Who Must Register
If you are a Minnesota-based entity engaged in interstate transportation of goods or passengers, you generally must register under the UCR program before operating. This includes:
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Motor carriers
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Freight forwarders
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Brokers
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Leasing companies
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Private carriers operating across state lines
You must have a USDOT Number before registering for UCR. If your operations are strictly intrastate (only within Minnesota), you typically do not need UCR — but check business classification rules, as some exceptions apply.
Registration Period and Deadlines
The UCR year runs January 1 through December 31.
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Renewals open in late fall (usually December of the prior year).
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Carriers must register each year and pay fees that correspond to the number of vehicles in their fleet.
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Operating without a current UCR registration after January 1 can result in fines or out-of-service orders.
Fees Based on Fleet Size
UCR fees are tiered based on the number of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that a carrier operates in interstate commerce. Larger fleets pay higher fees; smaller fleets pay less. Vehicles counted typically include those over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Minnesota-based carriers must ensure the correct vehicle count is used when selecting their UCR fee tier.
How to Register
Minnesota carriers register through the UCR system at https://www.fmcsa.me/
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Go to the https://www.fmcsa.me/
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Enter your USDOT Number
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Select your fleet size tier
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Pay the corresponding annual fee
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Save your receipt/confirmation as proof of registration
There is no separate Minnesota state UCR system — the registration is centralized at the federal level.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Operating without a current UCR registration can lead to:
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Fines
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Out-of-service orders
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FMCSA enforcement actions during inspections
Minnesota State Patrol or other roadside enforcement agencies can check your UCR status during inspections.
Key Takeaway
Minnesota-based carriers engaged in interstate operations must register annually under the Unified Carrier Registration program, pay the appropriate fees based on fleet size, and maintain proof of registration. Compliance keeps your fleet legal and avoids costly fines.