You MUST file UCR in Montana if you are:
Motor Carriers (For-Hire or Private)
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Operate across state lines
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Transport property or passengers
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Use vehicles that:
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Have a GVW or GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more, or
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Have 3 or more axles, or
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Transport placarded hazardous materials
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Owner-Operators
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Operating under your own authority or leased to another carrier
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Engaged in interstate commerce
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Even one truck = UCR required
Passenger Carriers
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Transport passengers interstate
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Includes charter buses, vans, and private carriers for compensation or business use
Brokers, Freight Forwarders & Leasing Companies
You must file UCR even if you do not own trucks, if you are:
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A freight broker
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A freight forwarder
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A motor carrier leasing company
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Operating under an active USDOT or MC number
Who Does NOT Need to File UCR?
You generally do not need UCR if:
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You operate strictly intrastate within Montana
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Your vehicles are under 10,001 lbs, non-placarded, and non-commercial
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You operate farm vehicles or qualify for specific exemptions
Important: If you ever cross state lines, even once, UCR becomes mandatory.
Key Things to Know
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UCR is required annually
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Fees are based on the number of vehicles
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UCR is separate from IRP, IFTA, and DOT registration
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Enforcement can happen during roadside inspections or audits
Pro Tip
If you have a USDOT number and operate interstate, assume UCR is required unless you clearly qualify for an exemption.