABFS | ABF Freight |
| PYLE | A. Duie Pyle, Inc. |
| ALLV | Allied Van Lines |
| ARFW | American Freightways |
| ANRM | Alianca |
| ANTC | Amino Transport |
| AVRT | Averitt Express |
| BAXG | Bax Global |
| BKFB | Bulk FR8 (Liquid Bulk) |
| BLOJ | Bridge Logistics |
| BNAF | Bax Global (air) |
| BTEY | BT Express Freight Systems |
| CHRP | Cheema Transport Inc. |
| CMCP | Camionnage CP |
| CBNP | Carbonite Logistics |
| CTII | Central Transport |
| CNPC | Carolina Transportation Inc. |
| CGSQ | Carolina Logistics Inc. |
| CDNK | Celadon |
| CHKA | Chermak Cartage, LLC |
| CJRF | CJR Trucking, Inc. |
| CJRQ | Cheeseman Transport |
| CKPQ | Clark Transportation, Inc. |
| CKOC | Clark Oil Company |
| CMDU | CMA CGM |
| COSU | China Ocean Shipping Lines |
| COTO | Country Transport |
| CPGP | Container Port Group |
| CESF | Continental Expedited Services, Inc. |
| CWAS | Cowan Systems, LLC |
| CWCE | CON-WAY Central Express |
| CWIM | CON-WAY Intermodal |
| CWSE | CON-WAY Southern Express |
| CWWE | CON-WAY Western Express |
| CSXT | CSX Transportation |
| CIMC | Cushing Transportation |
| DYLT | Daylight Transport LLC |
| DAFG | Dayton Freight |
| DFDS | DSV Ocean Transport A/S |
| DMLI | Diamond Logistics |
| DOLR | Dot-LineTransportation |
| ELOI | Ease Logistics |
| EGLV | Evergreen |
| EWCF | Emery Worldwide |
| ENIC | Empire National Inc. |
| EXLA | Estes Express |
| EXPD | Expeditors International Ocean |
| FDCC | FedEx Custom Critical |
| FDEG | FedEx Ground |
| FDE | FedEx Express (AIR) |
| FLJF | FLT Logistics LLC |
| FTNA | Fortune Transportation |
| FWFG | Fifth Wheel Freight LLC |
| FXFE | FedEx LTL Freight East |
| FXFW | FedEx LTL Freight West (formerly VIKN – Viking) |
| FXNL | FedEx Freight National (formerly Watkins) |
| FICS | First International courier sys. |
| GPTC | G & P Trucking, Inc. |
| GBEA | Gilbert East Corp |
| GBXI | Gilbert Express |
| GUMA | Gulick Trucking, Inc. |
| HAEI | Heartland Express |
| A0GO | Hier Logistic Group S. de R.L. de C.V. |
| HLCU | Hapag-Lloyd AG |
| HLOG | HOW Logistics Group |
| HJBT | J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. |
| HOYO | Hoyer Deep Sea |
| HRCF | Hercules Forwarding Inc |
| HUBG | Hub Group |
| IEXA | Intelcom Express |
| IELC | Integrity Express Logistics |
| INML | Intermodal Services |
| ITFC | ITF LLC |
| HJBT | J.B. Hunt |
| KAEJ | Kane is Able |
| KHNN | Kuehne + Nagel |
| KNIG | Knight Transportation |
| LDYN | Logistic Dynamics, Inc. |
| LDYQ | LDI Trucking, Inc. |
| MAEU | Maersk Line |
| MCPU | MCC Transport Singapore Pte Ltd. |
| MFGT | Mainfreight Inc. |
| MEDU | Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. |
| MGMC | MGM Transport |
| MISH | Mississippi Transporters Inc. |
| MTEN | Marten Transport LTD. |
| NAFT | National Freight |
| NAVI | North American Van Lines, Inc. |
| NXPL | National Xpress Logistics |
| NYKS | NYK |
| NYKU | NYK |
| ODFL | Old Dominion Freight Line |
| OOLU | Orient Overseas Container Line |
| PAYL | Paystar Logistics |
| PENS | Peninsula Truck Lines |
| PFLP | Pacific Logistics Corp |
| PAMT | PAM Transport Inc. |
| PSQL | Performance Logistics |
| PDME | Piedmont Express |
| PMKO | Prime Inc. (Tanker) |
| PNEP | Panalpina (Pantainer Express Line) |
| PRIJ | Prime Inc. (OTR) |
| PRIU | Prime Inc. (Intermodal) |
| PRML | Prime Inc. (Logistics) |
| PYLE | A. Duie Pyle |
| GMLS | R and L Carriers |
| RCXB | Red Classic Transportation Services, LLC |
| RDWY | Roadway (YRC) |
| RGLN | Radiant Global Logistics |
| ROWL | Rowl Trucking |
| RXLI | Route Transportation & Logistics |
| RYOM | Royal Oil |
| RDSS | Rail Delivery Services, Inc. |
| RUSS | Russel Delivery Services, Inc. |
| SAFM | Safmarine |
| SAIA | Saia LTL Freight |
| SCNN | Schneider National |
| SDYA | Same Day Air Logistics |
| SNCY | Schneider National |
| SNLU | Schneider National |
| SXVE | Silver Enterprises |
| STVV | Stevens Transport |
