What Is a UCR Filing, and When Is It Necessary?

If you work as a private carrier, broker, or interstate carrier, you need to know about UCR filings. If you engage in interstate commerce by transporting freight across state lines, there's a good chance you'll need a UCR.

Failure to comply with the UCR system can result in paying a fine or having your truck pulled off to the side of the road. This blog will explore the UCR system in more depth, including who needs it and what happens if your state doesn't require one.

Explore the UCR in More Depth

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR) stipulates that companies, organizations, and individuals operating commercial vehicles—such as semi-trucks—in international or interstate commerce must register their operations in their home state.

You also need to pay an annual UCR fee based on the total size of your fleet. Money generated from these fees helps enforce essential motor carrier safety initiatives.

You must pay a fee on a vehicle if you use it for commercial purposes on the highway and if it meets at least one of the following conditions:

• Can transport 11+ passengers, including the driver
• A GVW (gross vehicle weight) or GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of at least 10,001 pounds
• The vehicle transports hazardous materials

Companies or individuals must register and pay a UCR fee of $69 if they serve as freight brokers or function as leasing companies forwarding freight.

Motor Carrier Level Fee

A company that handles broker freight and provides leasing services or acts as a freight forwarder needs to also pay the motor carrier level fee. This fee varies depending on how many fleets they operate, as stipulated by the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement for Registration.

When Do I Need To Fill Out My UCR Registration?

Knowing the answer to "What is a UCR filing?" includes knowing when to register. If you or your company must fill out the UCR form, then you must renew it every year. You must renew this form by December 31st, but registration generally opens on October 1st. 

What Consequences Can Happen if I Don't File My UCR Form?

Not filing or renewing your UCR can result in different consequences. For starters, you may need to pay extra penalties or fines. Depending on your state and whether or not it represents your first offense, you can expect to pay between $100 and $5,000 or more.

If law enforcement catches you or your employees driving over state lines without a UCR, they can detain your fleet vehicles.

Do I Need To File a UCR if My State Doesn't Participate?

Currently, 41 states participate in the UCR program, with nine states not participating, including Oregon, Hawaii, Florida, and Nevada. If you cross state lines, you still need a UCR. You must do so in the closest participating state.

Ensure You Stay in Compliance Today

To learn more about the question, "What is a UCR filing?" our expert team can give you more insight. Reach out to FMCA Filings through our site to request our services!