Interstate vs Intrastate Operations and UCR Applicability in New York

Dec. 30, 2025, 6:46 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally mandated program designed to collect registration fees from motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders involved in interstate commerce. New York participates in this program, and understanding whether your operations are interstate or intrastate is critical for compliance.
UCR Applicability in New York

1. Interstate Operations

A carrier or broker is considered to be operating interstate if they:

  • Transport goods or passengers across state lines, or

  • Arrange shipments for transport across state lines, even if the carrier never leaves New York (e.g., a broker coordinating with carriers in other states).

Key points for interstate operators in New York:

  • UCR registration is mandatory.

  • Required for for-hire carriers, private carriers hauling their own goods across state lines, brokers, and freight forwarders.

  • Vehicles involved typically meet one or more of these thresholds:

    • GVWR ≥ 10,001 lbs

    • Transport hazardous materials requiring placards

    • Designed to carry ≥ 10 passengers including the driver

Interstate operators must submit annual UCR fees based on fleet size and maintain compliance to avoid penalties.

2. Intrastate Operations

A carrier or broker is considered intrastate if they operate exclusively within the borders of New York and never cross state lines.

Key points for intrastate operators in New York:

  • UCR registration is generally not required.

  • Operators still need to comply with other New York state regulations, such as vehicle registration, weight permits, and safety inspections.

  • Even intrastate carriers with large fleets or hazardous materials may need state-specific permits but not UCR.

3. Special Considerations

  • Hybrid Operations: Carriers that operate mostly intrastate but occasionally cross state lines must register for UCR, even if interstate trips are infrequent.

  • Brokers and Freight Forwarders: UCR applies if they arrange interstate shipments, regardless of whether their own vehicles cross state lines.

  • Fleet Count Matters: The UCR fee bracket is determined by the number of vehicles in the fleet meeting registration criteria.

4. Compliance Tips for New York Carriers

  1. Determine Operation Type: Review your routes and cargo to see if any interstate trips occur.

  2. Maintain Accurate Fleet Records: Include only vehicles that meet GVWR, passenger, or hazardous materials criteria.

  3. Register and Renew Annually: Interstate carriers must register through the  UCR system at https://www.fmcsa.me/ and pay the applicable fees by December 31 each year.

  4. Keep Proof of Payment: While physical UCR credentials are not required in vehicles, receipts are recommended for inspections.

 Summary Table

Operation Type UCR Requirement Notes
Interstate  Required Applies to carriers, brokers, freight forwarders
Intrastate  Generally not required Still subject to state regulations
Hybrid (Intrastate + occasional interstate)  Required Any interstate activity triggers UCR registration

 

 

UCR Applicability in New York