Trucking companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in multiple states (interstate) or conduct international commerce must register their business as a Unified Carrier in the appropriate state and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet.
Transportation Compliance Service will take care of registering your business and paying UCR fees through your base state on behalf of all participating states.
The Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 requires motor carriers involved in interstate commerce as well as companies that make the arrangements for the transportation of cargo and goods, e.g., brokers, leasing companies, and freight forwarders, to submit annual fees based on their fleet size.
If you are an individual or a company that operates commercial motor vehicles across state lines, you are required to register with and pay the annual UCR fee to your “base state,” which is the state in which you primarily operate. Your annual UCR fee will be determined by this base state and the size of your fleet.
Not all states participate in the UCR Program, but this does not relieve you of the requirement. If your base state does not participate, you’ll be required to register through a neighboring state that does.
What’s the risk? Failure to participate in the UCR program puts your business at risk for additional fines and penalties, including the detention of your vehicle by enforcement officials. UCR fines can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on your base state.
Not sure where or how to participate in the UCR Program? The experts at Transportation Compliance Service can help you navigate the registration process, manage annual renewals, and help you remain in compliance.
And get updates on our latest resources and information on compliance issues.
