Quick Answer: United States Postal Service (USPS) contractors must obtain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC)® because it is a mandatory identifier required for government contracting, customs clearance, and participation in USPS-managed logistics systems. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ is the official issuing authority responsible for assigning and managing all SCAC codes. Apply or renew at scaccode.com.
In today’s logistics landscape, compliance and transparency are no longer optional—they are essential for doing business with the USPS and other government agencies. One of the most important compliance requirements for USPS carriers and contractors is SCAC.
More than just a code, SCAC is the official and unique identifier used across federal contracting, customs clearance, and industry-standard transportation systems.
What is a SCAC?
SCAC is a two-to-four letter code assigned by the NMFTA who is the official issuing authority for all SCACs in the United States. It serves as a universal identifier for transportation companies across government, customs, and commercial shipping systems.
Think of it as a digital fingerprint for carriers. Without it, companies cannot be recognized in critical databases that govern freight movement, compliance, and accountability.
4 Reasons Why USPS Contractors Need SCAC
1. Government Compliance
USPS operates under federal oversight, and any company doing business with a U.S. government agency must have a valid SCAC. This ensures carriers are properly registered and recognized in federal systems. Without a SCAC, contractors cannot legally transport goods under USPS contracts.
2. Customs & Border Transactions
Even if a contractor primarily operates domestically, USPS freight often moves through international gateways. SCAC codes are required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) systems such as the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Manifest System (AMS). Having a SCAC ensures contractors are prepared for cross-border shipments and customs clearance.
3. Industry Integration
A SCAC is mandatory for participation in the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA), which governs liability and insurance for intermodal equipment use. Contractors moving USPS freight through ports, rail, or intermodal hubs must have SCAC to register with port authorities and interchange agreements.
4. Commercial Shipper Requirements
Major retailers, logistics providers, and industry partners—including Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx—require a SCAC for carrier identification. USPS contractors often interact with these networks, making SCAC essential for seamless operations and credibility in the broader logistics ecosystem.
How to Obtain a SCAC
The process is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail:
- Apply through NMFTA: Contractors must submit an application to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association through the official SCAC application, scaccode.com.
- Pay the registration fee: There is an annual fee associated with obtaining and maintaining a SCAC.
- Renew annually: SCAC codes must be renewed each year to remain valid.
This ensures that carrier information stays current and compliant with evolving industry standards.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a SCAC?
Contractors who fail to obtain a SCAC risk:
- Losing eligibility for USPS contracts;
- Being excluded from customs clearance systems;
- Inability to participate in intermodal agreements; and
- Reduced credibility with commercial shippers and partners.
In short, without a SCAC, contractors may find themselves locked out of critical opportunities in both government and commercial logistics.
Conclusion
The logistics industry is built on compliance, transparency, and trust. For USPS carriers and contractors, obtaining a SCAC is not just a requirement—it is a gateway to operating in the modern logistics ecosystem.
By securing a SCAC, contractors demonstrate professionalism, readiness, and alignment with industry standards. Those who act now will position themselves for success in USPS partnerships and beyond.
💡 Pro Tip for Contractors: Treat SCAC as part of your professional toolkit. Just as insurance, safety certifications, and compliance documents are non-negotiable, SCAC is a credential that signals reliability in the eyes of USPS and the wider logistics community.
Apply or renew your SCAC at scaccode.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do USPS contractors need a SCAC?
Yes. Any carrier or contractor moving freight for the United States Postal Service (USPS) must have a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). It is a required identifier for government contracting, compliance, and USPS-managed transportation systems.
2. Who issues SCAC codes?
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is the official issuing authority for all SCAC codes in the United States. NMFTA assigns, maintains, and renews SCACs for carriers of all sizes.
3. Why does USPS require a SCAC?
USPS operates under federal contracting rules, and a SCAC ensures every carrier is properly identified in government, customs, and logistics systems. Without a SCAC, contractors cannot legally transport freight under USPS contracts.
4. How do I apply for a SCAC?
You can apply directly through NMFTA by submitting an online application, paying the annual registration fee, and renewing your code each year. Applications are processed at scaccode.com.
5. How long does it take to receive a SCAC?
Most SCAC applications are processed quickly, often within one business day if all information is complete. Renewals typically process even faster.
6. Do non-Class 8 carriers need a SCAC to work with USPS?
Yes. Both Class 8 and non-Class 8 carriers must obtain a SCAC if they plan to move freight for USPS or participate in any government-managed transportation network.
7. What happens if my SCAC expires?
An expired SCAC may prevent your company from:
- Remaining active in USPS supplier systems;
- Completing customs filings;
- Participating in intermodal agreements; and
- Maintaining compliance with major shippers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
Renew your SCAC annually at scaccode.com to avoid disruptions.
