The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed a significant increase in Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees, striking a 25% hike for 2025. Motor carriers, private carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies should expect to pay an additional $9 to $9,000 depending on fleet size.
The big picture: This adjustment follows two consecutive years of reduced UCR fees and aims to address revenue shortfalls. The proposed increases are based on recommendations from the UCR Plan itself.
By the numbers: Small fleets with up to two power units will see fees rise to $46, while those with 1,001 or more power units will see a bump to $44,836. The extra funds support over $100 million in annual safety enforcement programs across participating states.
- The UCR Plan is integral to the collection and distribution of these fees and plays a pivotal role in maintaining road safety through enforcement funding.
- Hearing from the public, FMCSA is currently accepting comments on this move until February 8, 2024.
The backdrop: Created by Congress in 2005, the UCR Plan involves 41 states and uses its revenue to aid state safety enforcement programs. The recommended fee adjustments are a necessary response to fluctuations in industry registrations and the legal mandate to match collections with authorized revenue targets.
Driving the news: This update is an essential read for all in the trucking community, as it outlines shifts in regulatory costs that directly impact operational expenses.
What to watch: Industry feedback and public comments in the lead-up to the implementation of the new fees will provide insight into the community's perspective on the proposed changes.
Carriers in nonparticipating UCR states particularly need to be vigilant about their registration status to avoid penalties, as efforts to enforce compliance intensify.
For those looking to weigh in, you can submit your comments directly to the FMCSA regarding the planned increases.