Why Do I Need a KYU Number?

Every state has different laws regarding OTR transport. Keeping current with the state requirements for your entire route will help you avoid fines and prevent delayed deliveries, which could cost you future business and ruin your reputation in the industry.

If you don’t pass through Kentucky often, you may wonder, “Do I need a KYU number?” If you want to avoid fines and continue to transport through Kentucky, you do. This post will cover what a KYU number is, who needs one, and how to obtain yours. 

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings allows you to file online for the Kentucky weight distance tax. Have your USDOT number and email address handy to start the process. If you’re new to trucking, reach out with any questions via our online chat.

What Is a KYU Number?

A KYU number shows you registered your commercial vehicle with Kentucky and plan to travel through the state occasionally. Kentucky calculates the KYU tax according to how many miles a vehicle travels through the state. Even if you only drive through Kentucky once per year, you must obtain a KYU number.

Who Needs a KYU Number?

Commercial vehicles weighing over 60,000 pounds must obtain a KYU number if they pass through Kentucky. The Kentucky Weight Distance Tax goes toward maintaining the roads and protecting them against heavy vehicles like commercial transport trucks. A single application gives you a permanent KYU, so even if you travel through Kentucky once every few years, you only have to apply for the number once.

What If You’re a Trucker Based in Kentucky?

Trucking businesses based in Kentucky that travel outside the state must file for the International Fuel Tax Agreement. The KYU number is only for motor carriers based outside Kentucky that occasionally travel through the state.

What Do You Need To Obtain a KYU Number?

Before obtaining a KYU number, you must meet a few requirements. 

First, you must obtain a USDOT number to establish yourself as a trucker when you start driving professionally. Using your USDOT number, you must register as an interstate carrier, which lets the FMCSA know that you intend to cross state lines as a transport operator.

In addition to your USDOT number, you need an active MC number to drive an interstate route. 

The third thing you need is a Unified Carrier Registration. Failing to stay current will delay the process of getting your KYU number.

Ensure you have full documentation of your truck, including the license plate number and the combined licensed weight.

Failure to abide by these rules could be detrimental to your business, so it never hurts to ask an expert about the details to ensure you are doing everything aboveboard. This is sound business advice that every trucking company should follow.

Filing For a KYU Number

Once you have the necessary documentation, the next step is to apply for the KYU number. You can fill out the Kentucky Trucking Application Form online. Within two weeks, you should receive a letter in the mail containing your KYU number. 

Your KYU number stays in the system along with your USDOT number. You don’t have to worry about displaying a KYU number on your truck.

Kentucky Reporting Requirements

When researching the question, “Do I need a KYU number?” keep this in mind: Every federal motor carrier must file quarterly taxes in Kentucky. You must file even if you didn’t travel through Kentucky in a given quarter. 

You could lose your KYU number if you miss the deadline to file for any quarter. You could also end up losing a lot of business. You must also pay a “failure to file” fee and additional fees to reinstate your KYU number.

Kentucky makes it easy to file quarterly taxes no matter where you are to avoid fines. You can file online using your KYU account. They accept electronic payment. You should always print a physical copy of your quarterly taxes and keep them with the rest of your important documents. 

Keep Transport Operations Smooth With a KYU Number

If you drive a vehicle that weighs over 60,000 pounds for a trucking business based outside Kentucky, you will need to obtain a KYU number, even if you drive through the state infrequently. Each trucker must pay a Kentucky Weight Distance Tax determined by the distance driven throughout the state during each quarter of the year.

Now you know the answer to the question, “Do I need a KYU number?” Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings works to keep truckers updated on all FMCSA system updates and changes. If you have any questions about obtaining a KYU number or paying quarterly taxes, reach out to our online chat feature or fill out the contact form, and we will reach out to you.