Who Must Register for UCR in Arkansas?

Feb. 12, 2026, 5:03 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program applies to motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, including those based in Arkansas. If your company crosses state lines or participates in interstate transportation, you may be required to register and pay annual UCR fees. Understanding who must register helps you avoid penalties, enforcement actions, and compliance issues.
Who Must Register for UCR in Arkansas?

What Is UCR?

UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) is a federally mandated program that requires certain interstate carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies to register annually and pay fees based on fleet size.

Arkansas participates in the UCR agreement and enforces compliance through state agencies and roadside inspections.

 Who Must Register for UCR in Arkansas?

You must register for UCR if your business is based in Arkansas and you:

 Operate in Interstate Commerce

  • Transport goods or passengers across state lines

  • Haul freight that originates or terminates outside Arkansas

  • Participate in interstate supply chains (even if you don’t physically cross state lines)

If you have an active USDOT number and operate interstate, UCR likely applies.

 Operate Commercial Motor Vehicles

UCR applies to motor carriers operating vehicles that meet federal commercial vehicle definitions, including:

  • Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more

  • Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards

  • Vehicles designed to transport more than 10 passengers (for compensation)

 Are a Broker or Freight Forwarder

Even if you do not operate trucks, you must register for UCR if you are:

  • A property broker

  • A freight forwarder

  • A leasing company involved in interstate commerce

Fleet size does not affect brokers and forwarders — they pay a base UCR fee.

 Own Commercial Vehicles for Interstate Use

Leasing companies that own commercial vehicles used in interstate commerce must also register under UCR.

 Who Does NOT Need to Register?

You generally do NOT need UCR in Arkansas if:

  • You operate strictly intrastate (only within Arkansas)

  • You do not meet the federal definition of a commercial motor vehicle

  • You are a private individual not engaged in interstate commerce

However, if your business activities change, UCR requirements may apply.

 How Fees Are Determined

UCR fees are based on the total number of commercial vehicles in your fleet that operate in interstate commerce.

  • 0–2 vehicles: Lowest tier

  • 3–5 vehicles

  • 6–20 vehicles

  • 21–100 vehicles

  • 101–1,000 vehicles

  • 1,001+ vehicles

Fees are paid annually and must be renewed each registration year.

 What Happens If You Don’t reminder?

Failure to register can result in:

  • Fines and penalties

  • Delays during roadside inspections

  • Enforcement actions by Arkansas authorities

  • Possible FMCSA compliance issues

UCR compliance is monitored electronically and during inspections.

 Summary

You must register for UCR in Arkansas if you:

  • Operate in interstate commerce

  • Maintain an active USDOT number for interstate activity

  • Operate qualifying commercial vehicles

  • Act as a broker, freight forwarder, or leasing company

Annual registration is mandatory and must be renewed each year to remain compliant.

 

Who Must Register for UCR in Arkansas?