SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)
A unique two-to-four letter code used to identify transportation carriers in shipping documentation and electronic data interchange (EDI).
Glossary Categories
SCAC & Carrier Terms
Carrier
A company or individual that transports goods or passengers from one place to another, such as trucking companies, airlines, railroads, or shipping lines.
Motor Carrier
A company that provides truck transportation services for goods, typically operating commercial trucks for interstate or intrastate freight movement.
Shipping & Transportation
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal document issued by a carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being transported, serving as a shipment receipt and contract of carriage.
Intermodal Transportation
The movement of goods using multiple modes of transportation (such as truck, rail, and ship) within a single journey, using standardized containers.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
A shipping method where goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into a single truck, typically used when a shipment is too small to fill an entire truck.
Logistics Operations
Supply Chain
The entire network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in producing and distributing a product from supplier to end customer.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A software solution that helps manage and optimize warehouse operations, including inventory tracking, order processing, and logistics coordination.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
An outsourced logistics provider that handles various supply chain functions, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution services for other companies.
Documentation & EDI
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
A computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between trading partners, eliminating paper documentation.
Customs Manifest
A detailed document listing all goods being transported across international borders, including information about the shipper, consignee, and cargo details.
Proof of Delivery (POD)
A document that serves as evidence that a shipment was successfully delivered to the intended recipient, typically including recipient signature and delivery timestamp.
Regulatory Terms
NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association)
The organization responsible for maintaining SCAC codes and developing national motor freight classification standards for the transportation industry.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
A U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and ensuring safety in commercial motor vehicle operations, including trucking and transportation services.
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
An FMCSA safety program that evaluates motor carriers' safety performance and compliance with federal regulations through a comprehensive scoring system.