Last updated: October 30, 2026|General freight broker bond information — confirm current requirements with the licensing authority.

FMCSA Required - $75,000 Bond

Freight Broker Surety Bond (BMC-84): the $75,000 FMCSA Requirement

A freight broker bond, also called a BMC bond (Form BMC-84), is the $75,000 surety bond FMCSA requires every property broker in interstate commerce to file to obtain and keep operating authority. See our complete guide on how to get broker authority for the full step-by-step process, or compare the BMC-84 bond vs. BMC-85 trust fund. Premiums start at $750/year based on credit.

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$75,000

Bond Amount

~1%–4%

Premium (good credit)

Electronic

FMCSA Filing

All Levels

Credit Accepted

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Quick answer

A BMC-84 freight broker bond is the $75,000 surety bond FMCSA requires before it will grant or keep a property broker's operating authority. You pay a yearly premium that is a small percentage of $75,000 (an estimate; the carrier sets the final price, mainly from personal credit), not the full amount. Apply online and a licensed agent submits your application to the carrier promptly.

Who requires it: FMCSA, for every property broker and freight forwarder in interstate commerce (49 U.S.C. 13906; 49 CFR 387.307).
Amount: $75,000, set by federal law. A BMC-85 trust fund of $75,000 is the alternative.
Typical cost (estimate): about 1%–4% of $75,000 per year with good credit, roughly $750–$3,000. New brokers often pay more.
Filing: the surety files the BMC-84 with FMCSA electronically. Prompt submission; most quotes within one business day.

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Official Federal Requirements

"A broker must have a surety bond or trust fund of $75,000 in effect. FMCSA will not register a broker until a surety bond or trust fund for the full limits of liability prescribed herein is in effect."

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) • 49 CFR § 387.307

Treasury-Listed Carriers

Prompt Submission

Direct FMCSA Filing

All Credit Reviewed

How Much Does a Freight Broker Bond Cost?

A freight broker bond costs about 1%–4% of the $75,000 bond amount per year with good credit, roughly $750–$3,000. That is an estimate: the carrier sets the final premium, mainly from personal credit, and premiums across all credit tiers run from about $750 to $11,250 a year. New brokers typically pay $1,500–$9,000 even with good credit because they lack operating history. The $75,000 is the bond amount, the coverage FMCSA requires for shippers and motor carriers; it is not what you pay. The credit-score table below shows the rate band for each credit profile, and our freight broker bond cost guide breaks it down further.

What Is a Freight Broker Surety Bond (BMC-84)?

The BMC-84 freight broker surety bond requirement stems from 49 U.S.C. § 13906(b), which mandates that the Secretary of Transportation may register a person as a broker only if they file adequate financial security. The implementing regulations at 49 CFR § 387.307 specify that brokers must maintain either a surety bond (Form BMC-84) or trust fund agreement (Form BMC-85) for exactly $75,000, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales agents.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), signed into law on July 6, 2012, transformed the freight brokerage landscape by increasing the required bond amount from $10,000—unchanged since the 1970s—to $75,000 effective October 1, 2013. Congress enacted this 7.5-fold increase to combat broker fraud, protect motor carriers from non-payment, and create a meaningful financial barrier against unscrupulous operators entering the industry.

Critical Understanding

The bond's purpose is explicitly stated in 49 CFR § 387.307(a): to "ensure the financial responsibility of the broker by providing for payments to shippers or motor carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts, agreements, or arrangements." The bond protects claimants, not the broker's business interests.

Form BMC-84 vs. BMC-85: How the Filing Works

Form BMC-84 is the FMCSA filing that evidences a property broker's surety bond; 49 CFR § 387.307 states that "Evidence of a surety bond must be filed using FMCSA's prescribed Form BMC-84." The surety company, not the broker, files it with FMCSA electronically for the full $75,000 once the bond is issued. The alternative filing is Form BMC-85, which evidences a $75,000 trust fund held with a financial institution. Both stay in effect continuously until cancelled on 30 days' written notice to FMCSA (Form BMC-36 for a surety bond) or replaced by a new bond or trust fund.

Freight Broker Bond Requirements: Who Must Get a BMC-84?