| SUDU | Hamburg Süd |
| SWFT | Swift Transportation |
| TCKM | Truckers America |
| TEUG | TEU Global (Trade Expeditors USA, INC. DBA TEU Global) |
| TPNW | Triple A Logistics |
| TRKU | Turkon Line Inc. |
| UDRY | USAW – USA Logistics |
| UPGF | UPS Freight (FKA Overnite Transportation Co / OVNT) |
| UPSN | United Parcel Service |
| UPSS | United Parcel Service |
| UPSC | United Parcel Service |
| UPSZ | United Parcel Service |
| USAU | U.S. Government |
| USAX | U.S. Government |
| UQEP | Unique Express |
| UYSN | Unyson |
| USIT | USA Truck |
| USNW | U.S. Northwest Express or USNW Express |
| USPS | United States Postal Service |
| USXI | U.S. Xpress |
| VCTS | Vocar Transportation Services, LLC. |
| VLOQ | Vanedge Logistics |
| VSRD | Vistar Transportation Ltd. |
| WTAG | WTA Global Inc. |
| XUI | Xpress United Inc. |
| XPOC | XPO Logistics |
SCAC Benefits for Retail Suppliers
For retail suppliers, the SCAC comes with many benefits for their business and supply chain:
Documentation
Shipping and transportation documentation often require the inclusion of SCAC codes. Suppliers may need to provide this information on bills of lading, shipping manifests, and other paperwork associated with their shipments.
Supply Chain Visibility
The use of SCAC codes can enhance supply chain visibility. Retail suppliers can use these codes to streamline communication with carriers, track shipments, and ensure that products are moving efficiently through the supply chain.
Rate Negotiations
The SCAC can also play a role in rate negotiations. Retail suppliers may need to negotiate transportation rates with carriers. Knowing a carrier’s SCAC allows suppliers to accurately identify and communicate with the carrier during these negotiations.
Carrier Selection
Retail suppliers often rely on various carriers and logistics companies to transport their products to distribution centers or stores. The SCAC can help suppliers identify and choose the most suitable carriers for their needs. This code can provide essential information about the carrier, such as its capabilities, service areas, and equipment.
Carrier Relationships
Developing and maintaining positive relationships with carriers is essential for retail suppliers. Having a good understanding of a carrier’s SCAC and its operational strengths and weaknesses can help suppliers build more effective partnerships.
Tracking Shipments
Retail suppliers can use the SCAC to track the progress of their shipments. By knowing the SCAC of the carrier handling their goods, they can access real-time tracking and status updates, allowing them to better manage inventory and delivery schedules.
Compliance
Some regulations and compliance requirements in the transportation industry may be linked to SCAC codes. Retail suppliers need to ensure that the carriers they work with are compliant with regulations. Understanding a carrier’s SCAC can help in confirming their compliance.
How Do I Find My Carrier SCAC Code?
To locate your carrier’s SCAC number, you simply need to go to your recent shipping documentation. The SCAC code is unique to each freight carrier. The code will also be listed on purchase orders, trade bills, and packing lists. You will also refer back to the SCAC code as you prepare future shipping documents and billing.
If you need to apply for a SCAC code, visit the National Motor Freight Association website.
The Bottom Line
No matter what freight tracking system is being used by your company, SCAC codes were designed to be compatible and simplify the supply chain process.
Understanding the fine details of the supply chain from end to end is one way supports Walmart suppliers each week. If you have a question about streamlining your supply chain, growing sales, or improving your relationship with Walmart, our seasoned professionals can help!
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