Quick Answer:
KYU stands for Kentucky Unified Carrier — specifically, it refers to Kentucky's Weight Distance Tax permit. Any commercial vehicle at or above 60,000 lbs combined gross weight operating on Kentucky's public highways must have a valid KYU number before entering the state. Without it, your driver is subject to fines at any weigh station on the route.
What Is Kentucky's Weight Distance Tax?
Kentucky imposes a weight distance tax on commercial vehicles as a way to fund highway maintenance and infrastructure. The tax is calculated based on miles driven in Kentucky and the weight of the vehicle — specifically, the vehicle's licensed gross weight.
This is separate from:
- IRP apportioned registration (KY trip permits)
- IFTA fuel tax (KY fuel permits)
- Federal motor carrier requirements
Kentucky is one of only a handful of states (along with New York, New Mexico, and Oregon) that collect a weight-distance tax on top of the standard federal and interstate frameworks.
Who Needs a KYU Number?
The KYU weight distance tax applies to commercial vehicles with a combined gross weight of 60,000 lbs or more operating on Kentucky's public highways. This includes:
- Fully loaded semi-trucks and trailers meeting the threshold
- Straight trucks with a licensed GVW of 60,000 lbs or more
- Combinations (tractor + trailer + load) at or above the threshold
Note: The 60,000-lb threshold is lower than the 80,000-lb federal overweight limit and lower than the IRP/IFTA 26,000-lb threshold. Many trucks that don't need IRP trip permits or fuel permits do need KYU compliance.
🌉 The Weight-Distance Tax States
Kentucky (KYU), New York ( NY HUT ), New Mexico, and Oregon all require weight-distance permits on top of standard IRP/IFTA credentials. If your route hits any of these states with a qualifying vehicle, plan for the extra permit — and the extra compliance obligation.
Permanent KYU vs. Temporary KYU
Like NY HUT, Kentucky offers both permanent accounts and temporary trip permits:
| Permanent KYU | Temporary KYU | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Annual (calendar year) | Trip-specific (typically up to 10 days) |
| Who it's for | Carriers that regularly run through Kentucky | Carriers that rarely or occasionally enter KY |
| Tax filing | Quarterly returns required (Form KYU-100) | No ongoing filing |
| Cost | Registration fee + mileage-based tax | Flat fee per permit |
| Processing | Same-day (our specialty) | Same-day, often within hours |
| Required documents in cab | KYU decal or cab card | Temporary permit document |
Custom Permits specializes in same-day KYU — both permanent and temporary. If you have a driver heading through Kentucky today, call us now and we'll get it sorted.
How the KYU Tax Is Calculated
For permanent KYU account holders, the quarterly tax is calculated as:
KYU Tax = Kentucky Miles × Tax Rate per Mile
(Rate varies by licensed gross weight — higher weight classes pay a higher per-mile rate)
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet publishes the current rate schedules. Rates are tiered by weight class (e.g., 60,000–79,999 lbs, 80,000–99,999 lbs, etc.). Carriers must maintain accurate Kentucky mileage records — separate from IFTA mileage, though the numbers often overlap — and report them on the quarterly KYU-100 form.
What You Need to Get KYU
For a temporary KYU permit:
- Carrier name and USDOT number
- Vehicle VIN and license plate
- Number of axles
- Licensed gross vehicle weight (or declared weight for the trip)
- Dates of Kentucky travel
For permanent KYU registration, you'll also need your MC number and basic business information to set up the account with Kentucky.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Thinking IRP plates cover you in Kentucky: They don't for the weight distance tax. An IRP plate covers registration. KYU covers the separate Kentucky mileage tax. You need both.
- Confusing KYU with IFTA: IFTA is a fuel tax system. KYU is a weight-distance tax. Different system, different permit, different filing requirements.
- Not having the permit in the cab: Kentucky weigh stations check for KYU compliance. The permit or decal must be available — a valid online account isn't enough if the driver doesn't have the document.
- Letting permanent KYU lapse: KYU accounts renew annually. If you let yours lapse, you're non-compliant the moment January 1 rolls around. Set a reminder.
- Not filing quarterly returns on a permanent account: Forgetting to file KYU-100 returns results in penalties. Even if you drove zero Kentucky miles in a quarter, you may need to file a zero return.
KYU and Other Kentucky Requirements
If your truck is operating in Kentucky without IRP apportionment, you also need:
- Kentucky trip permit (IRP): For vehicles over 26,000 lbs (2-axle) or 3+ axles not registered under IRP.
- Kentucky fuel permit (IFTA): For the same vehicles without IFTA credentials.
A truck heading into Kentucky for the first time without IRP, IFTA, or KYU credentials could need all three permits. We'll sort out exactly what's needed when you call.
Does KYU Apply to Empty Trucks?
Yes — the KYU requirement is based on the licensed gross vehicle weight (or declared weight), not the actual loaded weight. If your truck's GVW is 60,000 lbs or more, you need KYU whether you're hauling a full load, running empty, or bobtailing through Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does KYU stand for?
KYU stands for Kentucky Unified Carrier. It refers to the Kentucky Weight Distance Tax permit required for commercial vehicles at or above 60,000 lbs operating in Kentucky.
Is KYU the same as a Kentucky trip permit?
No. A Kentucky trip permit covers IRP registration (the right to operate in the state). KYU is a separate weight-distance tax. Both may be required for the same vehicle.
How much does a temporary KYU permit cost?
The fee varies based on the vehicle's weight and the duration of the permit. Contact us for a current quote — we'll tell you exactly what you'll pay before we process anything.
Do out-of-state trucks passing through Kentucky need KYU?
Yes. KYU applies to all qualifying commercial vehicles operating on Kentucky public highways, regardless of where the carrier is based. Even a pass-through with no pickup or delivery in Kentucky requires a valid KYU credential.
How fast can Custom Permits get me a KYU permit?
Same-day KYU is our specialty. Temporary permits can often be issued within 1–2 hours. Permanent account setup typically takes a few hours on the same business day — assuming no issues with the carrier's record on Kentucky's side.
Need KYU Today?
Same-day KYU is our specialty — permanent or temporary. Don't let your driver roll into Kentucky without it.