The regulatory definition at 49 CFR § 371.2(a) is precise: a broker is "a person who, for compensation, arranges, or offers to arrange, the transportation of property by an authorized motor carrier."

Freight Brokers

Never take possession of cargo and bear no direct transportation liability—simply connect shippers with carriers.

Requires: $75,000 BMC-84 bond only

Motor Carriers

Physically transport goods, operate commercial vehicles, and must carry substantial liability insurance.

Requires: $750K-$5M liability insurance

Freight Forwarders

Take possession of cargo, assume transportation responsibility, and require multiple coverages.

Requires: $75,000 bond + liability + cargo

Specialty brokers have their own pages: auto transport broker bonds for car-shipping brokers and household goods moving broker bonds for moving brokers. Brokers based in Alaska can read why the Alaska freight broker bond is only the federal BMC-84, with no separate state broker bond.

Who is Exempt from Bonding?

Motor carriers arranging transport for shipments they're authorized to carry

Bona fide agents working under carrier direction

Entities handling only intrastate transportation

Those transporting exempt commodities

Need your BMC-84 bond fast? Most freight broker bonds are quoted within one business day — all credit levels reviewed.

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Freight Broker Surety Bond Cost by Credit Score

Bond premiums represent a percentage of the $75,000 face amount, not the full bond value. Personal credit score is the primary underwriting factor. See our complete BMC-84 bond cost guide for detailed pricing analysis.

Credit Profile	Rate Range	Annual Premium	Notes
Excellent (750+)	1.0%-1.5%	$750-$1,125	Lowest rate band
Good (700-749)	1.25%-2.5%	$938-$1,875	Standard underwriting
Average (650-699)	3%-5.5%	$2,250-$4,125	Additional review
Fair (580-649)	5%-8%	$3,750-$6,000	More documentation
Challenged (<580)	8%-15%	$6,000-$11,250	Specialized programs

BMC-84 Bond Cost by Credit Score

Based on a $75,000 bond amount

Credit ScoreEst. Annual Cost

Excellent (750+)Rate: 1.0%–1.5%
$750–$1,125
Good (700–749)Rate: 1.25%–2.5%
$938–$1,875
Average (650–699)Rate: 3%–5.5%
$2,250–$4,125
Fair (580–649)Rate: 5%–8%
$3,750–$6,000
Challenged (<580)Rate: 8%–15%
$6,000–$11,250

Rates are approximate annual premiums as a percentage of the $75,000 bond amount. Actual premiums depend on credit, experience, and business financials. New brokers typically pay $1,500–$9,000 even with good credit.

Additional Underwriting Factors

Industry Experience

3+ years qualifies for best rates

Business Financials

Assets, liabilities, cash flow reviewed

Claims History

Prior claims significantly increase premiums

New Broker Premiums

$1,500-$9,000 typical due to lack of history

Difference Between BMC-84 and BMC-85: Surety Bond vs Trust Fund

Most brokers choose the BMC-84 surety bond because it requires far less capital. Read our detailed BMC-84 vs BMC-85 comparison for a complete analysis.

BMC-84 Surety Bond

RECOMMENDED

Upfront Capital: Premium only ($750-$11,250/year)
Credit Check: Yes, determines premium rate
Annual Cost: 1%-15% of bond amount
Best For: Most freight brokers
Processing: Surety files electronically; FMCSA sets its timing

BMC-85 Trust Fund

Upfront Capital: Full $75,000 deposit required
Credit Check: Many small license bonds don’t require a credit check
Annual Cost: Bank trustee fees (1-2%)
Best For: Large, well-capitalized firms or those with very poor credit
Processing: Longer setup time

January 2026 BMC-85 Changes

Since January 16, 2026, BMC-85 trust funds may hold only cash, irrevocable letters of credit issued by federally insured depository institutions, and Treasury bonds, and loan and finance companies can no longer serve as trustees (49 CFR § 387.307). Brokers whose BMC-85 arrangements do not meet these rules must restructure them or switch to a BMC-84 bond.

What is a BOC-3 filing?

The BOC-3 is the Designation of Agent for Service of Process, filed on Form BOC-3 under 49 CFR Part 366. A broker makes a designation for each state in which its offices are located or in which contracts will be written.

