Last updated: May 31, 2026|General Washington freight broker bond information — confirm current requirements with the licensing authority.

Washington State — FMCSA + UTC Requirements

Washington FreightBroker Bond

Washington freight brokers face two distinct bonding layers that many guides don't explain clearly. The federal $75,000 BMC-84 freight broker bond from FMCSA covers interstate moves. But if you broker property shipments entirely within Washington — or run an office here while arranging any intrastate moves — the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) separately requires a $10,000 intrastate bond under WAC 480-12-375 plus a UTC permit. Most WA-based brokers need both. You can handle the federal bond online and add the state UTC bond in the same application.

$75,000

Federal Bond

$10,000

WA Intrastate Bond

~1%–4% of $75K

BMC-84 Premium

$100/yr

UTC Bond from

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Quick answer

A BMC-84 freight broker bond is the $75,000 federal surety bond FMCSA requires before it will grant or keep a property broker's operating authority, whether your brokerage is based in Washington or arranges loads through the state. Washington also requires a $10,000 bond with the Utilities and Transportation Commission for brokers arranging property transportation within Washington. You pay a yearly premium that is a small percentage of $75,000 (an estimate; the carrier sets the final price), not the full amount.

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. The carrier sets the final price.
Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.

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Two Bonds, Two Regulators: The Washington Difference

Most surety bond guides simply swap a state name onto the federal BMC-84 page and call it done. Washington is different because the UTC actively regulates intrastate freight brokering as a separate licensing category — something most other states leave entirely to FMCSA jurisdiction.

Washington Freight Broker: Federal vs. State Requirements

Both may apply depending on whether you broker intrastate shipments or maintain a WA office

Requirement	Federal BMC-84	WA UTC Intrastate Bond
Regulator	FMCSA	Washington UTC
Bond Amount	$75,000	$10,000
Statute / Rule	49 CFR § 387.307	WAC 480-12-375
Who Needs It	All interstate property brokers	Brokers arranging intrastate WA moves
Filed With	FMCSA (electronic)	WA UTC, Olympia
Typical Annual Cost	$750–$11,250	$100–$300
Processing Time	Filed electronically; timing is the carrier’s	1–9 days (online application)

Interstate-only brokers with a WA physical office must also register with the UTC under WAC 480-12-375 (one-time $25 fee). Sources: FMCSA, 49 CFR § 387.307; WA UTC, WAC 480-12-375.

If You Broker Any Intrastate WA Moves

You need both bonds. The UTC permit application requires the $10,000 bond filed with the commission before your permit issues. Operating as an intrastate broker without UTC authority violates RCW 81.80.

If You Broker Interstate Moves Only

The $75,000 BMC-84 is your primary requirement. If you have a WA office, you also need to register with UTC (one-time $25 fee) even if every load you arrange crosses a state line.

Official Federal Requirements

"A broker shall provide a surety bond, trust fund agreement, or other financial security in the amount of $75,000 in a form, manner, and amount as the Secretary may prescribe."

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

Official Washington UTC Requirements

"Each intrastate broker or forwarder and each interstate broker or forwarder shall file with the commission, and keep in effect, a surety bond, or deposit satisfactory security in the amount of ten thousand dollars conditioned upon such broker or forwarder making compensation to shippers, consignees and carriers for all moneys belonging to them."

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission • WAC 480-12-375

Why Washington Produces High-Volume Freight Broker Businesses

Understanding where the freight moves helps explain why the dual-permit setup is worth the paperwork. Washington's geographic position creates domestic freight lanes that most other states don't have.

Northwest Seaport Alliance

The combined Ports of Seattle and Tacoma processed over 3.1 million TEUs in 2024 — among North America's top five container gateways. Every import container and export load needs domestic carrier coordination. Freight brokers arrange drayage, transloading, and over-the-road moves through this gateway around the clock.

