MINNESOTA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Unified Carrier Registration FAQs

What happened to SSRS and what is the UCR?
The Single State Registration System (SSRS) was repealed by Congress effective January 1, 2007. For-Hire Motor Carriers were not issued SSRS receipts for 2007. And there was no enforcement of any SSRS requirements after December 31, 2006. In early September 2007, the SSRS Program was replaced by the new Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR). The UCR Program applies to For-Hire (Exempt and Regulated) and Private Motor Carriers that operate in Interstate Commerce. It will also apply to leasing companies, freight forwarders and brokers.

Minnesota is a non-participating state: What does that mean?
Minnesota was not successful in passing legislation to allow the state to collect fees association with UCR. Minnesota will seek legislation during the next session to enable it to participate in the UCR Program for 2008. However, in order to cross state lines your fleet will need to be registered and you will need to pay the UCR fee by the June 1, 2008 deadline.

Do I have to register my intrastate operations?
On the application form under Section 4 you will enter the total number of trucks and trailers for your fleet (regardless of where they are domiciled or housed). Then, you have the option of deleting any vehicles that are only used in intrastate commerce.

If a carrier uses owner-operators, do the owner-operators or the carrier have to register/ pay the fees?
The carrier must register and pay fees, since it is the entity operating the owner-operators’ vehicles. However, if the owner-operators have their own interstate authority, they too must register as a carrier and pay fees under the UCRA.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?
If you would like to operate your truck or bus in interstate commerce, you will need to register. Companies that do not register and pay the UCR fee on or before June 1, 2008 could be ticketed for no proper registration.

What state will accept my UCR application?
Minnesota can be used as your base state for the 2008 UCR payments. To avoid delays it is highly recommended that you register online at www.ucr.in.gov. Payments may be made online using MasterCard, Visa or e-Check. To register by mail, please fill out the UCR application form and send your application and payment to the base state you have chosen from the list provided on the back of this brochure (the application can be found at www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/ucr.html).

What else should I know?
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business with a participating state and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet (trucks and trailers).
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:

1. has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
2. is designed to transport 10 or more passengers (including the driver); or
3. is used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.

Where do I go for help?
If you have questions, you may visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation Web site at: www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/ucr.html. You can also contact the Minnesota Trucking Association office at (651) 646-7351.

Updated March 24, 2008.