FMCSA sets 2019 UCR fees

For the second year in a row, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration slid in under the end-of-the-year wire and finalized the Unified Carrier Registration fees for 2019 and 2020 on Dec. 28.

The fees were published in the Federal Register, going into effect immediately, kicking off the collection period. FMCSA was delayed in publishing the fee schedule earlier because of a need to reduce fees from previous levels. Because of that delay, the agency invoked the Administrative Procedure Act. That act allows agencies to make rules effective immediately with good cause, instead of requiring publication 30 days before the effective date.

Since 2016, motor carriers paying into the UCR program have overpaid the revenue due to the 41 participating states. The UCR board recommended reducing starting in 2018. The fees were again reduced in 2019 with the official publication. For example, for the smallest motor carrier the 2019 fees are $14 cheaper than they paid in 2017 and $7 cheaper than in 2018.

Fees for 2020 also were set in the final rule, and, while they show an increase over the 2018 fees, they still remain lower than 2017 fees.

Fees for 2019

Fleet Size……….Fee

0-2……………..$62

3-5……………..$185

6-20…………….$368

21-100………….$1,283

101-1,000………$6,112

1,001 and more..$59,689

Fees for 2020

Fleet Size……….Fee

0-2……………..$68

3-5……………..$204

6-20……………$407

21-100…………$1,420

101-1,000………$6,766

1,001 and more..$66,072

OOIDA members can get assistance with submitting their fees through the Permits and Licensing Department. They began processing UCR payments starting Jan. 2. Motor carriers must pay by April 1.

Enforcement during roadside inspections will follow the deadline. Of note, UCR fee payment enforcement has been highlighted during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Roadcheck inspection blitz. For those who want to plan early for that, the dates for 2019’s 72-hour inspection spree are June 4-6. LL