What Is the UCR Program and How It Applies in New York

Dec. 23, 2025, 3:44 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federal registration system that requires certain transportation-related businesses to register annually and pay a fee based on fleet size. New York is a participating and actively enforcing state, so carriers operating in or through New York must understand how UCR applies to them.
UCR Program in New York

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What Is the UCR Program?

The UCR Program applies to businesses involved in interstate commerce, including:

  • For-hire motor carriers

  • Private motor carriers

  • Freight brokers

  • Freight forwarders

  • Leasing companies

UCR is not a permit or operating authority. Instead, it is an annual registration and fee program tied to your USDOT number. The fees help fund state enforcement and safety programs nationwide.

 How the UCR Program Applies in New York

New York fully enforces UCR requirements and frequently checks compliance during:

  • Weigh station inspections

  • Roadside stops

  • Compliance audits

If your company operates interstate and has an active USDOT number, UCR registration is generally mandatory, even if:

  • You are based outside New York

  • You only pass through New York

  • You operate interstate only occasionally

 Who Must Register for UCR in New York?

You must register for UCR if you:

  • Operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce

  • Have a USDOT number

  • Are a broker or freight forwarder arranging interstate transportation

This includes:

  • New York–based trucking companies running interstate

  • Owner-operators hauling loads across state lines

  • Out-of-state carriers traveling through New York

 Intrastate vs. Interstate Operations

  • Interstate operations →  UCR required

  • Purely intrastate operations within New York only →  UCR generally not required

Important: If your USDOT number is marked as interstate, New York enforcement may still expect active UCR registration, even if you believe your operations are intrastate.

 UCR Fees (Overview)

UCR fees are based on the number of commercial vehicles in your fleet, not miles or revenue.

  • 0–2 vehicles → lowest fee tier

  • Larger fleets → higher annual fees

The fee is paid once per year and is valid in all UCR states, including New York.

 UCR Enforcement in New York

New York is known for strict commercial vehicle enforcement. Failure to comply with UCR may result in:

  • Fines and citations

  • Out-of-service orders

  • Required on-the-spot registration

  • Audit exposure

UCR checks often happen alongside USDOT, IRP, IFTA, and HUT (Highway Use Tax) inspections.

 Key Takeaways for New York Carriers

  • UCR is mandatory for most interstate carriers operating in New York

  • Registration is annual and tied to your USDOT number

  • New York actively enforces UCR compliance

  • Non-compliance can lead to costly delays and penalties

 

https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/osss/truck/unified-carrier-reg