What Are the UCR Filing Requirements?

FMCA Filings helps clients around the country with Unified Carrier Registration compliance under federal regulations. These UCR filing requirements apply to carriers operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce.

Below are the various UCR requirements and how service providers like FMCA Filings could help your company comply. The platform is streamlined and user-friendly, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to explore your options.

What Is Unified Carrier Registration?

The Unified Carrier Registration program is a federal initiative. It requires state governments to collect fees from covered motor carriers and other entities based on the size of their fleet of qualifying CMVs. Originally, the federal government proposed this program through the UCR Agreement with state governments to replace the Single State Registration System. 

Today, the UCR implements a uniform system for managing interstate carrier fees and database information. The program also creates a nationwide set of safety standards and regulatory requirements that trucking companies like yours will need to follow.

Who Must Comply With UCR Filing Requirements?

UCR registration applies to a wide range of entities, all of which operate vehicles defined in the UCR Agreement as CMVs involved in interstate commerce. For example:

• Interstate for-hire property and passenger carriers.
• Exempt motor carriers.
• Private property carriers.
• Freight forwarders.
• Brokers.
• Transport leasing companies.

Carriers from Canada or Mexico who operate inside the United States must also comply with these UCR requirements. 

UCR Filing Requirements

Overall, the UCR Agreement sets out the rules that apply to filing requirements. Here are some major areas the agreement covers.

FMCSA Annual Fees and Registration

Carriers must complete a new registration and pay applicable UCR fees annually. Most states' deadlines fall on December 31 of the year preceding the new registration year. 

Covered carriers must complete registration and pay the applicable fees before operating CMVs in interstate commerce in a covered year. 

Determining Fleet Size

The size of your covered fleet determines the applicable UCR fees. The number of CMVs your carrier operates in interstate commerce in that covered year will determine an assessed fee amount. 

Reporting an accurate CMV inventory each year is key, as the government enforces penalties for underreporting your fleet’s size. Overreporting errors simply mean more fees. There are no fee refunds for overreporting.

Here's a general breakdown of the fee tiers with UCR to ensure fees are scalable and equitable:

• 1-2 vehicles (the lowest fee bracket for owner-operators or small businesses).
• 3-5 vehicles.  
• 6-20 vehicles. 
• 21-100 vehicles.  
• 101 or more vehicles.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Every carrier with UCR filing requirements must maintain records for two years from the due date or the filing date of registration and payment of fees, whichever occurs later. The government allows carriers to maintain records in paper files or digitally. 

How to File UCR with FMCA Filings

If you’re managing UCR registration and other regulatory paperwork, you may benefit from the assistance of a service like FMCA Filings. The system offers added security and easier recordkeeping to avoid compliance errors and reduce the in-house administrative burden. In terms of the UCR filing process, this assistance might cover the following tasks:

• Determine coverage. Is your company required to file UCR registrations? FMCA Filings can check this based on your general operation as an interstate transporter.
• Assemble documents. FMCA Filings can gather your business details, USDOT number, and applicable vehicle information.
• Consult. Clients may contact FMCA Filings via an online portal and support network.
• Complete registration. FMCA Filings’ team accurately completes online forms with your provided information.
• Submit and pay fees. FMCA Filings can help you pay the fee for your fleet size.

Within a few days, the UCR system confirms receipt of registration and payment through FMCA Filings. The team then maintains all of your records in a secure, accessible database.  

UCR Compliance and Enforcement

The government enforces the UCR Agreement through various administrative actions. Let’s consider the pros and cons of compliance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

UCR registration non-compliance can lead to various consequences, including:

• Financial penalties. Late registrations and honest errors alike draw substantial fines.
• Operational disruption. Some forms of non-compliance mean the suspension of your legal operations. 
• Legal action. Repeated or aggravated non-compliance with UCR filing requirements may result in legal action that can threaten your ongoing operations. 

Benefits of Assured Compliance with FMCA Filings

Clearly, compliance is crucial for a smooth trucking and transport operation. Besides less risk of penalties and legal issues and a greater sense of security, some benefits of working with a team like FMCA Filings include:

• Ongoing proof of annual registration.
• Accurate fleet reporting.
• Proof of timely payments.

Rely on FMCA Filings for UCR Filing Compliance

Interstate carriers will want to nail the UCR filing requirements to avoid penalties and fleet downtime. The purpose of UCR requirements is safety on the roads. Why not let FMCA Filings help your company stay on top of its compliance?

Contact FMCA Filings today about UCR filing requirements and any other DOT compliance matters!