Blaine Border Corridor

The I-5 crossing at Blaine handles over 356,000 commercial trucks per year (WSDOT 2025 FGTS data). Canada-bound agricultural products, returning BC consumer goods, and cross-border manufacturing supply chains all require a licensed U.S. broker on the domestic leg — the BMC-84 covers that interstate piece.

Agricultural Export Volume

Terminal 10 in Seattle has been developed specifically for ag exports — potatoes from Eastern WA, grain from the Northern Great Plains via Wallula rail hub, apples, cherries, and seafood. Brokers coordinating reefer and flatbed capacity from Spokane/Yakima to port are often brokering entirely within Washington, triggering the UTC intrastate layer.

The Spokane-to-Seattle Lane Is Purely Intrastate

Freight brokers arranging potato, onion, or grain loads from Eastern Washington (Spokane, Yakima, Moses Lake) to Seattle/Tacoma port terminals are operating an entirely intrastate lane — never crossing a state line. FMCSA has no jurisdiction over that transaction. The WA UTC does. If you focus on agricultural drayage and inland port moves within Washington, the $10,000 UTC bond is not optional — it's the primary requirement for that lane, with the BMC-84 covering any interstate freight you also arrange.

Need your WA freight broker bonds handled start to finish? We quote both the BMC-84 and can advise on UTC permit requirements — most quotes within one business day.

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What Washington Freight Brokers Actually Pay

The $75,000 BMC-84 premium is driven almost entirely by personal credit. The $10,000 WA UTC intrastate bond adds a small, relatively flat cost on top. Here is what the full annual spend looks like for a Washington broker carrying both. See our complete surety bond cost guide and freight broker bond cost by state for deeper analysis.

WA Freight Broker Total Annual Bond Cost (BMC-84 + UTC)

Based on a $85,000 combined bond amount

Credit ScoreEst. Annual Cost

Excellent credit (750+)Rate: ~1.0%–1.5%
$850–$1,425/yr
Good credit (700–749)Rate: ~1.25%–2.5%
$1,038–$1,975/yr
Average credit (650–699)Rate: ~3%–5.5%
$2,350–$4,425/yr
Fair credit (580–649)Rate: ~5%–8%
$3,850–$6,100/yr
Challenged credit (<580)Rate: ~8%–15%
$6,100–$11,550/yr

BMC-84 rates: 1%–15% of $75,000 based on credit. UTC bond ($10,000): ~$100–$300/yr flat. Combined totals are approximate. New brokers without operating history typically pay the upper half of each band. Source: FMCSA 49 CFR § 387.307; WAC 480-12-375.

Underwriting Factors That Move the Rate in Washington

Operating History

3+ years brokering typically qualifies for the lower tiers. New brokers — even with excellent credit — often land 1.5–2.5x the baseline rate until they have 12 months of clean operating history.

Business Financials

Washington brokers handling high-volume port drayage or BC cross-border freight often have strong cash flow that helps offset marginal credit. Carriers reviewing WA broker applications may weigh monthly revenue more heavily than national averages suggest.

Claims History

Prior BMC-84 claims significantly increase premiums regardless of current credit score. One paid claim can push a 750-credit broker from the 1% tier to 5%+ for 2–3 renewal cycles.

BMC-85 Alternative

Well-capitalized brokers can deposit the full $75,000 with a qualified trustee instead of paying annual premiums. The Jan. 2026 rule change tightened eligible assets — only cash, irrevocable LOCs from federally insured depository institutions, or Treasury bonds qualify now.

Getting Your WA UTC Freight Broker Permit

The UTC process for intrastate freight brokers is separate from — and faster than — the FMCSA process. Under WAC 480-12 and RCW 81.80.430, here is the sequence.

Obtain FMCSA Authority First (if also operating interstate)

Federal step

Apply through FMCSA's Motus registration system. Pay the $300 fee and receive your MC number. Complete the 10-day protest period. If you will only broker intrastate WA shipments, you can skip this step and apply to UTC directly.

