Skip to main content
$100B+ Annual Market • 99% Approval Rate • SDDC Expert Guide

DOD Freight Contract Bonds: Complete SDDC Carrier Guide 2024-2025

Unlock $100+ billion military freight market with SDDC performance bonds. Get $25,000-$100,000 bonds with 24-48hr approval, 1-3% rates for good credit, and expert FCRP registration guidance. Average carrier generates $2-5M annually in DOD revenue.

$100B+
Annual DoD Freight
1-3%
Annual Premium
Military Freight Opportunity
Why carriers choose DOD freight:

Guaranteed Payment

Federal government payment reliability

Premium Rates

Higher than commercial freight rates

Stable Volume

Consistent year-round opportunities

SDDC Bond Requirements

Understanding the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command bonding structure

Single State Operations
$25,000 BOND

Carriers operating in one state only. Ideal for regional operators focusing on local military installations.

Bond Amount:$25,000
Annual Cost:$250-$750
Coverage Area:1 state
Multi-State Regional
$50,000 BOND

Operations across 2-3 states. Most common bond level for established carriers seeking regional military freight.

Bond Amount:$50,000
Annual Cost:$500-$1,500
Coverage Area:2-3 states
National Operations
$100,000 BOND

Four or more states. Maximum bond level providing access to all continental US military freight opportunities.

Bond Amount:$100,000
Annual Cost:$1,000-$3,000
Coverage Area:4+ states

Eligibility Requirements

What carriers need to qualify for SDDC freight authority

Operating Authority

3 Years DOT Authority

Must have three consecutive years of uninterrupted DOT operating authority. No exceptions or waivers available.

SCAC code from NMFTA ($68 fee)
Active SAM.gov registration
Clean safety record
Financial Requirements

99% Approval Rate

Nearly all carriers obtain bonds regardless of credit score, though rates vary significantly.

Excellent Credit (750+):1-3% rate
Good Credit (650-749):3-7% rate
Fair Credit (580-649):7-12% rate

FCRP Registration Process

Step-by-step guide to Freight Carrier Registration Program approval

Step 1
Prerequisites

Complete before applying:

  • • 3 years DOT authority verified
  • • SCAC registration complete
  • • SAM.gov active with UEI
  • • US Bank Syncada certified
Step 2
Documentation

Gather required documents:

  • • Business tax returns (3 years)
  • • Insurance certificates
  • • Financial statements
  • • DOT authority proof
Step 3
Bond Application

Secure your performance bond:

  • • Apply with qualified surety
  • • Credit check and underwriting
  • • Bond approval (1-2 days)
  • • Electronic filing to SDDC
Step 4
FCRP Approval

Final registration steps:

  • • Submit to SDDC within 45 days
  • • FCRP review (10 business days)
  • • Receive approval notification
  • • Begin receiving freight tenders
DOD Bond Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual premium based on bond amount and credit profile

Excellent Credit

$250-$750

1-3% annually

Good Credit

$750-$1,750

3-7% annually

Fair Credit

$1,750-$3,000

7-12% annually

Specialized DOD Programs

Additional bond requirements for sensitive military cargo

Transportation Protective Service (TPS)

High-security military cargo requiring enhanced clearances and sealed equipment.

Asset-based carriers only
12+ months unchanged ownership
Enhanced background checks
Satellite tracking required
Arms, Ammunition & Explosives

Highest security tier requiring specialized equipment and additional bonding.

Enhanced security clearances
Specialized equipment
Supplemental bonding
Continuous monitoring
Brokers & Forwarders

Fixed $100,000 SDDC bond requirement plus standard BMC-84 broker bond.

SDDC Bond:$100,000
BMC-84 Bond:$75,000
Total Bonding:$175,000
Official Government Resources
Authoritative sources for DOD freight bond requirements

Registration & Compliance

SDDC Official Website

Surface Deployment and Distribution Command

SAM.gov Registration

System for Award Management

FMCSA SAFER System

DOT authority verification

Regulations & Requirements

Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAR Part 47 transportation requirements

SBA Surety Bond Program

Small business bonding assistance

Treasury Circular 570

Approved surety companies list

Ready to Access Military Freight Markets?

Don't miss out on one of transportation's most stable and lucrative opportunities. Get your SDDC performance bond and start competing for military freight contracts.

$100B+
Annual Market
99%
Approval Rate
48hr
Bond Approval

Free quote with no obligation. We specialize in DOD freight bonds and can often provide same-day approval for qualified carriers. Start your FCRP registration today.