What is Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program that requires motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and leasing companies to register and pay annual fees to operate in interstate or international commerce. The UCR ensures that all companies conducting business across state lines contribute to the maintenance and safety of public highways. But what is unified carrier registration, and how does it impact your business? The program, managed by the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement, replaced the Single State Registration System (SSRS) in 2007 to create a streamlined, standardized process for carriers.
With the UCR, carriers no longer need to register separately with each state in which they operate, making compliance simpler and more cost-effective.
Who Needs to File the Unified Carrier Registration?
All motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and leasing companies that operate in interstate or international commerce are required to file a UCR annually. If your business operates across state lines, you must ensure compliance with UCR regulations. Are you wondering whether your business needs to register? Contact us for personalized guidance.
How Does the UCR Fee Structure Work?
The fee structure is based on fleet size. Fees increase as the number of vehicles in your fleet grows. The current fee schedule ranges from $125 for small fleets to over $56,000 for fleets with 1,001 or more vehicles. We’ve outlined the detailed fee structure here.
How to Register for Unified Carrier Registration
Registering for UCR is straightforward when using our service. You can complete the registration online through the UCR portal or contact us to handle your filing. We also provide a comprehensive guide on How to Register for UCR.
What Are the Consequences of Not Registering?
Failure to register for UCR can result in penalties, fines, and the inability to operate legally across state lines. Learn more about UCR compliance requirements to ensure your business stays compliant.
Ready to register or have questions about UCR?
Why was the UCR Created?
The UCR program was developed to streamline the registration process for carriers and to replace the previous Single State Registration System (SSRS). It provides funding for state highway safety and enforcement programs, which is critical for maintaining safe transportation networks.
