| Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC™) |
Every container needs a unique owner code. National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)® assigns SCACs for containers only moving within North America, and the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) assigns codes for international trade. This article explains which one you need and how to get it.
See the following for more information:
- How to Determine Type of Container Code
- How to Request a Container Code through SCAC
- What is a BIC Code, Who Needs One, and Why
- How to Get One
- Structure of a Container Identification Number
- How to Search for BIC Codes
How to Determine Type of Container Code
NMFTA can assign U-ending codes/SCACs to owners of domestic containers, meaning equipment that only moves within North America. If you operate within North America, you need a SCAC.
See How to Request a Container Code through SCAC for more information.
The Bureau International des Containers (BIC), or International Container Bureau, assigns U-ending codes for containers moving in international commerce, meaning containers that move into or out of North America from or to other continents. If you operate internationally, you need a BIC code.
See What is a BIC Code, Who Needs One, and Why for more information.
How to Request a Container Code through SCAC
To request a container code, check the Check here ONLY if your company requires a US Domestic Intermodal Container Code ending in ‘U’ for combined Intermodal Trucking and Rail box on the FMCSA Information page of the SCAC Apply process.
See Filling Out the Apply for a New SCAC Form for more information.
What is a BIC Code, Who Needs One, and Why
What is the Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
The Bureau International des Containers (BIC) is a non-profit organization that serves as the international registration authority for the container transport industry. It has published the BIC Code Register since 1970. In 1972 the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) appointed it as the industry’s global registry for container prefixes. International customs conventions have also endorsed that role.
BIC's stated mission is to promote safety, security, standardization, and sustainability in container transportation. More than 3,800 codes are registered to owners and operators in over 125 countries.
Who Needs One
A BIC code is for container owners and principal operators. The applicant is the owner of the containers, or an operator utilizing containers in international trade. Any entity that owns or operates containers internationally can register. BIC's application form lists the following:
- Ocean, rail, and road carriers
- Leasing companies, including lessors of reefers, tanks, chassis, specials, and mobile storage
- Shippers, including military and government, oil & gas
- Forwarders/NVOCCs
- Traders
- Container manufacturers
- Tank operators
Owners or operators of units used exclusively in domestic transportation generally do not require a code. The BIC code applies to ISO containers and is valid worldwide. It is also used on non-ISO units when used in international trade.
Why They Need One
A BIC code is required for legal and documentation purposes. Only prefixes registered with BIC may serve as a container’s unique identity marking on international transport and customs documents.
A registered code also makes customs clearance easier, because it lets containers move under the Customs Convention on Containers and the Istanbul Convention, including temporary admission. Since no two owners can share a registered prefix, each container’s ID is unique worldwide.
The code also supports operational tracking by letting terminals, carriers, and automated systems identify the owner at every stage of the transport chain.
How to Get One
To apply directly through BIC, go to https://www.bic-code.org/apply-for-a-bic-code/.
Applicants choose up to three preferred codes in “XXXU” format. Check the register before applying, because some unregistered codes may still be unavailable. The application asks for company and legal address details, which are published in the register, along with the number of containers, your industry, and your activity type.
BIC then reserves a code and sends an invoice. Registration fees follow BIC’s published tariff schedule. Once the code is registered, the owner assigns its own six-digit serial numbers, calculates check digits, and marks the containers.
Structure of a Container Identification Number
A container identification number has four parts, as shown in the theoretical example: BICU 123456 5
The first part is the three-letter owner prefix. The capital Latin letters are registered with BIC and identify the owner or operator.
The second part is a one-letter equipment category identifier:
- “U” marks freight containers.
- “J” marks detachable container-related equipment.
- “Z” marks trailers and chassis.
The third part is a six-digit serial number, which the owner or operator assigns.
The fourth part is a single check digit, which confirms that the prefix and serial number were recorded and transmitted correctly. BIC offers an online check-digit calculator.
The ID number must appear on the front, both sides, top, and door end of the container. Characters must be at least 100 mm (4 in) high, durable, proportionate in width and thickness, and in a color that contrasts with the container.
See ISO 6346 for detailed marking requirements.
See How SCAC Codes Are Assigned for more information.
How to Search for BIC Codes
To search for BIC codes, go to https://www.bic-code.org/bic-codes/.
BIC publishes a printed register every year, and its website always has the current list. You can search the register online by code, company, or country, and the site lists recently created and recently cancelled codes.