UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION (UCR)
a/o September 5, 2007
Q: What is UCR?
A: In the simplest of terms - UCR is the new annual registration system for interstate motor carriers - regulated for-hire, exempt for-hire and private carriers. The UCR system additionally includes interstate freight forwarders, brokers and leasing companies.
UCR replaces the Single State Registration System (SSRS) along with the Interstate Exempt registrations, D-1 cab cards or bingo stamps and Interstate Private Carrier registration required by some states.
Q: Who is required to register and pay fees under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) System?
A: There are basically five (5) categories of interstate transportation operations that require a UCR -
1) Operations requiring a USDOT number for “interstate” transportation;
2) Operations requiring a MC or MX number from FMCSA (regulated authority);
3) Interstate brokers;
4) Interstate leasing companies; and,
5) Interstate freight forwarders.
Is appears, at this time, interstate exempt for-hire carriers conducting operations in vehicles that do not fit the definition of a “commercial motor vehicle” are not required to register under UCR.
Q: How much are the UCR fees?
A: Fees are based upon the nature of your operations and based upon the number of commercial motor vehicles (CMV - according to 49 U.S.C. § 31101) operated. Motor carriers may also have the option to “include” or “exclude” certain vehicles from the CMV count. Fees are not based upon the number of states CMVs operate in or through.
Categories 3 through 6 pay the lowest fee tier of 0-2 vehicles since they do not operate any CMVs (NOTE: Brokers, Leasing Companies or Freight forwarders that operate vehicles must pay based upon CMVs operated.
Please see the UCR Instruction Sheet for more information.
Q: Can I register on-line?
A: Yes you can! The Indiana Department of Revenue is hosting a national UCR Self-Registration System (which will be available on September 10, 2007). On September 10th, you can go to: http://www.ucr.in.gov/
You can register, pay the UCR fees for your interstate operations and receive a confirmation notice of payment made. In addition to the UCR fee, you will be charged:
a $3.00 transaction fee (regardless of type of payment)
plus
$ 1.00 if payment by E-check
or
If using a credit card (VISA and MC accepted), the following additional fees
will apply:
Tier 1 (0- 2 CMVs) $ 1.86
Tier 2 (3- 5 CMVs) $ 2.90
Tier 3 (6-20 CMVs) $ 5.70
Tier 4 (21-100 CMVs) $ 20.15
Tier 5 (101 - 1000 CMVs) $ 96.00
Tier 6 (1001 or more CMVs) $ 937.50
Q: How do I get a UCR application form?
A: Click Here! Remember though, the quickest way to register is on-line at http://www.ucr.in.gov.
The instruction sheet is a separate document - click here!
Q: How do I determine which state is my “base” state?
A: If your principle place of business is in a participating state - you must use that state as your base state.
If your principle place of business is not domiciled in a participating state - you must work through a “selection” process. Please see the UCR application instruction sheet for more details.
Q: Do I have to place proof of insurance on file with a state as a part of UCR?
A: Filing of proof of insurance will not be part of the 2007 UCR registration process, but will likely play a role in the 2008 UCR registration process. You must continue to maintain proper insurance and insurance filings as required by FMCSA and state and state agency requirements. NOTE: Interstate carriers with Oklahoma intrastate authority must continue to maintain proper insurance on file to maintain their intrastate authority in good standing.
Q: Do I have to carry a credential?
A: There is no credential issued under the UCR and therefore, there is no credential carrying requirement. A UCR “payment” confirmation may be provided to you for your records, but that confirmation is not required to be carried in a vehicle.
Q: What if I add more vehicles throughout the registration year?
A: “Supplemental” applications are not required under the UCR. Vehicles adding during a year will be paid for during the following registration year. The UCR requires the fee paid reflect the number of CMVs operated in the last reported MCS-150 form or in the preceding 12 month period. You must denote which criteria you are using under Section 4 of the UCR application.
Q: What happens if I don’t register under UCR?
A: Vehicles operated may be detained by enforcement officials across the nation and subject to enforcement action. States may also be conducting audits to ascertain proper fees have been paid. The type of enforcement action will be dependent upon each individual state. Roadside enforcement will begin in Oklahoma on or about November 15, 2007.
Q: How does this affect my Oklahoma intrastate authority?
A: If you have an intrastate for-hire or private carrier license, and by being properly registered under UCR, the Corporation Commission will know you are not required to “renew” your intrastate license or your annual identification devices. You must still maintain all other requirements of your license (such as insurance) and any other types of permits (such as hazardous, deleterious or fuel) or authority (such as a household goods certificate) held.
Q: When do I register for 2008 UCR and how much will the 2008 fees be?
A: The beginning of the 2008 UCR registration period has not yet been determined. It will likely be the first part of 2008. Watch this website for updated information.
Q: How do I get more information about UCR?
A: The National Conference of State Transportation Specialists (NCSTS) has a great deal of UCR information posted on their website including a UCR Board Questions and Answers document and the UCR Agreement.
You can also call the Corporation Commission Transportation Division at (405) 521-2251 or any UCR Participating State.