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.
Understanding UCR Registration
UCR stands for “Unified Carrier Registration.” It is a federally mandated program that requires motor carriers and other businesses involved in interstate commerce to register their fleets and file annually.
Does UCR Apply To Your Business?
UCR applies to the following categories if you operate in interstate commerce (crossing over state lines).
- 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).
- Brokers.
- Leasing companies that lease vehicles without drivers to interstate motor carriers or FF.
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.
Need To Know - Participating States and Non-Participating State
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.
FAQ
I am an Ag Exempt Farmer. Am I exempt from registering for UCR?
No, if you cross over state lines you are required to register for UCR. Your Ag exemption does not apply to UCR.
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 states do not currently participate in UCR?
Currently Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, & the District of Columbia are non-participating states. (This information is current as of 6-16-2023. For the most up-to-date information check the FMCSA website.)
If my base state is a non-participating state that means UCR does not apply to me, correct?
No, if you operate as an interstate carrier and cross into a state that does participate, then you are required to register with UCR.
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.
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