What is the Unified Carrier Registration?

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program

The UCR program is a federally-mandated system for registering companies involved in interstate or international commerce. The agreement requires any motor carrier, broker or freight forwarder to register annually. It is essentially a state revenue program but has been established under federal law. The plan has been set in place for state governments to collect fees from companies based on fleet size. Companies without a fleet, such as brokers, are required to pay the lowest fee. 

States not participating in the UCR Program

Not all states participate in UCR but it should be emphasized that interstate businesses are still subject to UCR fees even if they are based in a nonparticipating state.

A state is not required to take part in the UCR program, and not all states do. The states that do not participate in UCR are: 

Arizona 

Maryland 

Oregon 

Florida 

Nevada 

Vermont 

Hawaii 

New Jersey 

Wyoming 

Again your state may not participate but your company is still required if it operates interstate. Your state is simply not receiving the revenue from your fees. Your UCR would be registered in the nearest participating state.

What are the penalties for not registering?

Each participating state can impose their own penalties so the risk will vary. If you get caught operating interstate commerce without a current UCR on file, fines could be anywhere from $100 to $5000 for first offenses. Enforcement officers may even detain vehicles of motor carriers. A yearly fee is easier to take care of than risking fines, loss of revenue from a detained vehicle, or an infraction on your record.

Need help registering for your UCR? US Compliance Services can help you out. Call us today to make sure you are up-to-date for 2021. 1-877-405-5003