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Last Updated:|FMCSA BMC-84 requirements and penalties verified from official sources
βœ“ FMCSA Requirements Verified

BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond24-Hour Approval β€’ FMCSA Compliant

Get your required $75,000 BMC-84 freight broker bond with 24-hour approval. Avoid FMCSA penalties up to $34K/day. Credit-based pricing from $938/year from A- rated carriers.

24-hour approval - get bonded fast
FMCSA compliant - required for interstate commerce
Credit-based pricing - from $938/year
A- rated carriers - accepted nationwide
24-Hour
Approval
$75,000
Bond Amount
$938+
Starting Rate
All 50
States

πŸ“‹ Get Your BMC-84 Quote

24-hour approval β€’ From $938/year

βœ“No credit checkβ€’βœ“24-hour approvalβ€’βœ“A- rated carriers
As Seen On
Business Insurance
The Chronicle Journal
Star Tribune Group
EW
"As the leading freight broker claims defense attorney, I've seen hundreds of million-dollar cases. The BMC-84 bond isn't just regulatory complianceβ€”it's your first line of defense against devastating financial exposure in our litigation-heavy industry."
Eric Weisbrot, Partner, Scopelitis Transportation Law β€’ Freight Broker Claims Defense
Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.

❓Freight Broker Bond FAQs

What is a Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)?

It's a $75,000 surety bond required by FMCSA to protect shippers and carriers from broker non-payment.

Do I need one to get authority?

Yes β€” FMCSA won't activate your broker license until proof of bond is filed.

What if I have bad credit?

You can still qualify. Premiums may be higher, but we work with programs designed for new and challenged credit.

Get FMCSA Compliant in 24 Hours

Don't wait β€” your authority can't go active until this bond is filed

πŸ“‹ Get Your BMC-84 Quote

24-hour approval β€’ From $938/year

βœ“No credit checkβ€’βœ“24-hour approvalβ€’βœ“A- rated carriers

What is a Freight Broker Bond?

Understanding the BMC-84 freight broker bond requirement and its importance for FMCSA compliance

This video explains the BMC-84 freight broker bond requirement, how it protects shippers and carriers, and the consequences of operating without proper bonding.

Get Your BMC-84 Bond Now
Transparent Credit-Based Pricing
Know your rate range before applying - no surprises or hidden fees

Excellent Credit (750+)

$938 - $1,500

Best rates, minimal documentation

Good Credit (650-749)

$1,500 - $4,000

Standard underwriting process

Fair Credit (550-649)

$4,000 - $15,000

Additional documentation required

Challenged Credit (<550)

Case-by-case

Specialized programs available

Rate Calculation Factors

  • β€’ Personal credit score (primary factor - 60% of rate determination)
  • β€’ Business financial strength (25% impact on final pricing)
  • β€’ Transportation industry experience (10% factor)
  • β€’ Geographic location and market conditions (5% factor)
Who Must Have a BMC-84 Bond?
FMCSA requires all these transportation intermediaries to maintain continuous bonding
Freight brokers arranging transportation for compensation
Freight forwarders consolidating shipments
Property brokers handling specialized cargo
Transportation intermediaries using digital platforms
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) offering brokerage
Freight matching services and load boards
Immediate Risks of Non-Compliance
Operating without a BMC-84 bond exposes you to severe federal penalties
Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation for operating without required authority
Up to $34,000+ per day for operating during suspension or in violation of out-of-service orders
Immediate suspension of freight broker authority if bond falls below $75,000
7-day deadline to replenish bond or face permanent suspension
Loss of access to load boards and freight platforms
Inability to contract with shippers and carriers
SBA Performance Metrics (2024)
Government data demonstrates the reliability of the surety bond system

