UCR for Brokers, Freight Forwarders and Leasing Companies

UCR isn't only for companies with trucks. Three kinds of intermediaries owe it every year, and two of them pay a flat amount no matter how big they are.

Brokers

A property broker arranges transportation and operates no vehicles. Under 49 U.S.C. 14504a(f)(1)(A), brokers pay the fee of the lowest bracket — $55 for 2027 ($46 for 2026) — regardless of revenue, staff or number of loads. It is due every year, in the same October–December window, with the same enforcement from January 1. Brokers can be cited at audit and lose their good standing with state agencies even though they are never stopped at a scale.

Freight forwarders

A freight forwarder consolidates shipments and takes responsibility for the move. Forwarders pay by fleet size like a carrier; a forwarder with no vehicles pays the lowest bracket.

Leasing companies

A company that leases vehicles without drivers to motor carriers pays the lowest bracket, like a broker. (A company that leases vehicles with drivers is a carrier.)

Broker who is also a carrier

One registration, one fee, as a carrier, on the whole fleet. Indiana's own example: a broker with 4 tractors and 9 straight trucks has 13 power units → bracket 6–20 → $333 in 2027. The same applies to a carrier that also holds forwarder or leasing authority. The rule is confirmed on the New Mexico, Connecticut and Indiana state pages.

How to register

You need a USDOT number (brokers get one with their MC authority), the entity type, and a payment method. At ucr.gov choose “Broker” (or forwarder / leasing) and the system applies the flat bracket. Through UCRAssist, pick the entity type on step two of the order form — the unit count is skipped and the total is $94 for 2027 ($55 government fee + $39 service fee).