Skip to content
BorderConnect

What Is A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) And How Do I Apply For One (DIY Customs Consulting)

Last updated 4 August 2026

On this page
This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) logo

To transact business with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), highway carriers require a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) registered with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). NMFTA describes the SCAC as the freight industry's universal carrier identifier, issued and governed exclusively by NMFTA.[1]

A SCAC is required to file an ACE Manifest and to use PAPS barcode labels so shipments can be cleared by a customs broker. CBP has stated that electronic manifest records using SCACs that have lapsed with NMFTA may be rejected by CBP.[2]

Video Tutorial

What is a SCAC Code, And How Do I Apply For One?

Applying for a SCAC

Once the carrier has been approved for a USDOT and/or Motor Carrier (MC) number, if required for the operation, the carrier can apply for a SCAC through NMFTA's SCAC application process.[3]

The application generally requires information such as:

  • Legal company name and trade name.
  • Company address and ownership information.
  • Type of company or operation.
  • Applicant representative information, if applicable.
  • Applicable NMFTA application fee.

After the application is submitted and approved, NMFTA provides the carrier with a SCAC certificate or approval letter. The SCAC is valid for a limited term and must be renewed with NMFTA to remain active.

Why Renewal Matters

Carriers should renew their SCAC before it expires. CBP has reminded carriers that if a SCAC expires, the carrier should take the necessary steps to renew it, and electronic manifest records using expired SCACs may be rejected.[2]

NMFTA states that SCAC applications and renewals are completed online through its SCAC system.[1] Carriers should monitor renewal notices, keep their company contact email current with NMFTA, and verify that their SCAC remains active before dispatching U.S.-bound commercial loads.

After the SCAC Is Approved

Once the carrier receives a SCAC from NMFTA, the carrier can move on to the next operational steps.

Register for ACE eManifest Filing
Register with an ACE Manifest service provider such as BorderConnect ACE eManifest so the carrier can transmit required ACE Manifest data to CBP. Under 19 CFR 123.92, truck cargo information must be transmitted to CBP through an approved electronic data interchange system before the carrier arrives at the first U.S. port of arrival.[4]
Order PAPS Barcode Labels
The SCAC is used as the prefix for PAPS shipment control numbers. Carriers can order PAPS barcode labels from BorderPrint.
Coordinate With Customs Brokers
Many customs brokers require the carrier's PAPS barcode label and shipment control number before they can process the shipment for entry into the United States. The shipment control number used by the broker should match the number transmitted by the carrier on the ACE eManifest.

BorderConnect Setup

After the SCAC is approved, BorderConnect ACE eManifest software can be used to create and transmit ACE Manifests to CBP. The carrier will need to add its SCAC, company information, users, drivers, trucks, trailers, shippers, consignees, and commodity profiles before filing routine trips.

BorderConnect does not issue SCACs; the SCAC must be obtained and maintained through NMFTA. Once the SCAC is active, BorderConnect uses it to identify the carrier to CBP and to build ACE trip numbers and shipment control numbers.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying for ACE eManifest filing before obtaining an active SCAC.
  • Letting the SCAC expire and then receiving CBP manifest rejections.
  • Using a PAPS barcode sequence that does not begin with the carrier's SCAC.
  • Reusing shipment control numbers on different shipments.
  • Entering a shipment control number in ACE that does not match the customs broker's PAPS entry.
  • Assuming a SCAC replaces FMCSA authority, insurance, or other operating requirements.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) - NMFTA
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 CBP - SCAC Renewal Reminder
  3. ↑ Apply for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) - NMFTA
  4. ↑ 19 CFR 123.92 - Electronic information for truck cargo required in advance of arrival
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=What_Is_A_Standard_Carrier_Alpha_Code_(SCAC)_And_How_Do_I_Apply_For_One_(DIY_Customs_Consulting)&oldid=2907"