What Is Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and How It Works in Kentucky

Dec. 29, 2025, 5:52 p.m.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federal program that requires certain motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies to register annually and pay a fee based on fleet size. Kentucky participates fully in the UCR program and enforces its requirements on carriers operating within and through the state.
UCR in Kentucky

What Is UCR?

UCR is an agreement among U.S. states that simplifies the registration and fee system for interstate commercial transportation. Instead of registering separately in every state, eligible carriers register once per year and are authorized to operate in all participating states, including Kentucky.

UCR applies to businesses involved in interstate commerce using commercial motor vehicles.

Who Must Register for UCR in Kentucky?

You must register for UCR if your business:

  • Operates interstate (crosses state lines)

  • Has a valid USDOT number

  • Is one of the following:

    • Motor carrier (for-hire or private)

    • Owner-operator

    • Freight broker

    • Freight forwarder

    • Leasing company

    • Even if your business is based outside Kentucky, you must be UCR-compliant to operate in or through the state.

Who Is Exempt from UCR?

You may be exempt if you:

  • Operate strictly intrastate within Kentucky

  • Use vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR

  • Transport only exempt commodities

  • Are a government entity

However, exemptions can be limited—many carriers assume they’re exempt when they’re not.

How UCR Works in Kentucky

  1. Determine your fleet size
    Fleet size is based on the number of commercial motor vehicles reported to FMCSA.

  2. Register annually
    Registration is required every year, even if your fleet size hasn’t changed.

  3. Pay the UCR fee
    Fees are tiered by fleet size and set at the federal level.

  4. Operate legally in Kentucky and other UCR states
    Once registered, you do not need separate UCR filings in each state.

Kentucky uses UCR fees to support motor carrier safety enforcement, including roadside inspections and compliance programs.

UCR Fees (Based on Fleet Size)

UCR fees increase as fleet size increases. Typical brackets include:

  • 0–2 vehicles

  • 3–5 vehicles

  • 6–20 vehicles

  • 21–100 vehicles

  • Larger fleet tiersBrokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies usually pay the lowest flat fee.

UCR Renewal Deadline in Kentucky

  • UCR registration opens: October 1

  • Deadline: December 31 (for the following year)

Late registration can result in citations, fines, or out-of-service orders.

How Kentucky Enforces UCR

Kentucky enforces UCR through:

  • Roadside inspections

  • Weigh stations

  • Compliance audits

  • Data sharing with FMCSA

Failure to register can lead to civil penalties and delays.

UCR vs Other Trucking Registrations

Program Purpose
UCR Annual registration & fee
USDOT Federal carrier identification
IRP Apportioned vehicle registration
IFTA Fuel tax reporting

UCR does not replace IRP, IFTA, or operating authority—it complements them.

Key Takeaways for Kentucky Carriers

 UCR is mandatory for most interstate carriers
 Kentucky actively enforces UCR compliance
 Registration is annual, even with no changes
 One registration covers all UCR states

 

UCR in Kentucky