Learn why the SCAC Directory is a critical tool in the fight against supply chain fraud.
Accurate carrier identification is foundational to modern transportation operations. Every day, thousands of electronic data interchange (EDI) transactions, freight movements, and customs filings depend on the correctness of a single code: the Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC)®. Assigned and maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™, SCACs remain the industry’s primary identifier for motor carriers, brokers, railroads, and other transportation entities.
But SCAC accuracy isn’t static, and the risks associated with inaccurate or outdated codes have never been higher. As double brokering, carrier impersonation, and digital fraud escalate across the industry, the ability to verify a company’s identity with absolute certainty is becoming a core operational requirement.
This is why the SCAC Directory is the industry’s single source of truth for accurate company identifiers, and is evolving to support fraud prevention across trucking and logistics.
SCACs Are Dynamic, and That Creates Risk Without Active Verification
Many organizations assume a SCAC, once assigned, remains valid indefinitely. In reality, SCACs change routinely. They can:
- Expire annually if not renewed;
- Change ownership following mergers or acquisitions;
- Be reassigned after periods of inactivity;
- Become invalid when a company closes; and
- Be misused by fraudulent actors posing as legitimate carriers.
Using an outdated SCAC undermines system integrity, exposes companies to compliance violations, and creates opportunities for criminals to infiltrate load boards, technology management systems (TMS) platforms, and brokerage operations.
Active, authoritative SCAC validation is now essential—not optional.
SCAC Directory Subscriptions: The Industry Standard for Accurate, Defensible Data
NMFTA provides several SCAC Directory products to meet the needs of diverse organizations. Each delivers authoritative, verified data that can be relied upon across operational, compliance, and financial processes.
1. SCAC Online Directory
Best for: Administrative teams and low-volume validation.
A browser-based lookup tool enabling users to confirm SCACs, company names, MC/USDOT numbers, and code status. Ideal for onboarding, carrier service questions, or documentation review.
2. SCAC Data Daily Distribution Service
Best for: Organizations requiring the most current SCAC updates for automated workflows.
Delivered daily in ASCII format, this service provides:
- The full active SCAC master list;
- Newly issued codes;
- Expired or canceled codes; and
- Changes to company identity information.
Daily updates ensure TMS, EDI platforms, freight-payment systems, and audit tools maintain synchronized, accurate data.
3. SCAC Data Quarterly Distribution Service
Best for: Teams managing periodic data refreshes without requiring daily updates.
This quarterly distribution includes the full master file and supplemental updates. It supports data integrity for organizations whose operational risk tolerance aligns with less frequent updates.
4. SCAC Web Service (API)
Best for: Real-time integration within TMS, EDI, and risk management systems.
The SCAC API allows systems to validate carrier identifiers instantly. This prevents invalid or suspicious SCACs from entering operational workflows, and is an essential capability for platforms fighting double brokering and identity fraud.
Choosing the Right SCAC Directory Subscription
| Operational Need | Ideal SCAC Product |
| Occasional manual verification | SCAC Online Directory |
| Automated workflows requiring immediate updates | Daily Distribution Service |
| Quarterly master data refresh cycles | Quarterly Distribution Service |
| Real-time identity validation within systems | SCAC Web Service (API) |
Organizations that rely on high-volume freight transactions, use automated systems, or need strong fraud prevention should prioritize daily updates or API integrations.
Why the SCAC Directory Matters More Than Ever
1. It Is the Industry’s Single Source of Truth
No other dataset matches the SCAC Directory’s accuracy, authority, or alignment with regulatory and industry expectations. It is the reference point used across:
- EDI transactions;
- TMS integrations;
- Customs and border filings (ACE & Entry Filings);
- Freight audit and payment processes; and
- Load board and marketplace identity checks.
The consistency it provides is critical to reducing friction and maintaining interoperability across the supply chain.
2. It Underpins Fraud Prevention Efforts Nationwide
As fraud becomes more sophisticated, identity verification must become more rigorous. The SCAC Directory plays a central role by providing:
- Verified company identifiers;
- Accurate status and expiration data;
- Updates aligned with real-world operational changes; and
- System-integratable validation tools.
When paired with real-time workflows, the directory serves as a first-line defense against impersonation, double brokering, and unauthorized carrier activity.
3. It Supports Regulatory Compliance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies rely on SCACs for official filings. Using an invalid or incorrect code can lead to delays, holds, or penalties. Directory subscriptions ensure organizations always operate with compliant identifiers.
4. It Improves Data Integrity Across All Systems
Accurate SCAC data reduces downstream errors, exceptions, and manual rework across EDI platforms, TMS systems, billing engines, and freight-payment tools. It strengthens operational reliability and reduces costs.
Identity Integrity Begins with the SCAC Directory
As the transportation industry confronts rising levels of fraud, increasing digitalization, and stricter compliance demands, accurate identity validation has become a strategic priority. The SCAC Directory remains the authoritative single source of truth for carrier identification, and its role in fraud prevention continues to grow.
Whether through daily files, quarterly updates, or real-time API queries, organizations that integrate SCAC Directory data into their operations strengthen their ability to:
- Verify carrier legitimacy;
- Maintain regulatory compliance;
- Protect freight and financial assets;
- Reduce operational errors and exceptions; and
- Safeguard the integrity of their supply chain systems.
In a rapidly evolving logistics landscape, accurate identity data is not just operational—it’s strategic. And the SCAC Directory is the backbone of that integrity.
To purchase a SCAC Directory subscription please visit https://scaccode.com/data-products-purchase/products.
To learn more about SCAC go to www.nmfta.org/scac.
To apply or renew your SCAC go to www.scaccode.com.