Only one completed current form may be on file, and it must include every state where an agent designation is required. Each process agent must reside in or maintain an office in the state it covers. Confirm the filing steps and any fee with FMCSA before you file.

If anything's unclear, call. Eric answers the phone and will walk you through it.

Source: 49 CFR Part 366 (eCFR)

How to Obtain Freight Broker Authority

The complete process typically takes 4-6 weeks from initial application to active authority status. See our step-by-step guide to getting broker authority.

Apply Through FMCSA Motus registration system

1-2 days

Submit your application at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov with your legal business name, address, principal/owner information, and business structure details. Pay the $300 non-refundable fee. Upon acceptance, FMCSA assigns your MC number.

Obtain and File Your BMC-84 Bond Through a Freight Broker Bond Company

Underwriting time varies by surety

Apply with a surety bond provider with your MC number, business information, and SSN for credit check. After underwriting and premium payment, the surety files your bond electronically with FMCSA. Bonds typically appear in FMCSA systems within 2-3 business days.

Designate Process Agents (BOC-3)

1-2 days

File Form BOC-3 designating a process agent in every state where you conduct business or maintain an office. Brokers may designate themselves in their own state if they have a physical office location.

Wait Out the Protest Period

10+ days

Your application publishes in the FMCSA Register for 10 calendar days for public comment. After all filings are verified and the protest period closes without opposition, FMCSA activates your authority.

Important: You may NOT begin operations until your status shows "ACTIVE" in the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance system.

Indemnity Agreements and Personal Guarantees

Surety Bonds Function as Credit, Not Insurance

When a surety pays a claim against your bond, you must reimburse them for the full amount plus legal fees and investigation costs under the General Indemnity Agreement (GIA) signed during bond issuance. Failure to reimburse can result in bond cancellation, inability to renew, collection actions, and effective inability to continue operating.

Who Must Sign Personal Guarantees?

Sole Proprietors

Owner plus spouse must sign

Corporations

President + all owners with 10%+ stakes, plus spouses

LLCs

Managing members + all members, plus spouses

The spousal requirement exists because marriage legally joins assets—the guarantee prevents business owners from transferring assets to avoid repayment obligations. The indemnity agreement's joint and several liability provision means the surety can pursue any indemnitor for the full amount owed.

How the BMC-84 Claims Process Works

Key Point: Motor carriers and shippers—not brokers—benefit from bond protection. The $75,000 represents an aggregate limit, not a per-claim maximum, meaning total claims draw from the same pool regardless of how many claimants exist.

Valid Reasons for Claims

Broker fails to pay for completed transportation services

Broker fails to fulfill contractual obligations

Broker commits fraud against carriers or shippers

Broker breaches contracts or agreements

Claims Process Steps

1Claimant identifies the broker's surety through FMCSA's SAFER system
2Submit claim directly to surety with supporting documentation (rate confirmations, BOLs, proof of delivery, invoices, communications)
3Surety investigates and asks the broker to respond (49 CFR § 387.307 gives the broker 7 business days to address the claim's validity)
4If valid, surety pays claim; broker must reimburse surety under indemnity agreement

When Claims Exceed $75,000

When total valid claims exceed the bond amount—common with distressed or fraudulent brokerages—the surety typically files an interpleader action in court. The court determines allocation among claimants on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you're owed $25,000 against $150,000 in total claims, you would receive ($25,000 ÷ $150,000) × $75,000 = $12,500. Claimants may pursue the broker directly for remaining amounts, though recovery prospects diminish with insolvent entities.

2026 Broker Financial Responsibility Rule

The Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility rule (88 FR 78656) represents the most significant regulatory change since MAP-21. See our complete guide to the 2026 FMCSA rule for a full breakdown of what changed and the steps brokers need to take now.

Compliance Date: January 16, 2026

Immediate Suspension Procedures

If your available bond or trust falls below $75,000 (for example, after a claim payment), FMCSA sends written notice that your operating authority will be suspended unless you restore it or otherwise resolve the shortfall within 7 business days.

Surety Notification Requirements

Sureties must notify FMCSA within 2 business days of any payment that reduces coverage below the required $75,000 amount.

BMC-85 Trust Fund Restrictions

Trust funds may contain only cash, irrevocable letters of credit issued by federally insured depository institutions, and Treasury bonds, and loan and finance companies can no longer act as trustees.

