Operations
SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)
A SCAC is a 2-4 letter code that uniquely identifies a transportation provider. It's required for most EDI, ocean, and government freight.
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code is assigned by NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association). It's required on most EDI 204/214 messages, ocean container shipments, and any DOD/government tenders.
Carriers register and renew SCACs annually through NMFTA. A SCAC starting with U, X, or Z is reserved for specific intermodal/government use.
Run compliance & dispatch in one place
Hayes combines a DOT-aware ATS, dispatch, EDI, and document compliance — built for carriers who don't want five logins.
Related terms
Technology
EDI 204 (Motor Carrier Load Tender)
EDI 204 is the electronic load tender — how shippers and brokers offer a load to a carrier under contract.
Technology
EDI 214 (Shipment Status Message)
EDI 214 is the X12 transaction set carriers use to send shipment status updates — pickup, in-transit, delivered — back to shippers.