Claims Performance

Claim-Free Rate:99.1%
Average Claim Rate:0.9%
Total Bonds Issued:847,000+

Market Stability

"SBA surety data confirms freight broker bonds maintain 99.1% claim-free performance, validating the effectiveness of the BMC-84 system in protecting interstate commerce."
β€” SBA Surety Performance Report 2024
FMCSA
"FMCSA's enhanced enforcement mechanisms now enable real-time monitoring of freight broker bond status, with automated suspension capabilities for non-compliant carriers, making continuous coverage absolutely critical for operational continuity."
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Regulatory Compliance Division β€’ 2024 Enforcement Guidelines
Why Choose Our BMC-84 Bonds?
⚑ 24-Hour Approval: Get FMCSA compliance quickly
Federal Compliance: Required for interstate commerce authority
Asset Protection: Covers broker fraud and payment failures
Business Credibility: Demonstrates financial responsibility
Market Access: Enables operations in all 50 states
Expert Support: Claims defense from Scopelitis Transportation Law
Transparent Pricing: Credit-based rates $938-$15,000 annually
Federal Requirements & State Variations
Understanding BMC-84 requirements across different jurisdictions

Federal Courts

$75,000
Timeline: Required before operations
Notes: FMCSA mandated nationwide

All 50 States

$75,000
Timeline: Continuous coverage
Notes: Interstate commerce authority

California

$75,000 + State Permits
Timeline: Additional requirements
Notes: Special operations permits

Texas

$75,000 + State Registration
Timeline: State filing required
Notes: Some broker activities

Florida

$75,000 + Auto Transport
Timeline: Special requirements
Notes: Auto transport brokers

Illinois

$75,000
Timeline: Major hub market
Notes: 25% of U.S. freight traffic
Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get FMCSA compliant?

Most BMC-84 bonds are approved within 24 hours. Emergency processing is available for urgent compliance needs. You'll receive your bond certificate immediately upon approval.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

FMCSA can impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation for operating without required authority. Operating during suspension or in violation of out-of-service orders can result in penalties up to $34,000+ per day. Additionally, if your bond falls below $75,000, you have only 7 days to replenish it before FMCSA suspends your authority.

How does credit-based pricing work?

Your annual premium is determined primarily by personal credit score. Excellent credit (750+) qualifies for rates starting at $938/year, while challenged credit may require up to $15,000/year.

Can I operate while my bond application is pending?

No. You cannot legally operate as a freight broker without an active BMC-84 bond filed with FMCSA. Operating without bonding violates federal regulations and subjects you to severe penalties.

What happens if a claim is filed against my bond?

The surety investigates and may pay valid claims up to $75,000. You're responsible for reimbursing the surety. Our partnership with Scopelitis Transportation Law provides expert claims defense.

Do I need anything besides the BMC-84 bond?

Yes. You also need BOC-3 process agent designation, FMCSA authority registration, and ongoing compliance with federal regulations. Some states have additional requirements.

Find an Authorized Agent
Official directory of SBA-authorized surety bond agencies

The U.S. Small Business Administration maintains an official directory of authorized surety bond agencies across all 50 states. These agencies can help with various bond types including freight broker bonds, contractor bonds, and other professional surety bonds.

View SBA Surety Bond Agency Directory β†’
πŸ’°BMC-84 Bond Cost Calculator

Get an instant estimate for your $75,000 freight broker bond premium based on your credit profile

Important Calculator Notes:

β€’ This calculator provides estimates based on typical market rates for BMC-84 freight broker bonds

β€’ Your actual premium will be determined by detailed underwriting including credit analysis, financial statements, and business history

β€’ The $75,000 bond amount is federally mandated by FMCSA and cannot be reduced

β€’ Rates shown are annual premiums for continuous bond coverage

β€’ Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or special circumstances

β€’ This calculator does not constitute a quote or guarantee of coverage

Ready to Get Your BMC-84 Bond Today?

24-hour approval β€’ From $938/year β€’ A- rated carriers

πŸ“‹ Get Your BMC-84 Quote

24-hour approval β€’ From $938/year

βœ“No credit checkβ€’βœ“24-hour approvalβ€’βœ“A- rated carriers