UCR registration: who files, what it costs, when it is due
Unified Carrier Registration is a yearly federal fee for companies that run trucks or arrange freight across state lines. Registration for 2027 opened on October 1, 2026 and is due by December 31, 2026. Here is who has to file, the fee for your fleet size, and how to file it.
SamScheduling AgentTakes every load in your system and finds the optimal assignment across your fleet.
TommyTracking AgentProvides live ETAs on every active load and flags exceptions before they become problems.
ArunaAsset Management AgentTracks every tractor, trailer, and driver, and flags issues before they turn into firefights.
Who has to register
UCR applies to interstate and international operations, whether you haul for hire or haul your own goods. A company that only runs inside one state does not register.
- Motor carriers running commercial vehicles across state lines, for hire or private.
- Freight brokers and freight forwarders.
- Leasing companies that lease vehicles with drivers.
- Brokers, forwarders and leasing companies with no trucks pay the smallest bracket.
2027 UCR fees by fleet size
The fee depends on how many commercial vehicles you own or operate. FMCSA raised the fees about 20% for 2027. Fees are not prorated, so a carrier that starts in December pays the full year.
| Vehicles | 2027 fee | 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | $55 | $46 |
| 3 to 5 | $167 | $138 |
| 6 to 20 | $333 | $276 |
| 21 to 100 | $1,163 | $963 |
| 101 to 1,000 | $5,548 | $4,592 |
| 1,001 or more | $54,165 | $44,836 |
The amount ucr.gov shows when you file is the one you owe.
How to file
Filing takes a few minutes online at the official UCR site. Have your USDOT number and your vehicle count ready.
- 01.
Check your record
Confirm your USDOT number is active and your fleet size is current. Look it up here.
- 02.
Count your vehicles
Use the power units from your latest MCS-150, or the vehicles you ran in the 12 months ending June 30.
- 03.
Register and pay
File at ucr.gov, the official site. Third-party sites charge a service fee on top of the federal one.
- 04.
Keep the receipt
Enforcement starts January 1. Officers check UCR status by USDOT number at the roadside.
Questions
When is UCR due for 2027?
Registration for 2027 opened on October 1, 2026. File by December 31, 2026; enforcement of the new year starts January 1, 2027.
Do I need UCR if I only drive in one state?
No. UCR is for interstate and international operations. An intrastate-only carrier follows its own state rules instead.
How much is UCR for an owner-operator?
An owner-operator with one or two trucks pays the smallest bracket: $55 for 2027, up from $46 for 2026.
Is UCR the same as IFTA or IRP?
No. UCR is a yearly federal registration fee. IFTA is quarterly fuel tax, and IRP is apportioned plates. Most interstate carriers need all three.
What happens if I do not register?
An officer can fine you at a roadside stop, and the fine varies by state. Registering late still clears it from the date you file.
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