Enhanced Enforcement

FMCSA can suspend noncompliant surety providers for 3 years with penalties of $12,882 per violation.

Penalties for Operating Without a Bond

Continuous bond coverage is mandatory—broker registration "shall remain in effect only as long as a surety bond or trust fund remains in effect" per 49 CFR § 387.307(a). Any lapse immediately invalidates your authority to operate.

Providing broker services without registration$39,615 per violation

Attempting to evade broker regulation (first offense)$2,730–$6,823

Attempting to evade broker regulation (subsequent)$3,409–$10,224

Additional consequencesAction against operating authority

Brokers must maintain transaction records for three years per 49 CFR § 371.3, documenting consignor information, carrier details, bill of lading numbers, compensation received, freight charges collected, and payment dates.

BMC-84 Surety Bond Premium Calculator

Estimate your annual premium based on credit score

💰BMC-84 Bond Cost Calculator

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

Credit Score Range *

Years in Transportation Business

Business Type

Primary Business State

Important Calculator Notes:

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

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

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

• Rates shown are annual premiums for continuous bond coverage

• Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or special circumstances

• This calculator does not constitute a quote or guarantee of coverage

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Common Misconceptions About Freight Broker Bonds

"The bond protects my brokerage business"

Wrong. The bond exclusively protects shippers and motor carriers. Brokers needing business protection must purchase separate insurance products—general liability, contingent cargo insurance, and errors and omissions coverage.

"The bond covers cargo loss or damage"

Wrong. Contingent cargo insurance covers cargo loss or damage when a carrier's insurance fails or proves inadequate. The BMC-84 bond covers non-payment to carriers. The bond is mandatory; contingent cargo insurance is optional but strongly recommended.

"I can get my premium refunded if I cancel"

Usually wrong. Most sureties declare premiums "fully earned" at issuance. Some providers offer pro-rated refunds for unused time, but this is the exception. Trust fund deposits are retrievable after properly closing authority, though some trustees retain funds for extended periods.

"UCR registration is part of my bond"

Wrong. Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is completely separate from bonding. Brokers must register annually through ucr.gov and pay the current fee of $46 per year for 2025-2026 in addition to maintaining their BMC-84 bond and operating authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BMC-84 freight broker bonds

What is a BMC-84 freight broker bond?

A BMC-84 is a $75,000 surety bond required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all property brokers operating in interstate commerce. The bond protects motor carriers and shippers—not the broker—from non-payment, fraud, or failure to fulfill contractual obligations. The requirement stems from 49 U.S.C. § 13906(b) and implementing regulations at 49 CFR § 387.307.

How much does a freight broker bond cost, including with bad credit?

The surety carrier sets the premium, based primarily on personal credit. As a rough guide, premiums commonly run about 1%-4% of the $75,000 bond amount (about $750-$3,000 per year) for good credit. Approximate tiers: excellent credit (750+) about 1-1.5% ($750-$1,125/year). Good credit (700-749) pays 1.25-2.5% ($938-$1,875). Average credit (650-699) pays 3-5.5% ($2,250-$4,125). Fair credit (580-649) pays 5-8% ($3,750-$6,000). Poor credit pays 8-15% ($6,000-$11,250). New freight brokers typically pay $1,500-$9,000 even with good credit due to lack of operating history.

How do freight broker bond companies work?

You apply with a surety bond provider, a freight broker bonding company, using your MC number, business information, and SSN for a credit check. The surety carrier sets the premium, based primarily on personal credit. After underwriting and premium payment, the surety files your bond electronically with FMCSA, and bonds typically appear in FMCSA systems within 2-3 business days. Most quotes come within one business day.

BMC-84 bond vs BMC-85 trust fund: Which should I choose?

The BMC-84 surety bond is almost always the better choice. A trust fund requires depositing the full $75,000 in cash, U.S. Treasury bonds, or irrevocable letters of credit. A surety bond requires only an annual premium, set by the carrier as a percentage of the $75,000 (commonly about 1%-4%, or $750-$3,000, for good credit). Most brokers choose the BMC-84 bond to preserve working capital. The BMC-85 may suit well-capitalized firms or those with credit too poor to obtain a bond.

