Consultran handles Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies. Ensure your interstate operating authority remains compliant with annual UCR registration.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program that requires individuals and companies operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce to register annually and pay fees based on their fleet size. UCR replaced the previous Single State Registration System (SSRS) in 2007.
UCR fees are collected and distributed among participating states to support safety programs, enforcement activities, and administration of motor carrier regulations.
UCR registration is required for businesses operating in interstate or international commerce, including:
- Motor Carriers: For-hire trucking companies transporting goods or passengers
- Private Motor Carriers: Companies hauling their own goods across state lines
- Brokers: Freight brokers arranging transportation of property
- Freight Forwarders: Companies arranging transportation and taking possession of freight
- Leasing Companies: Businesses leasing vehicles with drivers to motor carriers
If you operate entirely within one state (intrastate only), you do not need UCR registration.
UCR registration must be renewed annually. The registration year runs from January 1 to December 31.
While there is no official "deadline," you must maintain active UCR registration throughout the year to operate legally in interstate commerce. Most carriers renew in December or early January to ensure continuous compliance.
Operating without current UCR registration can result in fines, citations, and out-of-service orders during roadside inspections.
UCR fees are based on your fleet size (total number of commercial motor vehicles). Fees are set annually by the UCR Board and vary by bracket:
| Fleet Size |
2026 UCR Fee (Carrier or Forwarder) |
2026 UCR Fee (Broker or Leasing Company) |
| 0-2 vehicles (B1) |
$46.00 |
$46.00 |
| 3-5 vehicles (B2) |
$138.00 |
— |
| 6-20 vehicles (B3) |
$276.00 |
— |
| 21-100 vehicles (B4) |
$963.00 |
— |
| 101-1,000 vehicles (B5) |
$4,592.00 |
— |
| 1,001+ vehicles (B6) |
$44,836.00 |
— |
Note: Fee amounts are subject to annual adjustment. Consultran stays current with UCR rate changes.
1. Determine Your Fleet Size: Count all commercial motor vehicles operated during the registration year.
2. Select Base State: Choose a participating UCR state (typically your operating base or IFTA/IRP state).
3. Complete Registration: Provide company information, USDOT number, entity type, and fleet count.
4. Pay UCR Fee: Submit payment based on your fleet bracket.
5. Receive Confirmation: Obtain proof of UCR registration for your records and potential roadside inspections.
Consultran handles the entire process on your behalf, ensuring accurate fleet counts and proper filing.
Fleet size is the total number of commercial motor vehicles operated during the registration year. This includes:
- Owned vehicles
- Leased vehicles (long-term and trip leases)
- Vehicles operated under your authority, even if temporarily
Use the highest number of vehicles operated at any point during the year, not the average. If you're unsure of your fleet count, Consultran can help you calculate it accurately.
Owner-operators with 1-2 trucks pay the minimum UCR fee ($46). If you operate under your own authority, you must register for UCR separately from any carrier you lease to.
Consultran helps owner-operators navigate UCR requirements and ensures proper registration.
Freight brokers and freight forwarders must also register for UCR, even if they don't own or operate vehicles. For 2026, brokers and leasing companies pay the lowest bracket amount ($46.00), while carriers and forwarders pay based on fleet size.
- Timely Renewal: We remind you of annual registration requirements
- Accurate Fleet Counts: Avoid overpaying or underpaying due to incorrect vehicle counts
- Proper State Selection: We ensure you register in the appropriate base state
- Record Keeping: We maintain your UCR confirmation for future reference
- Multi-State Compliance: UCR registration satisfies requirements in all participating states
- Peace of Mind: No worries about roadside inspection violations
Failure to maintain current UCR registration can result in:
- Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000+ per violation
- Citations during roadside inspections
- Out-of-service orders (vehicle cannot move until UCR is current)
- State-level enforcement actions
- Impact on CSA scores and safety ratings
Consultran helps you avoid these penalties by ensuring your UCR registration is always current.
UCR is separate from other motor carrier requirements:
- USDOT Number: Your identification number (not a registration fee)
- MC Authority: Operating authority for for-hire carriers
- IFTA: Fuel tax reporting program
- IRP: Vehicle registration and apportioned plates
You must maintain UCR in addition to these other requirements. Consultran can handle all your motor carrier registrations in one comprehensive service package.
Starting a new trucking company? UCR registration is one of the first steps after obtaining your DOT and MC authority. Consultran guides new carriers through the complete registration process, including:
Don't risk operating without current UCR registration. Let Consultran handle your annual UCR filing and keep your authority compliant.
Call us today: (651) 482-1124
Email: consultran@consultran.com
Visit us: 2353 Rice Street, Suite 232, Roseville, MN 55113
Or visit our Contact page to send us a message. We'll be happy to discuss your UCR registration needs and provide a quote for our services.
Motor carriers rely on Consultran for hassle-free UCR registration. See testimonials from satisfied clients.
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