How Long Does It Take To Get a SCAC Code?
How long does it take to get a SCAC code? Can you continue driving your truck until you get your code, and why do you need a letter code in the first place? Continue reading to learn about the SCAC Code Application process from the experts at FMCA Filings.
What Is a SCAC Code?
SCAC, or Standard Carrier Alpha Codes, are alphabetical indicators that consist of two to four letters. These codes originated in the 1960s when the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, or NMFTA, engineered them to easily identify and track transportation companies and their extensive operations both within the United States and in international spaces.
SCAC codes make life easy for companies. Companies use SCAC codes as a handy reference point for their goods. Easy accessibility and flexibility make SCAC codes a prime tool for streamlining operations and for government regulators.
Why Do I Need a SCAC Code?
Some people who ask, "How long does it take to get a SCAC code?" aren't entirely sure why they need such a code in the first place. After all, aren't there other ways to regulate your business's operations? The truth is the government mandates SCAC codes for all logistics operations in the United States.
Land, air, rail, and sea freight carriers all must have a SCAC code. Using a SCAC code isn't just for the private sector as well; government transportation entities use SCAC codes to conduct their operations. The scope of operations and whether or not they take place abroad are irrelevant, as both domestic and international carriers need SCAC codes.
Federal agencies, chief among them the NMFTA, rely on SCAC codes to gather info about companies and their operations. Preventing crime and ensuring the proper transport of potentially hazardous goods — such as chemicals, fertilizers, and medicines — with proper permits becomes much simpler when there is a unified tracking system. For instance, international trade involving produce and live animals requires stringent health checks, and tools like SCAC codes help greatly with that process.
SCAC codes pair exceptionally well with EDI shipping systems. Combining the two together offers a unique and streamlined way to keep track of your operations. You can effectively communicate with stakeholders both within the United States and abroad, and you can retrieve and send information at lightning-fast speeds; it's no wonder that customs officials and industry titans alike use the two together.
Applying for a SCAC Code
You now understand the role SCAC codes play in freight shipping. Processing these codes requires extensive manpower and time, so it's entirely fair to ask, "How long does it take to get a SCAC code?" Ensuring that your CDL license is licit prior to filing your forms saves precious time; if you aren't certified, take this opportunity to do so.
The right third-party service, like Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings, eliminates stress and headaches from the SCAC code application process, giving you the power to focus primarily on your business operations. You can apply for a SCAC Code directly with FMCA Filings.
Furnishing any relevant information, fill the form until it's ready to go, and then press submit. Not keen on waiting? Go ahead and fill out a digital form; you'll receive your very own code within 24 hours, if you apply on a business day and before 3 pm EST.
Receiving a physical copy in the mail provides an extra sense of reliability, but it takes longer — a few days or a week. You will pay the same rate for both types of forms at about $160 - $180.
How Do I Find My SCAC Code?
Providing you with your SCAC code once the application process is complete is a top priority for the NMFTA. This code often features prominently on shipping documents and purchase orders. Look for a code with two to four letters that starts with the first letter of your company name.
Want another great way to find your SCAC code? Consider visiting the NMFTA website. An extensive database replete with both active and inactive codes for many types of freight carriers and other logistics businesses makes this site a trusty resource for anyone interested in searching for their company.
Do Freight Brokers Require a SCAC Code?
All freight carriers require a SCAC code to conduct business as per the restrictions of the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement (UIIA). You simply cannot afford to forgo having a SCAC code under these circumstances.
You now know the answer to the question, "How long does it take to get a SCAC code?" and why you need a SCAC code. Contact FMCA Filings for a SCAC application experience unlike any other. We offer online options on our website and also have Live Agents available for chat should you wish to speak to one of our professionals today!