Who from Canada or Mexico needs to comply with UCR
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The UCR program applies to carriers based in Canada or Mexico if they operate in the U.S. — even if their principal headquarters are outside the U.S.
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This includes:
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For-hire or private motor carriers transporting property or passengers across U.S. state lines.
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Freight forwarders, leasing companies, and brokers (if operating in interstate/international commerce).
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So if a Canadian or Mexican carrier drives or delivers cargo/passengers in U.S. interstate or international commerce, they must register under UCR.
How UCR works for foreign (Canada/Mexico) carriers
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Registration is done through the official UCR system for the registration year.
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Carriers must report how many “commercial motor vehicles” they operate (excluding trailers) — i.e. self-propelled vehicles used to transport cargo or passengers on highways in commerce.
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Based on fleet size (number of those vehicles), a fixed annual fee applies.
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Brokers, freight-forwarders or leasing companies that do not operate vehicles themselves pay the lowest fee tier.
Who from Canada/Mexico is Not Required to Register
There are some exceptions — even for carriers crossing into the U.S.:
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Entities that are purely intrastate carriers (i.e. operate only within one U.S. state and do not do interstate or international commerce) — such carriers are generally not subject to UCR.
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Private passenger carriers (when transporting passengers in certain private-noncommercial contexts) may also be exempt depending on the nature of their operation.
Timing & Procedure for Canadian/Mexican Carriers
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UCR registration must be renewed every year.
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You register via the official website of the UCR Program.
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When registering, you must declare the number of relevant vehicles (as defined) to determine the correct fee bracket.
Why UCR Applies to Foreign Carriers
The UCR is not limited to U.S.-based carriers: under the governing agreement, “motor carriers based in Canada and Mexico that operate in the U.S.” are explicitly covered.
This ensures all carriers operating in interstate or international commerce (regardless of home country) contribute to the fee pool — which helps states fund safety, enforcement and infrastructure programs.