The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is upgrading to a new, all-digital system for assigning Standard Carrier Alpha Codes. The SCAC 2.0 system will enable carriers, resellers, and partners to apply for and manage their SCACs on a 24/7/365 basis without requiring assistance from NMFTA staff, according to an NMFTA press release.
SCAC is a unique identification code that NMFTA assigns to carriers. The codes are required for many business activities carriers engage in, including working with the U.S. government and crossing the border.
As of April 10, 2023, carriers and resellers will no longer have to contact NMFTA staff to apply for SCAC because the SCAC 2.0 platform will enable them to apply for and receive the codes in real-time. In addition, they will be able to update contact information and other account information.
See also: National Motor Freight Classification book to become online-only
There will still be three pieces of information that require NMFTA staff to update: company names, MC numbers, and mode of transportation. Everything else can be managed digitally and directly by carriers and resellers, NMFTA stated.
NMFTA has launched a test site to assist users in becoming familiar with SCAC 2.0.
With SCAC 2.0, payments can be automated, and carriers and resellers can set their codes to auto-renew as well as receive a notification when expiration approaches. A company that requires multiple codes can now apply for them and purchase them immediately.
The system has also been optimized for mobile devices. Additionally, SCAC 2.0 supports English, Spanish, and French.
"SCAC 2.0 is all about easing trucking companies’ pain points," NMFTA’s SCAC Program Manager Debra Edwards said. “It used to be a real pain point for trucking companies. They had to wait for us to do everything for them. Now the attainment and management of their codes is entirely in their own hands. They are empowered like never before.”
