How Are UCR Fees Set for Carriers?

Being a motor carrier means understanding the various fees and regulations that are standard within the industry. The Unified Carrier Registration program generates one of the fees carriers must pay, but how are UCR fees set? Knowing how carrier UCR fees are determined can help you stay on top of your trucking company's fee payment schedule. 

Before starting UCR registration, consult our guide to learn more about these fees and why carriers must pay them.

What Is the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement Program?

The UCR is a program in which states collect fees from businesses within the transportation industry, including motor carriers, private carriers, leasing companies, brokers, and freight forwarders. The states then use those payments to fund USDOT officer training and safety programs. 

This isn't a payment you make every time your trucks hit the road. Instead, you file UCR fees annually. Failing to submit your payments on time can lead to UCR violations.

Who Needs To Register Under the UCR?

The trucking businesses most likely to need registration through the UCR are those handling interstate commerce. The fees they pay will align with their businesses' home states.

However, not all states participate in the Unified Carrier Registration program. Those states include:

• Arizona
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Wyoming
• Washington, D.C.

How are UCR fees set if your base state doesn't participate in the program? In that case, your fee will correspond to a neighboring participating state, but only if your hauling takes you across state lines. 

What You Should Know About UCR Fee Brackets and Carrier Fee Structures

What influences UCR fees for trucking companies? Fleet size is the biggest contributing factor. The fee brackets for 2026 include six tiers broken down by fleet size. 

Here's what trucking companies can expect to pay for that year, according to those carrier fee tiers:

• Zero to two owned or operated vehicles: $46
• Three to five owned or operated vehicles: $138
• Six to 20 owned or operated vehicles: $276
• 21 to 100 owned or operated vehicles: $963
• 101 to 1,000 owned or operated vehicles: $4,592
• 1,001 or more owned or operated vehicles: $44,836 

This pay structure is the same as it was in 2025. Although the number of operated vehicles determines the carrier fee amount, not every truck will have it. It's just one annual payment based on the total number of trucks in the fleet. 

How are UCR fees set? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determines the fee structure using recommendations from the UCR Board of Directors. 

Exemptions for UCR Fees

If you're a motor carrier, you may be exempt from paying UCR fees if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You're an intrastate carrier; UCR fees are for interstate hauling, not intrastate hauling. 
• You're part of a U.S. territory or a foreign government, both of which are ineligible for participation in the UCR program. 
• Your fleet includes vehicles solely for the intrastate transport of property, which you can exclude from your fleet count.
• You're a private carrier for passengers. 

The UCR Fee Calculation Method for Carriers 

Now that you know the answer to "How are UCR fees set for carriers?" you may wonder about the precise calculation method to ensure accuracy. Simply count your commercial trucks, excluding trailers, that travel across state lines, look for your fleet bracket, and check the fee schedule for that year. 

How To Apply and Pay for UCR Fees as a Carrier

To comply with UCR fees, you must apply for UCR registration and pay the fee before January 1 of the registration year. The open enrollment period, during which motor carriers can submit payments, varies each year. You must pay the fee annually according to your fleet size. 

To apply, complete and submit the motor carrier fee form with your payment. That's where FMCA Filings comes in. Let us help you complete your applications, submit forms, and ensure timely payments to avoid costly penalties. 

Learn More About UCR Fees With Our Help

If you're wondering, "How are UCR fees set?" as a carrier, you're not alone. Understanding carrier charges under UCR and the fee structure helps you avoid costly penalties and business delays for non-compliance. 

At FMCA Filings, we can assist with UCR filings, ensuring accurate data and timely submissions for motor carriers nationwide. Our filing company also offers an abundance of resources and tools on one convenient platform for motor carriers. To get started with your UCR filing, contact FMCA Filings online or use our convenient live chat feature to speak with a skilled representative.