SCAC Code

I don't even know what it is but I have never needed it

 

It depends on what you do and if you are working under your own authority.

 

Us border hoppers use it. It's a unique 4 digit code assigned to your company identifying who is taking the load into the USA. Used for customs purposes. We have a similar system for loads going into Canada, a different code but still 4 digits and unique to your company. We call ours a Carrier Code. Same idea.

 

They uses that code in the ports @ times too. I remember the port of Baltimore being one of them

 

If you are working under your own authority and using direct larger customers you will want want. If you are running your own authority and no direct customers just brokers probably don't need it. It's basically a private based system to identify carriers. I have it, it's cheap to maintain and easy to get.

 

When doing military household movers. You need a scac code to file your tariff (rates) with the base.

 

Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)...You will need it in & out of ports, rail yards, chemical companies, and some military installations, among others. If you plan to PU / drop at these type of places, you will need one (see www.nmfta.org). These same places usually require the driver have a TWIC as well (see www.tsa.gov). And if you are making these kind of stops, you might as well get UIIA registered - Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement (see www.uiia.org).
If you are carrying a brokered load, then you can get by using the broker's SCAC, but not sure about using their UIIA registration.
Personally, I stopped booking these type of loads and let our SCAC & UIIA expire - with all the credentials required, then the long load times...Just too much hassle, even with the great pay.