Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and Washington intrastate authority

Oct. 6, 2025, 7:07 p.m.
Here’s a detailed overview of Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and Intrastate Authority as they apply in Washington State — what they mean, who must comply, and how to stay compliant.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and Washington intrastate authority

What is UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

  • UCR is a federally-mandated program (under the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement) that requires certain motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies to register each year and pay a fee based on fleet size.  

  • It replaced the older Single State Registration System (SSRS).  

  • The fees go toward supporting safety programs, enforcement, and administrative costs related to interstate motor carrier operations.  

UCR in Washington State

  • Washington State is a participating state in UCR. Registration is done via the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission.  

  • UCR fees in Washington are not prorated; you pay based on your fleet size bracket for the full year.  

  • UCR covers commercial vehicles meeting certain definitions (discussed below), interstate or involved in interstate commerce.  

Who Must Register for UCR in WA

You must register for UCR in Washington if:

  • You operate in interstate commerce (i.e., your operations cross state lines) or you arrange transportation of cargo/passengers across states.  

  • You are a motor carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or leasing company involved in interstate activities.  

Definitions that matter

  • A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is generally one that (among other criteria):

    • has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; or

    • is designed to transport 10 (or 11 or more, depending on the specific regulation) passengers including the driver; or

    • transports hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.  

  • Washington may have particular thresholds (weight, design) for when a UCR requirement is triggered.  

Intrastate Authority in Washington

“Intrastate authority” refers to operating entirely within Washington State — i.e., all pick-ups and drop-offs are within Washington.  

Key requirements for intrastate carriers in WA:

  1. USDOT Number

    • If you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with GVWR of 16,001 lbs or more, or a combination that includes a towed unit with GVWR ≥10,000 lbs and total ≥16,001 lbs, you must have a USDOT Number even if only doing intrastate operations.  

  2. Permits & Regulation by the UTC (Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission)

    • Carriers operating intrastate for compensation (hauling property, freight, household goods, etc.) are regulated by the UTC. They will need to obtain permits, fulfill insurance requirements, and follow safety rules. 

  3. Workers’ Compensation / Industrial Insurance & Reporting

    • Intrastate or combined carriers must cover their Washington workers with industrial insurance, report payroll/hours per risk class, keep driver logbooks and time records, etc.  

  4. Inspections, Insurance, and Insurance Filings

    • Required insurance minimums must be met, including liability coverage. The UTC handles insurance filings for intrastate common carriers.  

Interaction: UCR & Intrastate Authority

  • If you are purely an intrastate carrier (i.e., you never cross state lines and transport property only within Washington), you may be exempt from UCR depending on whether your operation triggers interstate commerce under the definitions. UCR is focused on interstate or arranging interstate transport.  

  • However, even pure intrastate carriers often need a USDOT number under WA law if they exceed certain weight thresholds. Doing so ensures you are in compliance for safety oversight, inspections, and being properly documented.  

Compliance & Enforcement

  • UCR fees are enforced, and failure to register can lead to penalties, being out of compliance with interstate requirements, and inability to operate under authorities that require UCR registration.  

  • Washington State agencies (UTC, WSP, WSDOT) have authority to check USDOT numbers, inspect vehicles, and enforce weight, insurance, and operating requirements for both intrastate and interstate operations.  

Practical Steps for Truckers or Carriers in Washington

  1. Determine whether your operations are intrastate only or also interstate.

  2. If interstate or having any interstate component, register for UCR before the enforcement date each year. Washington’s UTC provides the portal for this.  

  3. If your vehicle(s) meet Washington’s weight thresholds (GVWR 16,001 lbs or combinations as stated), get a USDOT number even for purely intrastate operations. 

  4. Obtain any necessary UTC permits for common carrier status or other state-authorized operations.

  5. Maintain required insurance, inspections, safety records, worker compensation, and vehicle maintenance.

 

UCR Registration must be completed Online at https://www.fmcsa.me/