Glossary · updated October 30, 2026
Motor Carrier
Also known as: Interstate Carrier, For-Hire Carrier
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
A motor carrier is a person or company that transports property or passengers by commercial motor vehicle. Every motor carrier operating in interstate commerce must file UCR annually, with the fee scaled to power-unit count. The category covers for-hire carriers, private carriers hauling their own goods across state lines, and exempt-commodity haulers - all owe UCR if they cross state lines. Motor carriers are one of the four entity types named in the UCR statute, alongside brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies. The power units reported on the carrier's most recent MCS-150, not trailers, normally set its fee bracket.
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What Is UCR? Unified Carrier Registration ExplainedUnified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federal program under 49 CFR Part 367. Every interstate carrier, broker, forwarder, and leasing company files annually.
Related terms
- Broker(Freight Broker)
- Freight Forwarder(Forwarder)
- Leasing Company(Equipment Leasing Company)
- Interstate Commerce