DOT Compliance Information - Unified Carrier Registration Plan & Agreement

DOT Compliance Information

The Federal Government has implemented a fairly new annual registration program called the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement (UCRA), for interstate carriers.  This replaces the old Single State Registration System (SSRS). Unlike the SSRS program, which only required regulated for-hire carriers to be covered by the program, the UCRA applies to all motor carriers required to register with the USDOT.  This includes any CMV with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, including private, for-hire and exempt carriers.  The UCRA also applies to Brokers, Freight Forwarders and Leasing companies.

The purpose of the UCRA is to allow funding to the states to enforce Motor Carrier safety laws. To overcome potential issues, Fleet Safety Compliance, DOT Compliance, Safety Consulting, Mock DOT audits, DOT Compliance seminars, etc. could all be beneficial.

New Carrier Registration System - Highlights:

The UCR agreement applies to the following types of operations of passengers and property in interstate commerce:  Motor Carrier, Motor Private Carrier, Freight Forwarder, Broker and Leasing companies.

• Carriers will choose a single base state with which they will register and pay its UCR fees.  The base state selection is based on certain criteria outlined on the application.
• The 2007 fees, which range from $39 to $37,500, are based on the total number of commercial vehicles (power units and trailers).
• Carriers can register through their base state or they can register through a website, http://www.ucr.in.gov/, which is administered by the State of Indiana’s Motor Carrier section. You must still indicate the appropriate base state as it appears on the MCS 150 (USDOT Form). The money will flow to the proper state, the flag on the FMCSA database will indicate the carrier has registered and records of payment will be updated.
• No credentials will be issued.  Enforcement will be done through an electronic link to a federal database.  Carriers can also check to ensure that they are properly registered through the following website: http://www.safersys.org/UCRQueryForm.aspx
• Enforcement was to commence on November 15, 2007.  However, there has been mention of  postponing the enforcement until early 2008 due to this being an annual registration.

 Please take action immediately, in order to avoid enforcement issues.

We have the registration form and the instruction sheet for your convenience in registering your fleet.  Just contact us  for your free  electronic copy of these items.