The SCAC appears on bills of lading, US customs filings, and EDI messages, and the correct one is essential for automated filing. It is also where subsidiary relationships matter operationally: OOCL files under OOLU and COSCO under COSU, so treating them as one carrier breaks the filing. Forwarders map each carrier's SCAC in the TMS so the right code flows through automatically.
Glossary
SCAC Code
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code, a two-to-four letter identifier assigned by the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) that uniquely identifies a transport carrier.