Who Must Register for UCR in Kentucky

Dec. 30, 2025, 6:40 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally mandated program that applies to commercial motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders that operate interstate commerce. In Kentucky, it is administered under the federal UCR agreement with oversight coordinated through the state.
UCR in Kentucky

1. Interstate Motor Carriers

Any motor carrier based in Kentucky must register for UCR if they operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines. This includes:

  • For-hire carriers transporting goods or passengers between states

  • Private carriers hauling their own goods across state lines

  • Vehicles that meet one of the following:

    • GVWR ≥ 10,001 lbs

    • Transporting hazardous materials requiring placards

    • Designed to carry ≥ 10 passengers including the driver

2. Brokers and Freight Forwarders

Brokers and freight forwarders arranging transportation of cargo across state lines are required to register under UCR, even if they do not operate vehicles themselves.

3. Leasing Companies

Leasing companies that provide vehicles for interstate operations must also register for UCR.

  • The fee and compliance responsibility is generally based on the number of vehicles leased.

4. Exemptions

Some entities are exempt from UCR registration in Kentucky:

  • Operators strictly engaged in intrastate commerce (never cross state lines)

  • Certain government vehicles and nonprofit organizations

  • Vehicles below 10,001 lbs GVWR not carrying hazardous materials

5. Required Credentials for Registration

To register, carriers must visit  at https://www.fmcsa.me/, and must have:

  • Active USDOT Number

  • Fleet size (number of vehicles meeting UCR criteria)

  • Business information (legal name, address, contact info)

 Key Points

  • Registration is annual and tied to your fleet size, which determines your UCR fee bracket.

  • Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or enforcement actions at roadside inspections.

  • Any Kentucky carrier that meets the interstate operation requirements is legally required to register, even if the majority of operations are within the state.

 

UCR in Kentucky