How long does it take to get freight broker authority?

The complete process typically takes 4-6 weeks: (1) Apply through FMCSA Motus registration system and pay the $300 fee to receive your MC number, (2) Obtain your BMC-84 bond—most quotes within one business day, filed to FMCSA in 2-3 business days, (3) File Form BOC-3 designating process agents in each state, (4) Wait out the 10-day protest period. You cannot operate until your status shows ACTIVE in FMCSA systems.

What happens if I operate without a freight broker bond?

Operating without proper bonding triggers severe penalties under 49 CFR Part 386. Providing broker services without registration carries penalties of $39,615 per violation. Evading regulation carries $2,730-$6,823 for a first violation and $3,409-$10,224 for subsequent violations (inflation-adjusted amounts listed in 49 CFR Part 386, Appendix B). FMCSA can also take action against your operating authority.

What are the new 2026 BMC-84 compliance requirements?

Since January 16, 2026 (the compliance date), the Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility rule (88 FR 78656) applies. Key changes to 49 CFR 387.307: sureties and trust providers must notify FMCSA within 2 business days when a broker’s available security falls below $75,000; FMCSA then gives written notice that the broker’s authority will be suspended unless the shortfall is resolved within 7 business days; BMC-85 trust assets are limited to cash, irrevocable letters of credit from federally insured depository institutions, and Treasury bonds; and loan and finance companies can no longer serve as BMC-85 trustees.

Who can file a claim against my freight broker bond?

Motor carriers and shippers—not the broker—can file claims against the bond. Claims may be filed when a broker fails to pay for completed transportation services, fails to fulfill contractual obligations, commits fraud, or breaches contracts. The $75,000 is an aggregate limit, meaning total claims draw from the same pool regardless of how many claimants exist. If claims exceed $75,000, claimants receive pro-rata distributions.

Do I need to personally guarantee a freight broker bond?

Yes, personal guarantees are required for virtually all freight broker bonds. Sole proprietors must sign along with their spouse. Corporations require signatures from the president plus all owners holding 10% or greater stakes, along with their spouses. LLCs require managing members and all members plus spouses. This is because surety bonds function as credit, not insurance—if the surety pays a claim, you must reimburse them under the General Indemnity Agreement.

Who needs a freight broker bond?

FMCSA requires a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond, or a $75,000 BMC-85 trust fund, from every property broker and freight forwarder operating in interstate commerce, under 49 U.S.C. § 13906(b) and 49 CFR § 387.307. The bond protects motor carriers and shippers, not the broker.

Do I get my money back from a freight broker bond?

Usually not. The premium is a percentage of the $75,000 bond amount, not a deposit, and most sureties declare it fully earned at issuance; some providers offer pro-rated refunds for unused time, but that is the exception. BMC-85 trust fund deposits are retrievable after you properly close your authority, though some trustees retain funds for extended periods.

What happens after I apply for a freight broker bond?

A licensed agent submits your application to the carrier promptly; most quotes come back within one business day. Once you accept a quote and pay the premium, the surety files your BMC-84 electronically with FMCSA, and bonds typically appear in FMCSA systems within 2-3 business days. You cannot operate until your status shows ACTIVE in FMCSA systems.

What does a BMC-84 bond cover?

A BMC-84 bond covers payments to shippers and motor carriers when a broker fails to carry out its contracts or arrangements for transportation, up to the $75,000 aggregate limit. It does not cover cargo loss or damage, and it does not protect the broker’s own business; those risks need separate insurance, such as optional contingent cargo coverage.

Can I file my BOC-3 myself?

The rule requires a Form BOC-3 designating a process agent for each state where your offices are located or contracts will be written, and each agent must reside in or keep an office in that state. Only one current form may be on file and it must cover every required state. The rule also provides for a blanket designation that names the process agents a company has already filed with FMCSA. The rule text we read does not spell out who may submit the form, so confirm the filing steps and any fee with FMCSA.

Source: 49 CFR Part 366 (eCFR)

Official Government Resource

FMCSA Broker & Freight Forwarder Registration

Official registration requirements, forms, and regulations

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Freight Broker Bonds by State

State-specific guidance for filing your $75,000 BMC-84 and securing FMCSA property broker authority.

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