UCR Requirements for Carriers Operating Under Another Company’s Authority

1. The Key Rule: UCR Follows the Operating Authority

The most important principle:

The entity that holds the active USDOT/MC operating authority is responsible for UCR registration.

If you are operating under another motor carrier’s authority, YOU typically do not file your own UCR.

2. When the Motor Carrier Files UCR (Most Common Scenario)

If you are:

• a leased owner-operator,

• an independent contractor, or

• a carrier running exclusively under another company’s DOT/MC number,

then the parent motor carrier is the one who must:

File the UCR
Pay fees based on their total fleet
List all power units operating under their authority

You do NOT file your own UCR unless you have your own active operating authority.

3. When You Do Need Your Own UCR

You must file your own UCR if you:

A. Have your own active USDOT number used for interstate commerce

Even if you are currently leased to a carrier, if you occasionally run under your own authority, you must have your own UCR.

B. Have your own MC number—even if you’re not using it right now

If it is active, UCR is required.

C. You operate any portion of your business independently

Example:

• You haul leased loads under the carrier’s authority

• BUT also haul freight under your own DOT/MC
  → You must file your own UCR.

4. What If Your USDOT Number Is “Inactive” or “Not Authorized”?

If your authority is:

• Inactive,

• Not permitted, or

• Not authorized for interstate operations,

then you do not file UCR.

The UCR requirement starts only when the authority is active for interstate use.

5. How Enforcement Handles Leased Trucks

Roadside inspectors look at whose authority the driver is operating under at that moment.

They will check:

• USDOT number displayed on the truck

• Authority listed on the bill of lading

• Lease agreement (if applicable)

• Active UCR registration for that motor carrier

If the leasing motor carrier has an active UCR:

 You’re fully compliant
You do NOT need a separate UCR

If the leasing motor carrier did not file, you may be placed out of service or receive a citation under their authority, not yours.

6. How UCR Fees Are Calculated When Multiple Trucks Are Leased

UCR fees are based on:

The motor carrier’s total number of commercial motor vehicles operating under its authority.

This includes:

• Company-owned equipment

• Trucks leased from owner-operatorsAny vehicle operating under the carrier’s USDOT number

Owner-operators supplying a truck do not pay the fee themselves—the motor carrier does.

7. Example Scenarios (Simple Explanations)

Scenario 1: Owner-Operator Leased to a Carrier Only

• Operating under BigRoad Transport’s authority

• Your own USDOT exists but is not active
   BigRoad Transport files UCR
   You do NOT file

Scenario 2: Owner-Operator Who Sometimes Runs Independently

• You have your own active MC + USDOT

• Some loads under your own authority
   YOU must file your own UCR

Scenario 3: Small Fleet Leasing Onto a Larger Carrier

• Your trucks run entirely under the larger carrier’s MC number
   Larger carrier files UCR
   Your fleet does NOT file independently

8. How to Confirm Whether Your Authority Requires UCR

Check your USDOT status:

1. Visit the FMCSA SAFER database

2. Search your DOT number

3. Look for:

   • Operating Status: ACTIVE

   • Authorized for Property (or Passenger)

If these are active, you must file UCR—unless you never operate under your own authority.

If “Not Authorized,” “Inactive,” or “Carrier Not in Business,” you do NOT file.

9. Summary: Who Files UCR?