UCR Fees and Payment Tiers Based on Fleet Size

Nov. 5, 2025, 8:13 p.m.
Here’s a complete and clear explanation of UCR Fees and Payment Tiers Based on Fleet Size — updated to reflect current structure and practical details for U.S. motor carriers:
UCR Fees and Payment Tiers Based on Fleet Size

UCR Fees and Payment Tiers Based on Fleet Size (United States)

Overview

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is an annual registration system that requires commercial motor carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies, and brokers who operate in interstate commerce to pay fees based on the size of their fleet.

The funds collected support state highway safety and enforcement programs across participating states.

How UCR Fees Are Determined

UCR fees are calculated based on the number of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that a company operates in interstate or international commerce under a single USDOT number.

These vehicles include:

  • Power units (tractors, trucks, or buses)

  • Leased or owned vehicles operating under the carrier’s authority

Note: Trailers are not counted toward fleet size for UCR purposes.

UCR Fee Schedule (2025 Registration Year)

(Rates established by the UCR Board and approved by the FMCSA)

Fleet Size (Number of Power Units) UCR Fee (2025)
0 – 2 $129
3 – 5 $275
6 – 20 $499
21 – 100 $1,785
101 – 1,000 $9,985
1,001 and above $119,745

Who Must Pay

The following entities involved in interstate operations are subject to UCR fees:

  1. Motor Carriers (Private and For-Hire)

  2. Brokers

  3. Freight Forwarders

  4. Leasing Companies

Brokers, leasing companies, and freight forwarders that do not operate CMVs typically pay the lowest tier (0–2).

When to Pay

  • Annual registration period: Opens October 1 for the next calendar year.

  • Deadline: Registration must be completed by December 31 before the new year begins.

  • Example: 2026 UCR registration opens October 1, 2025, and must be paid before January 1, 2026.

How to Pay

The easiest and most secure method is via the  UCR website:
www.fmcsa.me

Steps:

  1. Go to www.fmcsa.me

  2. Click “Register and Pay”

  3. Enter your USDOT number

  4. Verify fleet size

  5. Pay using credit/debit card or ACH bank transfer

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without a valid UCR registration may result in:

  • Fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 per violation, depending on the state

  • Vehicle detention or out-of-service orders

  • Negative impact on FMCSA compliance records

Key Takeaways

  • UCR fees depend on fleet size, not revenue.

  • All carriers operating interstate must register annually.

  • Registration and payment are handled through ucr.gov.

  • Always register before December 31 to avoid penalties.