Be UCR-Ready,
the Smart Way
What is UCR?
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally mandated, state-administered system that requires individuals and companies involved in interstate or international commerce to register annually and pay a fee based on the size of their fleet. The program was established under the UCR Act of 2005, replacing the former SSRS (Single State Registration System). The fees collected support state motor carrier safety enforcement programs.If your business operates commercial vehicles across state lines, UCR registration is a must to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.
You are required to register for UCR if your business operates in interstate or international commerce and falls into one of the following categories:
- Motor Carriers (Operating CMVs across state lines)
- Freight Forwarders
- Brokers
- Leasing Companies
- Private Carriers (Transporting their own goods across state lines)
Who is Exempt?
- Intrastate-only carriers (who operate strictly within one state)
- Carriers using only non-commercial vehicles
- Companies transporting exempt commodities
UCR registration opens in the fall (usually October) for the upcoming year. The deadline to file is January 1st of the registration year.
The UCR registration process is fully online and takes just a few minutes:
Step 1: Go to the UCR Website
Visit the official UCR registration portal: https://plan.ucr.gov/
Step 2: Enter Your USDOT Number
- Type in your USDOT Number and click “Continue”.
- The system will pull up your company details from FMCSA.
Step 3: Verify Your Business Information
- Confirm that your company name, address, and fleet details are correct.
- If anything is incorrect, you must update your MCS-150 with FMCSA first before proceeding.
Step 4: Select the Registration Year
Choose the current UCR registration year (e.g., 2025 UCR for operations in 2025).
Step 5: Enter Your Fleet Size
- The system may auto-fill your fleet size, but you should verify if it’s correct.
- If incorrect, update your MCS-150 with FMCSA and wait for the changes before proceeding.
Step 6: Calculate & Review Fees
- Your UCR fee is based on your fleet size (0–2 vehicles, 3–5 vehicles, etc.).
- The system will calculate the correct fee for your business.
Step 7: Make the Payment
- Choose a payment method: Credit/Debit Card or Bank Transfer (ACH).
- Enter payment details and submit.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
- Once payment is successful, you’ll receive an email confirmation and receipt.
- You’re now UCR compliant for that registration year!
UCR fees are based on fleet size—the number of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) you own or operate across state lines.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- 0–2 Vehicles – Lower-tier fee
- 3–5 Vehicles – Slightly higher
- 6–20 Vehicles, 21–100, etc. – Fees increase with fleet size
Only CMVs that cross state lines are counted. This includes:
- Trucks over 10,000 lbs GVWR
- Passenger vehicles designed to carry 9 or more people
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials
Missing the UCR deadline can cost your business more than just fees.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Include:
- Fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 per violation, depending on the state
- Vehicle Detention – Your truck could be held at roadside checks
- DOT Audits or Extra Inspections – Increased scrutiny from enforcement agencies
Don’t risk it—register early and avoid disruptions to your operations.
MCS-150 Filing due?
We got you!
the paperwork for you.
Got Questions About UCR?
We’ve Got Answers!
Do I need a UCR if I only operate intrastate?
No. UCR applies only to interstate and international operations.
Do owner-operators need UCR?
Yes, even single-truck owner-operators must register for UCR.
How do I check my UCR status?
Carriers can check their status on https://plan.ucr.gov/ using their USDOT Number.
What happens if I overpay or pay twice?
You may need to contact the UCR board or your state agency to request a refund.
How Much Will It Cost?
It Depends on Your Fleet Size
| Number of Vehicles Owned or Operated | Fee per Entity (Carrier or Forwarder) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | $46.00 |
| 3-5 | $138.00 |
| 6-20 | $276.00 |
| 20-100 | $963.00 |
| 101-1000 | $4,592.00 |
| 1001+ | $44,836.00 |
Never Miss Your Filing Deadline
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Whether you have questions or need help navigating complex requirements, our support team is here to make your compliance journey easier.
