What the UCR Program Is
-
UCR is a national registration framework established under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 14504a).
-
It requires certain transportation businesses involved in interstate operations to register annually and pay a fee based on fleet size.
The state of Colorado enforces UCR compliance under both federal law and Colorado regulations.
Who Must Register
In Colorado, as elsewhere in the U.S., you must register under the UCR if you are engaged in interstate trucking and meet one or more of the following:
Required entities include:
-
Motor carriers (for-hire and private) transporting freight across state lines
-
Freight forwarders and brokers involved with interstate shipments
-
Leasing companies that provide vehicles for interstate transport
-
Commercial carriers (vehicles with GVWR over 10,001 lbs, those transporting 9+ passengers, or hazmat placarded vehicles)
Important Note: If you operate only intrastate (within Colorado or a single state) and never cross state lines, you are generally not required to register for UCR.
When UCR Is Due
-
The UCR registration period runs January 1 through December 31 each year.
-
The registration window typically opens October 1 of the preceding year.
-
All interstate carriers must register and pay fees before the end of the calendar year preceding the period of operation.
For example, the 2026 UCR registration period opened October 1, 2025 and must be completed by December 31, 2025.
How Fees Are Calculated
UCR fees are based on the number of commercial vehicles in your fleet used in interstate commerce — not miles driven, gross weight, or states entered.
Typical fee brackets include:
-
0–2 vehicles
-
3–5 vehicles
-
6–20 vehicles
-
And larger brackets based on total fleet size (fees rise significantly with more vehicles)
The fee structure is uniform for carriers nationwide, including those based in Colorado.
How to Register
-
Register online through the https://www.fmcsa.me/
-
You’ll need your USDOT number and details about the vehicles in your fleet.
-
Registration is annual and must be renewed each year for continued interstate operation.
Tip: Fees and registration deadlines apply even if you only cross state lines sporadically within a given calendar year.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating interstate without UCR compliance can lead to:
-
Fines and penalties under Colorado law and federal regulations
-
Enforcement actions during roadside inspections or FMCSA reviews
-
Potential impacts on your operating authority or safety record
Colorado specifically enforces UCR under state regulation, and non-compliance continues to be treated as a violation of Colorado trucking rules.
Key Takeaways
You must register under UCR if your trucking business in Colorado operates in interstate commerce.
Registration and annual fee payment are required every calendar year before January 1.
UCR fees are based on fleet size, not mileage or weight.
Brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies may also be required to register.
Failing to register can lead to penalties and enforcement actions.