Obtain Your $10,000 WA UTC Surety Bond

WA-specific

Procure a $10,000 surety bond from a carrier licensed in Washington, conditioned to compensate shippers, consignees, and carriers per WAC 480-12-375. This bond is filed directly with the UTC, not FMCSA.

Submit UTC Permit Application Online

WA-specific

Apply via the UTC's online permit system at utc.wa.gov. Complete applications typically process in about one day. The permit requires proof of the filed bond. Contact UTC Licensing Services at Transportation@utc.wa.gov or 360-664-1222.

Maintain Both Bonds Continuously

Ongoing

Both bonds must remain in force without a gap. The BMC-84 lapses = FMCSA suspends authority. The UTC bond lapses = UTC can cancel your state permit. Renewal timing matters — the FMCSA bond year and UTC permit year may not align, so calendar both expiration dates.

Tip on definitions: WAC 480-12-100 defines a broker as "a person engaged in the business of providing, contracting for or undertaking to arrange for, transportation of property by two or more common carriers." If you are arranging transport using only one carrier, you may not meet the WAC definition of broker — but you should verify with the UTC before assuming you are exempt. The UTC's licensing line (360-664-1222) can confirm your specific situation.

January 2026 FMCSA Rule: What Changed for Washington Brokers

The Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility rule (88 FR 78656, effective January 16, 2026) overhauled how quickly brokers must respond to BMC-84 drawdowns. Washington brokers running dual-permit operations face the same federal timeline changes as every other state — but the interaction with the UTC renewal cycle creates a scheduling consideration worth flagging.

7-Business-Day Bond Replenishment Window

If any claim payment reduces your BMC-84 below $75,000, your surety must notify FMCSA within 2 business days, and after FMCSA's written notice you have 7 business days to top it back up or your operating authority is suspended.

BMC-85 Trust Fund Restrictions

Trust funds must now hold only cash, irrevocable LOCs from federally insured depository institutions, or Treasury bonds. Loan and finance companies were removed as eligible trustees as of January 16, 2026.

WA UTC Permit: No Changed Timelines

The UTC's $10,000 intrastate bond requirement was not affected by the 2026 federal rule. However, if your BMC-84 lapses and FMCSA suspends your federal authority, you may still be able to operate intrastate-only under the UTC permit while you replenish — though your scope would be limited to purely within-Washington shipments.

Login.gov Identity Verification

As of 2026, FMCSA requires identity verification via Login.gov before processing new broker authority applications. Factor in an extra 1–3 business days for account verification if you are a new applicant. Existing MC holders are not required to re-verify.

See our complete BMC-84 freight broker bond guide and BMC-84 vs. BMC-85 comparison for full context on the 2026 rule changes and which financial security option fits your situation.

From the Producer's Desk

The UTC Permit Conversation Most WA Applicants Miss

When a new Washington freight broker submits a BMC-84 application, one of the first qualifying questions we ask is: "Are any of your loads going to stay entirely within Washington state?" The answer almost always reveals a UTC permit gap.

Brokers focused on the Seattle-Tacoma port often assume every container move is "federal" because it came off a ship. In reality, the port drayage leg — terminal to warehouse, or terminal to rail yard — is domestic and often entirely intrastate. If the carrier and shipper are both in Washington and the load never crosses a state line, the UTC has jurisdiction, not FMCSA.

The practical risk: a broker operating without a UTC permit on intrastate moves is exposed to RCW 81.80 violations, and more immediately, any carrier or shipper dispute on those loads won't have a properly-filed surety bond backing it. We routinely see UTC permit applications come in 6–12 months after the FMCSA bond was placed — usually triggered by an insurance review or a carrier asking for proof of state authority.

Getting the UTC bond is straightforward — it's a $10,000 bond that typically costs $100–$300/year regardless of credit. The permit application processes in about a day online. The issue isn't complexity, it's awareness.

Reviewed by

Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer

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All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.

