FMCSA Proposes UCR Fee Increase for 2027

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proposing an increase to Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees beginning in 2027, with an average increase of about 20% across all registration brackets.

The proposal follows a recommendation from the UCR Board of Directors and is intended to address a projected funding shortfall. While fees will remain unchanged for the 2026 registration year, carriers, brokers, and other covered entities could see higher costs starting in 2027 if the rule is finalized.

FMCSA has also extended the public comment period, giving industry stakeholders additional time to review the supporting data and submit feedback.

What the Proposed UCR Fee Increase Includes

Under the proposal, UCR fees would increase across all carrier size brackets, with the total increase depending on the number of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operated.

Smaller operators would see relatively minor increases, while larger fleets would face more significant cost changes.

Number of Commercial Vehicles	2025–2026 Fee	Proposed 2027 Fee
0–2	$46	$55
3–5	$138	$167
6–20	$276	$333
21–100	$963	$1,163
101–1,000	$4,592	$5,548
1,001+	$44,836	$54,165

The increase ranges from $9 for smaller operators to more than $9,000 for the largest carriers.

FMCSA noted that even with the proposed increase, UCR fees for 2027 would still remain lower than those in effect between 2019 and 2022.

Why UCR Fees Are Increasing

According to FMCSA, the proposed adjustment is necessary to address a projected $21.79 million shortfall in required funding.

The agency estimates that the updated fee structure would generate approximately $118 million in total revenue. This funding supports:

• State motor carrier safety programs
• Enforcement activities
• Administration of the UCR Plan and Agreement

Under federal law (49 U.S.C. 14504a), UCR fees must be set at a level that ensures participating states receive their required revenue allocations while also covering administrative costs. When revenues fall short, the statute allows for fee adjustments to bring funding back in line.

Recent projections show that collections from the 2025 and 2026 registration years will not be sufficient to meet these requirements in 2027. As a result, the UCR Board recommended the increase to ensure continued funding for safety and enforcement programs.

In prior years, UCR fees were reduced due to excess collections and shifts in the number of registered carriers. Those reductions were required under the same statute, which mandates that any overcollection be returned to the industry through lower fees.

How the UCR Fee System Works

The UCR program operates on a two-year cycle when setting fees. Revenue collected during one registration period is used to determine fee levels for a future year.

For example, collections from the 2025 registration year are used to calculate fees for 2027. This system helps account for changes in carrier participation, economic conditions, and overall program funding needs.

The registration process itself spans more than a single calendar year, including a pre-registration period, the active registration year, and a follow-up period for audits and dispute resolution.

Public Comment Period Extended

Originally set to close on May 7, 2026, the public comment period has been extended to May 26, 2026.

The extension was granted after a request from the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC), which asked for additional time to review the financial data and methodology behind the proposed increase.

Carriers and other stakeholders can submit comments through the Federal Register during this extended period.

If you’d like to share your input on the proposed changes, you can submit a public comment directly through the official Federal Register listing for the UCR fee increase.

Industry Reaction and Ongoing Concerns

The proposed increase has generated mixed reactions across the trucking industry.

While FMCSA maintains that the adjustment is necessary to meet statutory funding requirements, some carriers continue to question the structure of UCR fees and how they fit alongside other regulatory costs.

For many businesses, UCR is just one of several required filings, including state registration fees and federal taxes. This layered compliance structure has led to ongoing discussions about whether these systems could be simplified.

Despite these concerns, UCR registration remains a required annual filing for interstate carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies operating in participating states.

What This Means for Carriers

If the proposal is finalized, carriers should plan for increased UCR registration costs beginning in 2027.

While the increase is not immediate, it reflects broader changes in program funding and highlights the importance of staying current with compliance requirements.

Accurate filings and timely registration remain essential to avoid potential enforcement issues, especially as UCR funding directly supports state-level safety programs.

Stay Compliant with Your UCR Registration

If you need help completing your UCR filing or want to make sure everything is handled correctly, FCCR can take care of the process for you from start to finish.

Get help with your UCR registration filing service and ensure your compliance is handled properly without the guesswork.

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