Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program
Who must register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program? The UCR Program requires both for-hire carriers and private carriers operating in interstate or international commerce to register. Companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders, or leasing companies are also required to register under the UCR. For more help, check this chart concerning who is subject to UCR.
For the purposes of the UCR Program, what is a commercial motor vehicle? A commercial motor vehicle is a self-propelled vehicle used on the highways in commerce principally to transport passengers or cargo, if the vehicle: (1) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater; (2) is designed to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver; or (3) is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under section 5103 of Title 49 USC Section 31101 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section 5103. Note: The 2009 definition included towed vehicles.
What states participate in the UCR Program? You can view a list of participating states on line.
What is the term of the registration? The UCR program is a calendar year program (January 1st through December 31st) and must be renewed annually. Registration for the following year is usually opened in October of the prior year.
What is the cost? For-hire motor carriers and private motor carriers pay a fee based upon the number of commercial motor vehicles operated or based upon the number of commercial motor vehicles shown on the motor carrier's last MCS-150 (USDOT number update). Brokers, freight forwarders, leasing companies, and carriers not operating commercial motor vehicles pay the lowest fee. A registrant operating as both a for-hire motor carrier and/or private carrier operation as well as a broker, freight forwarder, or leasing service is required to pay the fee at the motor carrier level. Use the most current fee table to calculate the fee.
Do you receive a credential? Upon registration, a receipt is issued. You are not required to keep a copy of the receipt in each commercial motor vehicle. Enforcement officers across the nation can check on line to see the UCR registration.
How do you register? You may register on line at the UCR site. Oklahoma-based registrants must use Oklahoma as their registration state. Florida-based registrants may use Oklahoma as their registration state.
Upon what conditions would I have to pay UCR fees for prior years? If you conducted any interstate operations during 2020, the designated fees are due and payable. Your 2020 registration cannot be processed until your company is current with all fees owed for prior years. Failure to pay UCR fees may result in fines or penalties.
How can you learn more about the UCR Program? Information about the program is available at the Unified Carrier Registration Plan website.
