What Is Unified Carrier Registration UCR and How It Works in Washington

Dec. 24, 2025, 5:22 p.m.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally required registration program for certain transportation companies operating in interstate commerce. If your trucking business is based in Washington State or runs loads across state lines through Washington, UCR compliance is mandatory. This guide explains what UCR is, who must register, how it works in Washington, and why it matters.
UCR in Washington

For Washington Permits visit here - https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/

 

Who Must Register for UCR in Washington?

You must file UCR if you operate in interstate commerce and are any of the following:

  • For-hire motor carriers

  • Private motor carriers

  • Owner-operators with active authority

  • Freight brokers

  • Freight forwarders

  • Leasing companies

Washington carriers operating only intrastate (within Washington only) are generally not required to file UCR—unless they also engage in interstate operations.

How UCR Works in Washington State

1. Annual Registration

Washington carriers must:

  • Register for UCR every calendar year

  • Update fleet size or entity type

  • Pay the applicable UCR fee before operating interstate

Registration is required even if you operate interstate only occasionally.

2. Fleet-Based Fee Structure

UCR fees are determined by:

  • Number of commercial motor vehicles in your fleet

  • Brokers and freight forwarders pay a flat annual fee

The fee structure is federal and uniform, meaning Washington carriers pay the same rates as carriers in other states.

3. Online Filing System

Washington carriers register through the  UCR online system using - https://www.fmcsa.me/

  • USDOT number

  • Company information

  • Fleet size data

Once filed, your compliance status is visible to enforcement agencies nationwide.

4. Enforcement in Washington

Washington actively enforces UCR through:

  • Weigh stations

  • Roadside inspections

  • Washington State Patrol (WSP)

  • FMCSA compliance audits

Failure to comply can result in citations, fines, or out-of-service orders, even if your business is registered in another state.

UCR and Other Washington Trucking Requirements

UCR is separate from other Washington and federal requirements:

Requirement Purpose
UCR Federal registration & fee
USDOT Number Carrier identification
MC Authority Interstate operating authority
IRP Apportioned plates
IFTA Fuel tax reporting
Washington permits State-specific compliance

 Filing IRP or IFTA does not replace UCR.

How UCR Affects New Washington Carriers

If you’re starting a trucking business in Washington:

  • UCR is required after receiving USDOT and MC authority

  • Must be completed before hauling interstate loads

  • Must be renewed annually, regardless of business activity

Many new carriers mistakenly overlook UCR, which can cause early compliance problems.

Penalties for Not Filing UCR in Washington

Non-compliance may lead to:

  • State-issued fines

  • Delays at weigh stations

  • Failed roadside inspections

  • Problems during FMCSA audits

Penalties can apply even if the oversight was unintentional.

Why UCR Matters for Washington Carriers

  • Keeps your interstate operations legal

  • Prevents enforcement delays and fines

  • Ensures clean compliance records

  • Required nationwide—not just in Washington

Even one interstate load triggers the UCR requirement.

Final Thoughts

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a simple but critical compliance requirement for Washington carriers operating interstate. Annual registration, accurate fleet reporting, and timely renewal help keep your business moving without interruptions.

Staying UCR-compliant protects your authority, avoids penalties, and ensures smooth operations across state lines.

 

https://www.utc.wa.gov/UCR