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Washington Freight Broker Bond — Frequently Asked Questions

Questions specific to the dual-permit structure in Washington

Does Washington require anything beyond the federal $75,000 BMC-84 bond?

Yes. Washington is one of the states that layers a separate intrastate requirement on top of the federal bond. Under WAC 480-12-375, any broker arranging property transportation within Washington state must also file a $10,000 surety bond with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Interstate-only brokers with a Washington office must additionally register with the UTC (one-time $25 fee). Most WA-based brokers end up carrying both bonds.

What is the WA UTC freight broker permit, and how does it differ from FMCSA authority?

The Washington UTC issues permits for intrastate transportation under RCW 81.80 and WAC 480-12. If a shipper and the carrier both operate entirely within Washington — the load never crosses a state line — that movement falls under state jurisdiction rather than FMCSA's. The UTC requires a $10,000 bond (WAC 480-12-375), proof of insurance filed with the commission, and a permit application (utc.wa.gov). The FMCSA BMC-84 covers interstate moves; the UTC permit covers intrastate moves. Many WA brokers handle both types.

How much does a Washington freight broker bond cost per year?

The $75,000 federal BMC-84 bond costs $750–$11,250/year depending on personal credit: excellent credit (750+) pays 1–1.5% ($750–$1,125), good credit (700–749) pays 1.25–2.5% ($938–$1,875), average credit (650–699) pays 3–5.5% ($2,250–$4,125), and challenged credit pays 8–15% ($6,000–$11,250). The separate WA UTC intrastate bond ($10,000) typically runs $100–$300/year and is straightforward to obtain. See our full state-by-state breakdown at our freight broker bond cost guide.

Why do so many freight brokers set up near Seattle-Tacoma or Spokane compared to other states?

Geography drives it. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma combined) processed over 3.1 million TEUs in 2024 — ranking among North America's top container gateways. The I-5 corridor handles more than 356,000 trucks crossing from Canada at Blaine annually. Spokane anchors the I-90 east-west freight corridor connecting Pacific ports to interior markets. Washington also exports roughly $45 billion in goods quarterly, with aerospace products, apples, potatoes, grain, and seafood as major export categories needing domestic trucking coordination before port loading.

What happens if my BMC-84 bond falls below $75,000 after a claim in Washington?

Under the 2026 FMCSA financial responsibility rule (effective January 16, 2026), if a payout drops your bond below $75,000, FMCSA gives written notice and suspends your operating authority unless you replenish it within 7 business days. Your surety must notify FMCSA within 2 business days of any payment that reduces coverage below the required threshold. This is a stricter timeline than the pre-2026 rules — make sure your surety has your current contact information so you receive notice immediately.

Can a Washington freight broker operate intrastate without a UTC permit using just the FMCSA bond?

No. The FMCSA BMC-84 bond and operating authority cover interstate commerce — shipments that cross at least one state line. Washington intrastate freight brokering (entirely within WA) requires a separate UTC permit and the $10,000 WAC 480-12-375 bond filed with the commission. Operating as an intrastate broker without UTC authority is a violation of state law under RCW 81.80.

Who needs a Washington freight broker bond?

Property brokers and freight forwarders based in Washington that arrange interstate freight. It is required by FMCSA, under 49 CFR 387.307. The bond amount is $75,000, set by federal law (BMC-84 surety bond; a BMC-85 trust fund is the alternative).

How do I get a Washington freight broker bond?

Request a quote with the form on this page. A licensed agent submits your application to a Treasury-listed surety carrier; once the carrier issues your bond, file it as the requiring agency directs.

What happens after I apply?

We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes come back within one business day. The carrier decides approval and the final premium, and you pay only when your bond is issued.

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Washington State — FMCSA + UTC

Get Your Washington Freight Broker Bonds

We handle the $75,000 BMC-84 filing with FMCSA and can walk you through the $10,000 UTC intrastate bond. most federal bond quotes within one business day, all credit levels, premiums commonly about 1%–4% of $75,000 with good credit (the carrier sets the price).

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