UCR

Program

Unified Carrier Registration is important for your commercial transportation business for several reasons. If you don’t have it right now, you should know that any unregistered motor carriers working across state lines will not be able to function or may even be pulled off the road if they do not comply. Keep reading to find out whether this is a compliance requirement for your business.

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WHAT IS UCR REGISTARTION?

UCR Registration (Unified Carrier Registration) is a federally mandated program essential for motor carriers and businesses engaged in interstate commerce.

This program necessitates the registration and annual filing of fleets. Compliance with UCR is crucial for your commercial transportation business, as failure to register may result in the inability to operate or potential removal from the road.

Does UCR Apply To Your Business?

UCR applies to the following categories if you operate in interstate commerce (crossing over state lines)

Brokers

A motor carrier of property, both for-hire and private (This includes Ag-exempt farmers)

For-hire passenger motor carriers (10+ passengers, including the driver)

Freight Forwarders (FF).

DOT# Number

Dot Pin (optional)

First Name

Last Name

Company Name

EIN / TAX ID

Email Address

Contact Number

Company Address

Address Line 1

City

State

Select registration year *

Is the mailing address the same as the business address? *

Yes

Vehicles Quantity *

Option A - Autofill Vehicles Quantity From My FMCSA Report

Option B - Manually change total vehicles operated for 12 month period

Carrier Classification *

Motor Carrier (For Hire)

Leasing Company

Motor Private Carrier (Not For Hire)

Broker

Carrier Mileage

Title

Who is creating the registration? * (optional)

I certify that i have been given proper authorization to perform or modify UCR registration information for USDOT *

What Happens When You Fail To Get A UCR Registration?

If you are caught driving across state lines without UCR, enforcement officials have the right to detain your vehicle. In addition to that, you may have to pay fines and penalties. Depending on which state you are from and which state you are caught in, the fines and penalties range from a $50 fine to up to $2000 per day or even possible jail time.

Currently, 41 states in the U.S. participate in the UCR program. Right now, the non-participating states are Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, and The District of Columbia. It is important to note that even if your business is operating from a non-participating state, it does not mean that you do not have to register for UCR. If you cross over state lines into a participating state, you are required to register for UCR. You will need to choose a participating base state that is nearest to you.

Registration for the Unified Carrier Registration Plan depends on the number of trucks in your fleet. These fees help fund highway safety programs and initiatives. Any money made from these funds is directly distributed to the participating states. This is to help enforce laws, maintain roads, and generally make driving in these states as safe as possible. The fees for the UCR are due every year. These fees are subject to change at any time, but luckily, if you pay and the price goes up the next month, you are not responsible for paying the difference. Drivers may not even notice the rate change until the following year when they pay their next annual UCR payment. Registration begins in the fall, but payment is not due until December 31st, the end of the year. New drivers or new companies that open for business need to pay the UCR before their first interstate trip. It is important to never get caught crossing state or federal borderlines without a UCR certificate. Otherwise, drivers may be subject to fines, fees, and could have their vehicle impounded. Get your UCR today, and you’ll be able to travel freely across the United States and beyond!

Frequently Asked Questions UCR Registration (FAQ)

What are the consequences of not obtaining UCR registration?

If caught driving across state lines without UCR, authorities can detain your vehicle, and you may face fines ranging from $50 to $2000 per day, or even potential jail time, depending on the states involved.

What if My State is not Part of the UCR Agreement?

You still must submit your Unified Carrier Registration if your business crosses state or federal lines. Canadian-based businesses and drivers who reside in states that don’t participate in the UCR Agreement still need to follow the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005. Don’t get caught at the border without properly registering first. Drivers caught on the road without proper registration are subject to fines and can even have their vehicle impounded. We can help you find a state to register with and get yourself safely back on the road.

Who is Exempt from UCR?

Private Motor Carriers of Passengers and All Motor Carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers.

What documents and information are required for UCR registration?

During the UCR registration process, you will typically need to provide information such as your company name, address, contact details, USDOT number (if applicable), fleet size, and other relevant information.

If I am an Amazon or Postal Service Contractor do I have to register for UCR?

Yes. Even though you do not cross state lines, your parcels do. That makes you an Interstate carrier and you would be required to register at the 0-2 fleet size.