Champaign County Farm Bureau

New UCR Regulations Effect Illinois Farmers

New UCR Regulations Effect Illinois Farmers

By, Kirk L. Builta, Information Director

Effective September 10, 2007, the State of Illinois requires many motor carriers comply with the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, a Federal program that is part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

This program replaces the Single State Registration System in Illinois and requires all farmers, and for-hire motor carriers register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) by October 15, 2007. All carriers must register and pay fees for this program annually if they fit one of the following descriptions; are a regulated for-hire motor carrier, an unregulated private and exempt carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or a leasing company who operates commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.

Interstate Commerce is easily defined as trade, traffic or transportation across State lines; however many area farmers are affected by this program because it now includes some point-to-point moves wholly within the State of Illinois . This means you might be taking part in Interstate Commerce without physically crossing State borders. Federal regulations include grain or livestock hauled to an in-state terminal with ultimate final transportation (by the elevator, terminal or third party) outside the State of Illinois .

These new regulations come with many questions and tough answers; many of which are listed below. If other questions arise, or you would like more information on the UCR program, contact your local elevator, the Illinois Commerce Commission (217)782-2593, or the Champaign County Farm Bureau (217)352-5235 or ccfb@ccfarmbureau.com.

What’s the easiest way to figure out if I have to register my truck under the UCR Program?

Your truck must meet BOTH of the following criteria. 1.) It must be a “commercial vehicle”. This has nothing to do with for-hire hauling. Instead, it is generally based on the vehicle’s size. Virtually every farm truck and truck/trailer combination of 10,001 pounds or more is considered a “commercial vehicle”. 2.) It must be used in “interstate commerce”, commonly defined as crossing state lines. However, traveling point-to-point within Illinois is considered “interstate” if the load you are hauling is the first or last leg of an interstate shipment. If it is probable that the grain a farmer delivers to a location in Illinois will ultimately be delivered out-of-state, then it is also probable that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will consider that farmer’s delivery as an “interstate” move, requiring UCR participation. For more specific information on the future of your commodities it is suggested that you consult your elevator manager.

How does the UCR affect the USDOT requirements and number I currently have?

This registration will be an addition to the USDOT number you currently hold. In addition, farmers must register for both the Illinois UCR application and the USDOT application. A federal safety inspection will also be required for use.

What sort of compliance or checking will they be doing to verify that I’m following the new UCR rule?

The Illinois Commerce Commission has its own enforcement officers and with these increased regulations, additional officers will be on duty. The Illinois State Police also can enforce this registration requirement. DOT audits also check for compliance. However, local law enforcement should not be involved. If you do not register your vehicle, a fine could be imposed at the rate of $300 or more per incident (per un-registered vehicle). All trucks must be registered by October 15,