1. Interstate Motor Carriers
You must register if you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) across state lines. This includes:
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For-hire carriers transporting goods or passengers between states
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Private carriers hauling their own goods across state lines
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Vehicles that meet any of the following thresholds:
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GVWR ≥ 10,001 lbs
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Transporting hazardous materials requiring placards
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Designed to carry ≥ 10 passengers including the driver
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2. Brokers and Freight Forwarders
If you arrange transportation of cargo for others across state lines, you are required to register under UCR.
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This ensures compliance even if you do not operate the vehicles yourself.
3. Leasing Companies
Carriers or businesses that lease vehicles for interstate operations must also register for UCR.
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Fees and compliance responsibilities apply based on the number of vehicles leased.
4. Exemptions
Certain entities do not need to register in New Mexico:
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Operators engaged strictly in intrastate commerce (never cross state lines)
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Government vehicles and some nonprofit or exempt organizations
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Vehicles below 10,001 lbs GVWR not transporting hazardous materials
5. Required Credentials
To register, you will need to visit https://www.fmcsa.me/, and must have:
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Active USDOT Number
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Fleet size (number of vehicles meeting registration criteria)
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Business information (legal name, address, contact)
Key Points
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Registration is annual and tied to your fleet size, which determines your UCR fee bracket.
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Failure to register can result in fines, penalties, and enforcement actions at roadside inspections.
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UCR registration is mandatory for any interstate operation that meets the criteria above, even if the carrier operates primarily in New Mexico.