New Changes to the Unified Registration System | Apex Capital Blog
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New Changes to the Unified Registration System

by Apex Capital | January 5, 2016

Unified Registration System

What you need to know if you’re starting a trucking company

Last year was a big year for changes in the trucking industry. 2015 brought a new-long term funding bill, a new ELD mandate, and the launch of the new Unified Registration System (URS) for new applicants. The URS contains big changes for motor carriers, so if you’re looking to start a trucking company or you have an MC number, read this post to make sure you understand what these changes mean for your business.

What is the Unified Registration System?

The Unified Registration System (URS) is a new electronic on-line system that allows carriers, freight forwarders and brokers to register and update information with the FMCSA. The URS is intended to streamline the registration process and give the FMCSA more accurate information.

Are URS and UCR the same thing?

No. The URS is the FMCSA’s new Unified Registration System. The UCR is the Unified Carrier Registration, an interstate agreement that applies to interstate or international truck or bus operations in participating states. The UCR is not an FMCSA program.

Changes to the Application

Previously, there was no fee to get a USDOT number, but the application to get an MC number was $300. With the new URS combining the two forms, and because MC numbers will eventually be eliminated, you’ll have to pay a $300 fee to file the new MCSA-1 to get your authority. For more information on this change, visit the FMCSA website.

URS Effective Dates

The changes to the URS are being rolled out in phases.

Phase 1 – December 12, 2015

If you’re applying for your own authority, you’ll need to use the new URS system to get your USDOT number and registration.

Phase 2 – September 30, 2016

If you already have an MC number, are an exempt for-hire carrier, or current or new private carrier, you need to use the URS to complete your applications and updates. After this date, the FMCSA will not accept applications by mail or fax, so it’s important to create a URS portal account before the deadline.

Phase 3 – December 31, 2016

If you’re a private or exempt carrier, you’ll need to have insurance and a BOC-3 on file before this deadline.

UPDATE (8/1/2016)

On July 20, 2016, the FMCSA announced it’s delaying the final stage of its Unified Registration System (URS) until January 14, 2017, with a new full compliance date of April 14, 2017. See the announcement from the FMCSA here.

Are URS and UCR the same thing?

No. The URS is the FMCSA’s new Unified Registration System. The UCR is the Unified Carrier Registration, an interstate agreement that applies to interstate or international truck or bus operations in participating states. The UCR is not an FMCSA program.

Get Started with Apex

Getting your authority through the URS is still time-consuming and confusing, so let us help! Through our Startup Program, Apex is one of the few companies that helps you form your trucking company and apply for your operating authority. We do all the heavy lifting for you!

We help you form a business entity (LLC) in your home state. Then, we complete and file all the paperwork for you, including your BOC-3. We also send you a Record Book with the important documents you need to run your trucking company.

What Does it Cost to Start Your Trucking Company with Apex?

For a limited time, you can save more than 50% off the Apex Startup Program administration fee.

  • Formation documents with the Secretary of the State: Varies (every state’s fee is different)
  • Form SS-4 with the Internal Revenue Service: Free
  • Form MCSA-1 with the FMCSA (USDOT & MC Number): $300
  • Form BOC-3 with the FMCSA (Process Agent Designation): $150.00
  • Non-refundable Apex administrative fee: $435.00 $200 for a limited time!

Once your trucking company is set up, you get access to Apex’s factoring services, so you can start hauling loads and not wait to get paid.

When you factor with Apex, you also have access to all of our advantages including:

  • FREE access to our load board, NextLOAD.com
  • FREE fuel card with discounts on fuel nationwide
  • FREE credit checks and self-funding 24/7
  • And much more!

Don’t wait! This offer expires January 31, 2016. Call us at 844-827-4524 or apply now to get started!
Download the whitepaper here and learn more about starting a trucking company.

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about Apex Capital

Apex Capital
Apex Capital is a full-service factoring company with over 25 years of trucking industry experience. Using our transportation expertise we write blogs that address topics like regulations and compliance, trucking business tips, industry news, and everything in between. We're committed to creating content that provides solutions, helping you and your trucking company.