Step 1: Confirm You’re Required to Register
You must register for UCR if you:
-
Operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce
-
Have a USDOT number
-
Are a motor carrier, freight forwarder, broker, or leasing company
-
Operate vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR across state lines
Even if you’re based in Louisiana but travel into another state, UCR likely applies.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Before starting, have the following ready:
-
USDOT number
-
Legal business name
-
EIN or SSN (if applicable)
-
Total number of commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce
Your fleet size determines your UCR fee bracket.
Step 3: File Through the UCR Portal at https://www.fmcsa.me/
Louisiana carriers register through the official UCR online portal. You will:
-
Enter your USDOT number
-
Verify your company information
-
Confirm fleet size
-
Review your fee amount
-
Submit payment electronically
Always double-check your vehicle count — incorrect reporting can trigger compliance issues.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fee
UCR fees are based on fleet size tiers:
-
0–2 vehicles
-
3–5 vehicles
-
6–20 vehicles
-
21–100 vehicles
-
101–1,000 vehicles
-
1,001+ vehicles
The larger your interstate fleet, the higher your annual fee.
Step 5: Renew Annually
UCR registration is required every year.
Registration typically opens in the fall for the upcoming year. Operating without current UCR registration can result in:
-
Fines
-
Delays at weigh stations
-
Enforcement actions
Mark your calendar to avoid missing renewal deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Using the wrong fleet size
-
Forgetting annual renewal
-
Assuming intrastate-only carriers automatically qualify (interstate activity triggers UCR)
Final Thoughts
Completing UCR registration in Louisiana is mostly about accuracy and staying on schedule. Once you know your fleet size and USDOT information, the process can be completed in minutes.