What Is the UCR Program?
The UCR program was established under federal law to fund motor carrier safety programs and enforcement across participating states. Carriers subject to UCR must register through the National Registration System (NRS) and pay an annual fee that varies based on the number of commercial vehicles the entity operates.
Who Must Register in Missouri?
Under Missouri’s administration of the UCR Agreement, the following entities are generally required to register if they operate in interstate commerce (i.e., crossing state lines or engaged in interstate transport):
-
Interstate motor carriers (for-hire and private).
-
Motor private carriers of property.
-
Freight forwarders.
-
Brokers and leasing companies.
These categories mirror the UCR plan’s federal requirements, which apply based on the carrier’s activities and commercial operations.
What Counts as a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
For UCR purposes, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) generally includes vehicles that:
-
Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
-
Are designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
-
Are used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding.
The total number of such vehicles owned or operated by a carrier (as reported on its most recent FMCSA MCS-150 form) determines the UCR fee bracket.
Registration Period & Renewal
-
UCR registrations open annually on October 1 for the upcoming registration year.
-
The registration period runs for the calendar year and expires on December 31.
-
Enforcement generally begins on January 1 of the enforcement year.
Carriers are strongly encouraged to register early to ensure compliance before enforcement actions begin.
How to Register
Missouri carriers (and carriers that designate Missouri as their base state) must complete their UCR registration online through the https://www.fmcsa.me/ . There are no paper forms or traditional invoices — all filing and payment are handled electronically.
Fees & Fleet Size Brackets
UCR fees are set by the UCR Plan and are uniform across states. Fees are based on the total number of commercial vehicles the business operates. While fee amounts are updated annually, they follow structured brackets (e.g., 0–2 vehicles, 3–5 vehicles, etc.).
Key Compliance Notes
-
UCR compliance is verified electronically — there is no paper credential to carry.
-
Carriers may be audited for discrepancies between reported fleet size and the most recent FMCSA MCS-150 filing.
-
Missouri levies penalties for failure to register before enforcement begins, so timely filing is critical.