Do SCAC Codes Expire?
Our society could not exist without freight. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) to standardize how we track shipping companies and their cargo.
Do SCAC codes expire, and what exactly are they? How do you know if you need to get one for your business? SCAC codes use four letters to identify different transportation companies.
You may have seen SCAC codes on purchase orders, freight bills, or advanced shipping notices. SCAC codes streamline fulfillment and shipping into and within the United States. They make it possible for the carrier and the recipient to keep track of the product throughout the shipping process, reducing stress and confusion for all parties.
If you are in the shipping industry, you probably know about SCAC codes, but you may not know all the details. Do SCAC codes expire? Who needs one? This post will discuss when SCAC codes expire and the benefits of the SCAC 2.0 system.
Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings provides a SCAC online application to get you on your way to obtaining the codes you need for route fulfillment.
Who Needs a SCAC Code?
Any road, ocean, and air carriers crossing US borders with cargo must register for SCAC codes. The codes allow United States Customs to track what goods come into the country and locate them if they require inspection.
Unlike USDOT numbers assigned to drivers, SCAC codes belong to the transport company. Companies can purchase more than one code if they need it to fulfill their needs.
How Long Do SCAC Codes Last?
Do SCAC codes expire? They do, and keeping up with expiration dates can be tricky. When you apply for a new SCAC code, it stays valid until July 1 of the following year. In subsequent years, you should renew your code in May so that there is enough extra time to keep your code from going inactive.
If you miss the window and your code goes inactive, it could go back into the system and be redistributed to another trucker. If that happens, you could get turned away at the border, in which case you will have to apply for a new SCAC.
Improvements to the SCAC System
The SCAC system was developed in the 1960s. As you can imagine, technology has advanced in many ways since then. On April 10, 2023, SCAC 2.0 launched, giving freight carriers several new benefits to make their jobs easier.
Language Options
SCAC now supports English, French, and Spanish, which translate easily to boost communication among people who don’t speak the same language.
Auto-Renewal
Expired SCAC codes are a huge headache for busy carriers. They now have the option of auto-renewal to avoid problems.
Easy Payment
Automated payment options prevent a lapse in service that could take hours to sort out.
Mobile Optimization
These days, the only way to stay current is with information that is easily accessible on a smartphone. The new SCAC 2.0 makes it a breeze to access information while traveling.
Applying for a SCAC Code
If you need a SCAC code, you can easily apply on the Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings website. Once you obtain your code, you must include it on all documentation, including packing lists and purchase orders. Although the application process is easy, we recommend you do it in a timely manner to avoid delays or interruptions.
Automate Operations with SCAC Codes
Any carrier entering the United States by land, air, or sea must carry a SCAC code identifying them as a transportation company. The SCAC code helps keep track of imports and exports within the country and lowers the risk of a security threat.
Customs brokers use SCAC codes in their pre-arrival processing systems to make things go smoothly.
SCAC codes are especially vital in the forestry, automotive, and petroleum industries.
Utilizing SCAC codes for automation and record-keeping purposes creates clear lines of communication between transportation companies and government agencies monitoring everything that crosses the border. United States Customs also benefits from SCAC codes with their monitoring procedures.
Keep Your Shipping Operations Running Smoothly with SCAC 2.0
Do SCAC codes expire? Yes, they do, and if you forget to renew yours, you could get turned away at the border. Thankfully, SCAC 2.0 has come to the rescue. This innovative program, which began in April of 2023, offers automatic renewal and easy online payment to avoid the hassle of applying for a new code if you forget to renew in time, making it a boon to our industry.
Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings has guidance on how long it takes to get a SCAC code. If you have additional questions, reach out to our live chat representative, or fill out our online form, and we will contact you during our business hours.
