Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The UCR Program requires all individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business and pay an annual fee based on the size of the fleet.

The deadline for Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) was December 31, 2008. The UCR registration packets were mailed to motor carriers in Texas on October 10, 2008.

UCR Scope

With regard to interstate operations, provisions of the UCR affect the following:

  • Motor carriers
  • Motor private carriers
  • Freight forwarders
  • Brokers
  • Leasing companies

Commercial Motor Vehicle

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the highways in commerce principally to transport passengers or cargo, if the vehicle:

  • has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
  • is designed to transport 11 or more passengers (including the driver); or
  • is used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.

Companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders or leasing companies are required to register and pay a fee of $39.00.

Fee Brackets for Motor Carriers

Fleet Size
(Including Trailers)
Fee Per Company
0 - 2 $39.00
3 -5 $116.00
6 - 20

$231.00

21 - 100 $806.00
101 - 1,000 $3,840.00
More than 1000 $37,500.00

Example: A motor carrier operating 8 tractors, 12 trailers and 16 straight trucks has a fleet size of 36 commercial motor vehicles and pays $806.00.

Important Registration Information:

Online Registration

To avoid delays, it is highly recommended that you register online.

The online system is operated by the State of Indiana and there are two convenience fees with each transaction ($3.00 to the State of Indiana and either a $1.00 e-check or 2.5% of the total due for credit card transactions).

Register by Mail

If your base state is Texas, and you would prefer to register by mail, you must download the UCR application packet.

Please note: To ensure the returned receipt of your UCR Registration in the mail by the December 31 deadline, you must submit your applications and payment to us by December 5, 2008.

Please read the instructions completely and forward your payment and completed application to:

Texas Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Division
P.O. Box 12984
Austin, TX. 78711-2984
Payments by mail must be made by check or money order:
  • Make checks payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.
  • Please place your USDOT number on the front of your check.

For further information, or if you would like to learn more about UCR call 1 (800) 299-1700, select 2,1,2. Please continue to visit this site for more information.

Note: The Department of Public Safety is scheduled to begin enforcement on January 1, 2009.