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Private motor carrier’s vehicles are considered “commercial motor vehicles” and are subject to all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, vehicle licensing (IRP), fuel tax (IFTA), size and weight limits, etc.
Scope
Private carriers operating vehicles interstate meeting the definition of a CMV in 390.5 must have and display a US DOT number.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 387.9 — Financial responsibility, minimum levels
- 49 CFR 390.5 — Definitions
Key definitions
- For-hire carrier: A carrier that transports passengers, regulated property or household goods owned by others for compensation.
- Private carrier: A carrier that transports its own cargo, usually as a part of a business that produces, uses, sells and/or buys the cargo that is being hauled.
Summary of requirements
Process Agent Designations. The Unified Registration System (URS-1) final rule will require all private motor carriers (hazardous materials and non-hazardous materials) to submit a designation of process agents to the FMCSA. The implementation of these URS-1 provisions has been delayed indefinitely by FMCSA.
Financial Responsibility. The Unified Registration System (URS-1) final rule will require private motor carriers transporting hazardous materials in interstate commerce to file proof of financial responsibility as required by 387.9 with the FMCSA. The implementation of this URS-1 provision has been delayed indefinitely by FMCSA.
UCR registration. For-hire carriers of passengers, private and for-hire carriers of property (including those operating as “exempt” carriers), freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers are all subject to UCRA registration annually.
Carriers who are based in non-participating states, or who operate wholly in non-participating states are subject to UCRA registration. Canada and Mexico domiciled carriers operating in the United States are also subject to UCR.
The UCRA does not issue a paper credential to be carried in the vehicle. Proof of registration under the UCRA is available to roadside enforcement via FMCSA electronic information systems by accessing the carrier US DOT number.
UCRA registration does not replace or change the requirements for registration of vehicles under the International Registration Plan (IRP) or fuel use tax reporting under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).
Also see Unified Carrier Registration.
Interstate and intrastate carriers. Interstate carriers also engaged in intrastate motor carriage must comply with any state requirements for initial application for intrastate authority and submit any necessary fees.
Intrastate carriers. Solely intrastate carriers (never crossing state lines, never engaging in interstate commerce) are not subject to the UCRA. A state may choose to include their intrastate only carriers within the UCRA, or the state may continue the intrastate registration process already in place.
Note: Private carriers may only transport their own goods in their own vehicles to further a primary business. Hauling goods for someone else for compensation requires for-hire operating authority.
Exception. A private carrier operating interstate is not subject to federal operating authority (MC Number) requirements when conducting transportation furthering a primary business.