Standard Carrier Alpha Code

With so many different ocean freight carriers importing and exporting cargo to and from the United States, it might be tough to remember every single one. Even in today’s digital world, there could be a challenge to keep track of them all. That is why the industry standard for keeping track of freight shipping companies is through the usage of a Standard Carrier Alpha Code, which is also known as the SCAC.
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code has been used for many decades now in the US shipping industry. Essentially the makeup of the Standard Carrier Alpha Code is about 2-4 letters in the English alphabet to make up a unique combination for every freight carrier and freight forwarder. Perhaps you have seen the Standard Carrier Alpha Code before. The code can appear on documents like the Bill of Lading, and it could also appear on the side of ocean freight containers.
The concept of a Standard Carrier Alpha Code has been used widely by US Customs, who is of course in charge of protecting the borders and tracking freight imports and exports. They track the Standard Carrier Alpha Code through their computerized automated manifest system. The usage of the Standard Carrier Alpha Code helps streamline the customs clearance process. Even the Food & Drug Administration uses the codes as well. Those businesses that depend on ocean container shipping should be well aware of the Standard Carrier Alpha Code.