News Release

November 9, 2006

KCC will notify motor carriers when new federal registration system is ready

A Kansas Corporation Commission official today reminded interstate motor carriers that on January 1, 2007, interstate motor carriers will be subject to the new Uniform Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA). The new program, under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and mandated by the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, will replace the existing Single State Registration System (SSRS) for all interstate contract and regulated motor carriers, as well as, the registration systems for all interstate private and exempt motor carriers.

"Unfortunately, the new UCRA system is not expected to be up and running by January 1, 2007, when the SSRS is due to expire," said Mike Hoeme, KCC Director of Transportation. "In the interim, Congress is considering a 12-month extension of the existing SSRS. If an extension is passed by Congress, States probably will not receive confirmation of the SSRS extension until late November or earlier December, significantly reducing the time motor carriers will have to renew their registration for 2007."

Hoeme emphasized that until the issues surrounding the sunsetting of the SSRS program before the replacement UCRA program is available are resolved, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will not mail annual re-registration packets to Kansas interstate motor carriers. Interstate motor carriers are to continue to operate within the scope of their current operating authority. The KCC will notify all interstate motor carriers as soon as it receives direction from the FMCSA as to which registration program will be used for 2007.

Hoeme also explained, that effective January 1, 2007, interstate motor carriers currently operating as intrastate carriers in Kansas will no longer be required to renew intrastate authority on an annual basis. "Intrastate authority will no longer be vehicle specific and will not have an expiration date. However, a carriers intrastate authority will automatically be cancelled if the KCC receives a cancellation notice from a carriers insurance company or the structure of the company changes. If intrastate authority is cancelled a company will be required to file a new application for operating authority before reengaging in intrastate business," he said.

The UCRA program is being developed by its Board of Directors, which includes representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Conference of State Transportation Specialists, and the motor carrier industry.

Hoeme invited motor carriers with questions to contact the KCC Transportation Division by calling 785.271.3145 and selecting menu option three.