What Is a SCAC Code?
A SCAC code (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a unique 2-to-4 letter code that identifies a transportation company. Every carrier that operates in North America has one, and retailers require it on your ASN so their systems can identify exactly which carrier is delivering your shipment.
You can usually find your carrier's SCAC code on their website, on your bill of lading, or by asking your freight broker. RetailReady also maintains a list of common carriers for easy selection.
Common Carrier SCAC Codes
Here are the SCAC codes for the most frequently used carriers:
| Carrier | SCAC Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Ground | UPSN | Most common for parcel shipments |
| UPS Freight | UPGF | For LTL (less-than-truckload) freight |
| FedEx Ground | FDEG | Ground parcel service |
| FedEx Express | FDEN | Air and express service |
| FedEx Freight | FXNL | LTL freight (national) |
| USPS | USPS | Postal service — less common for retail |
| XPO Logistics | XPOL | Major LTL carrier |
| Old Dominion | ODFL | LTL freight |
| Estes Express | EXLA | LTL freight |
| ABF Freight | ABFS | LTL freight |
If your carrier isn't listed here, search the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) database or ask your carrier directly.
Tracking Number Requirements
Every shipment you create in RetailReady needs a valid tracking number (for parcel shipments) or a PRO number (for freight/LTL shipments). This number is how the retailer monitors your shipment's progress from your dock to theirs.
Key requirements:
- It must be real. The tracking number must be a valid, active number assigned by the carrier. Retailers will attempt to track it — if the number doesn't work, you may face a chargeback.
- It must be scannable. The number should match the label on the physical package. If the ASN says one tracking number but the label shows another, receiving will flag the discrepancy.
- One per shipment. If you have multiple packages in one shipment, you'll typically use one master tracking number. For parcel shipments with multiple packages, some retailers want tracking for each package.
Tips for Avoiding Tracking Issues
- Copy and paste tracking numbers rather than typing them manually. One transposed digit means a tracking number that doesn't resolve.
- Verify the tracking number works by checking it on the carrier's website before entering it in RetailReady.
- Don't reuse tracking numbers. Each shipment must have a unique tracking number. Using a number from a previous shipment will cause errors.
- Enter the tracking number on the same day you ship. Waiting even a day can mean the retailer sees the ASN but can't verify the shipment is in transit.
Common mistake: Confusing the carrier's internal reference number with the tracking number. The tracking number is the one printed on the shipping label that can be looked up on the carrier's public tracking page. When in doubt, ask your carrier which number to use for EDI.