Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
UCR 2026 Registration is Open Now!
What is the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is an annual program that requires most interstate carriers and certain businesses involved in interstate commerce to register and pay fees based on the number of power units in their fleet.
If you cross state or international borders in a commercial motor vehicle, UCR compliance is part of staying legal on the road. Missing or late UCR registration can result in roadside enforcement, fines, and even vehicles being held out of service. Registering on time keeps your trucks moving and avoids unnecessary interruptions.
How We Can Help You
FleetXceed Solutions Private Limited takes care of all your UCR registration needs, ensuring your filing is accurate, timely, and compliant. We handle the details so you don’t have to—whether you’re just getting started or renewing for another year.
We support operations that are intrastate, interstate, and cross-border, processing the required paperwork on your behalf. Our team assists trucking companies, brokers, motor carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies, and other businesses that use commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. FleetXceed is a private, third-party registration service you can rely on for UCR and other DOT compliance filings—we are not a government agency, and you’re always free to register directly at www.ucr.gov.
Does UCR Apply to Your Business?
If you operate in interstate commerce (crossing state lines), UCR applies to the following categories:
- Motor carriers of property, both for-hire and private (including Ag-exempt farmers)
- For-hire passenger motor carriers (vehicles carrying 10+ passengers, including the driver)
- Freight Forwarders (FF)
- Brokers
- Leasing companies that lease vehicles without drivers to interstate motor carriers or FF
What Happens If You Fail to Get a UCR Registration?
Failing to pay your UCR can severely impact your business. Enforcement officials can detain your vehicle and impose significant fines. Penalties vary by state and may include fines and roadside enforcement actions. It’s crucial to renew your UCR on time to avoid these costly distractions.
If you need help with your initial registration or have questions about renewing, our team of professionals is here to provide efficient, accurate, and timely management of your filings and registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Am I exempt from registering for UCR as an ag-exempt farmer?
No. If you cross state lines in a commercial motor vehicle, you are required to register for UCR. Your agricultural exemption does not apply to UCR.
Who is exempt from UCR?
The primary exemptions include:
• Private motor carriers of passengers (for example, churches, schools, or businesses transporting their own employees)
• Motor carriers that operate solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers
When is UCR due for 2026?
UCR is an annual registration. For the 2026 registration year, carriers are expected to renew by December 31, 2025 to avoid enforcement beginning January 1, 2026.
What if my operation is intrastate only?
If you operate only within one state (pure intrastate commerce) and do not cross state or international borders, you generally do not need to register for UCR. If you ever move freight or passengers in interstate or international commerce, UCR applies—even if this happens only once during the year.
UCR Registration Renewal – Participating States
Currently, approximately 41 U.S. states participate in the UCR registration program. If your business is based in a non-participating state, you are still required to register for UCR if you operate in interstate or international commerce. In that case, you must select a participating “base state” for your filing.
What if my state is not part of the UCR Agreement?
Even if your state does not participate in the UCR Agreement, you must still file UCR if you operate in interstate commerce. This also applies to Canadian-based and other foreign carriers operating into the U.S. We can help you choose an appropriate base state and complete your filing.
How do I check if my UCR is already paid?
You can verify your UCR status by visiting www.ucr.gov/enforcement/ and searching with your USDOT Number or company name, or by checking with your base state enforcement agency. If you’re unsure, contact us and we can help review your status.
What are the most common mistakes carriers make with UCR?
• Counting trailers instead of power units
• Selecting the wrong fleet size bracket
• Forgetting to file for missing years
• Assuming intrastate operations are exempt when they sometimes include interstate freight
How Much Does UCR Cost?
UCR registration fees are based on your fleet size. Annual fees are required by December 31st and support state enforcement, road maintenance, and driving safety. Ensure payment before your initial interstate journey to avoid penalties and vehicle impoundment. Obtain your UCR Registration to ensure unrestricted travel across the United States and beyond!
UCR fees are set each year by the UCR Plan and are based on the number of power units in your fleet. On our checkout page, you simply enter your eligible power units and passenger vehicles (if any), and our system calculates:
• The official UCR fee for your fleet size, and
• FleetXceed’s service fee for preparing, filing, and supporting your registration.