What Triggers a UCR Audit?

When your operation needs to function under the UCR (Unified Carrier Registration Agreement), you have to submit quite a bit of information. If you make an error during the filing, you could become the subject of a UCR audit. Learn more about avoiding this problem when you file your UCR registration 2025 version and how FMCA Filings can help you.

Situations That Could Spark a UCR Audit

UCR is an interstate compact established by federal law in 2005. Any commercial vehicle owners participating in interstate and international commerce must register with UCR. The fees from registration pay for highway safety programs and carrier safety management programs.

More than 40 states participate in the UCR program. Participating states are responsible for generating UCR audits rather than federal authorities. The following events potentially qualify as UCR audit-triggering events.

Moving to a Lower Payment Bracket

Companies pay UCR fees based on the number of vehicles in their fleets. UCR organizes the number of vehicles into tiers to assign the fees.

If an operator tries to move from a higher tier to a lower tier, this triggers an automatic audit. The state must ensure the operator has removed the correct number of vehicles from its fleet to qualify for a lower tier.

Incorrect Number of Vehicles in the Records

Operators must complete multiple forms about their business and fleet, including the MCS-150 form (Motor Carrier Identification Report). FMCA Filings can help you correctly complete the MCS-150 form, which specifies the fleet size and mileage traveled.

If the number of vehicles in the fleet on the MCS-150 form does not match the UCR, this triggers an automatic audit.

Potential Underpayment of UCR Fees

When a state finds evidence that an operator intentionally or unintentionally underpaid UCR fees, it triggers an audit. Our team at FMCA Filings ensures that you pay the correct amount when filing, eliminating the chance of unintentional errors triggering the UCR audit.

Discrepancies in Income Reporting on Tax Forms

If your operation’s income tax filings include deductions that other similarly sized fleets do not take, you might receive a UCR registration audit. If your reported income levels fall outside the norm for a fleet your size, it could also trigger an audit of your registration.

For operators who claim significant business expenses that might qualify as personal expenses instead, states might run a UCR registration audit. 

Problems With the IRP Report

The International Registration Plan (IRP) program allows an operator to work in multiple states using one registration. The base state sends fees to each state included in an operator’s IRP.

However, operators participating in an IRP agree to regular UCR audits to ensure correct records. The percentage of fees each state receives through IRP depends on accurate UCR registrations.

Potential Penalties If You Fail a UCR Audit

It’s important to perform UCR audit preparation steps to try to protect your business from various penalties, including:

• Financial penalties
• Suspension of operation 
• License revocation
• Suspended vehicle registration

Even though UCR was established through a federal law, the states impose fines on operators who fail UCR audits. These fines typically range from $100 to $5,000, although some are higher. 

Some states generate fines per violation, meaning a large operation could have dozens of trucks that fail the audit. You might receive a smaller fine as a first-time offender, but each state’s rules differ.

Checking Your UCR Status

When you have an existing UCR audit occurring, you might want to check on your UCR status to make sure everything is correct. 

At FMCA Filings, we simplify the process of checking where your UCR registration stands. When you use our filing service, just enter your USDOT number on our website to view your registration status. 

Our work helps you avoid the fallout from a UCR audit, new entrant safety audit, and DOT compliance audit. We ensure your records remain in order and help you comply with all regulations.

Don’t Risk Falling out of UCR Compliance — Contact FMCA Filings Today

At FMCA Filings, we are the experts for maintaining compliance with UCR and any other federal filings required for interstate commerce. Failing a DOT audit or UCR audit can throw a wrench into the operation of your business and leave you subject to penalties and fines. 

When our team helps you through the registration process, we ensure you file your UCR on time and accurately. We never cut corners when serving our clients, saving them time when filing. To learn more about how we can help with your interstate commerce registration needs, contact us online today and chat with one of our representatives!