Registration for the 2027 UCR year opens on October 1, 2026, with higher fees for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies subject to the Unified Carrier Registration program.

The FMCSA approved an average increase of about 20% in UCR fees for 2025 and 2026. For small carriers operating zero to two vehicles, the fee will increase from $46 to $55. Companies with three to five vehicles will pay $167, up from the current $138, while those operating between six and twenty vehicles will pay $333.

UCR is an annual registration requirement for many companies and operators involved in interstate transportation. The fee is based primarily on the number of commercial vehicles the company owns or operates.

Although registration for 2027 begins in October, UCR registration must be completed and paid before January 1, 2027, in order to continue operating legally without being subject to enforcement action by participating states.

For an owner-operator, the increase may seem small, but it is another expense that needs to be included in the annual budget along with insurance, permits, maintenance, and fuel.

If your operation is subject to UCR requirements, October is a good time to review your information, confirm how many vehicles you need to report, and complete your registration early.