What Is the UCR Program and How It Applies in Kentucky

Dec. 23, 2025, 3:18 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally mandated registration system that requires certain commercial transportation companies to register annually and pay a fee based on the size of their fleet. The program applies nationwide, including Kentucky, and helps fund state enforcement of interstate motor carrier safety regulations.
UCR Program in Kentucky

Apply for Annual UCR Certificate here - https://www.fmcsa.me/

KYU, Trip and Fuel Permits for Kentucky are avaliable at  https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/

 

What Is the UCR Program?

The UCR Program applies to for-hire and private motor carriers, as well as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies that operate in interstate commerce.

Under UCR, businesses must:

  • Register once per year

  • Pay a fee based on the number of commercial vehicles

  • Keep registration active and verifiable for enforcement checks

Unlike IRP or IFTA, UCR is not a permit or license—it’s a registration and fee system tied to your USDOT number.

 How the UCR Program Applies in Kentucky

Kentucky participates fully in the UCR Program and actively enforces compliance.

Who in Kentucky Must Register?

You must register for UCR if you are based in Kentucky or operate through Kentucky and you:

  • Operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce

  • Have an active USDOT number

  • Are a broker, freight forwarder, or leasing company involved in interstate transportation

This includes:

  • Kentucky trucking companies hauling loads across state lines

  • Owner-operators running interstate

  • Kentucky-based companies dispatching interstate freight

 Intrastate vs Interstate in Kentucky

  • Interstate operations →  UCR registration required

  • Purely intrastate operations within Kentucky only →  UCR generally not required

 However, if your USDOT number is active for interstate commerce, you may still be flagged during enforcement—even if you think you operate intrastate only.

 UCR Fees (Overview)

UCR fees are based on fleet size, not miles traveled or revenue.
Examples:

  • 0–2 vehicles → lowest fee tier

  • Larger fleets → higher annual fees

Fees are paid once per year and cover all UCR states, including Kentucky.

 UCR Enforcement in Kentucky

Kentucky enforces UCR through:

  • Weigh stations

  • Roadside inspections

  • Compliance audits

If you are not registered or under-registered, Kentucky can:

  • Issue citations or fines

  • Place the vehicle out of service

  • Require immediate registration and payment

 Key Takeaways for Kentucky Carriers

  • UCR is mandatory for Kentucky-based interstate carriers

  • Registration is annual and tied to your USDOT number

  • Kentucky actively enforces UCR compliance

  • Failure to comply can lead to costly penalties and delays

 

https://drive.ky.gov/Motor-Carriers/Pages/Commercial-Motor-Vehicle-Credentials.aspx