What is a transportation broker bond?

A transportation broker bond is a $75,000 surety bond required by FMCSA for freight brokers and transportation intermediaries. It protects shippers and motor carriers from broker fraud, negligence, or failure to pay for transportation services.

How much does a transportation broker bond cost?

Transportation broker bond premiums range from 1-15% of the $75,000 bond amount annually. Most brokers pay $938-$7,500 per year depending on their credit score, financial strength, and transportation industry experience.

Is this the same as a BMC-84 bond?

Yes, transportation broker bonds are often referred to as BMC-84 bonds, which is the FMCSA form number. Both terms refer to the same $75,000 freight broker bond requirement for FMCSA authority.

How long does transportation broker bond approval take?

Most transportation broker bonds are approved within 24-48 hours for brokers with good credit and complete applications. Emergency processing is available for urgent FMCSA authority deadlines.

Can I get a transportation broker bond with bad credit?

Yes, transportation broker bonds are available for brokers with challenged credit, though premiums will be significantly higher. We work with specialized programs for brokers with credit issues or bankruptcy history.

Do I need anything else besides the transportation broker bond?

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

FMCSA REQUIRED24-48 HOUR APPROVAL

Transportation Broker Bond #964

Get FMCSA transportation broker bonds for freight broker authority. Required $75,000 minimum with competitive credit-based rates.

Essential for Freight Broker Authority

• Required for FMCSA authority

• $75,000 minimum bond amount

• Fast 24-48 hour approval

• Rates from $938 annually

• Credit-based pricing

• Transportation industry protection

Get Freight Broker Bond - From $938 Calculate My Rate

FMCSA authority • Transportation protection • Freight industry expertise

FMCSA Transportation Broker Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all freight brokers and transportation intermediaries to post a $75,000 surety bond before obtaining broker authority. This bond protects shippers and motor carriers from broker fraud, negligence, or failure to pay.

The bond must be maintained continuously during broker operations and is a prerequisite for legal freight brokerage activities in interstate commerce.

Credit-Based Transportation Broker Bond Pricing

Annual premium ranges based on credit score and financial strength

Excellent Credit (750+)

$938 - $2,250

Notes: Best rates with minimal documentation

Good Credit (650-749)

$2,250 - $7,500

Notes: Standard underwriting process

Fair Credit (550-649)

$7,500 - $22,500

Notes: Additional financial documentation

Challenged Credit (<550)

$22,500 - $112,500

Notes: Specialized programs available

Rate Factors

• Personal credit score (primary factor)
• Business financial strength
• Transportation industry experience
• Geographic operating area

Who Must Have Transportation Broker Bonds?

Transportation intermediaries requiring FMCSA broker authority

Freight brokers arranging transportation services

Transportation intermediaries and 3PLs

Property brokers handling commercial cargo

Freight forwarders consolidating shipments

Auto transport brokers and dealers

Digital freight platforms and load boards

Broker Service Types

• General freight brokerage services

• Specialized cargo transportation

• Auto transport and vehicle shipping

• Household goods moving coordination

• Temperature-controlled logistics

• Hazardous materials transportation

FMCSA Broker Bond Requirements

Federal bonding requirements for different types of transportation brokers

New Freight Brokers

$75,000 minimum

Timeline: Before operations

Notes: FMCSA authority application

Existing Broker Renewal

$75,000 maintained

Timeline: Continuous coverage

Notes: Annual renewal required

Freight Forwarders

$75,000 minimum

Timeline: Authority application

Notes: Property broker authority

Household Goods Brokers

$10,000 minimum

Timeline: HHG broker authority

Notes: Separate from freight brokerage

Auto Transport Brokers

$75,000 standard

Timeline: Vehicle transportation

Notes: Specialized cargo requirements

Intermodal Brokers

$75,000 minimum

Timeline: Multimodal operations

Notes: Rail, truck, ocean coordination

Important: FMCSA requirements may change based on transportation industry regulations and enforcement priorities. Consult with FMCSA or transportation attorneys for current requirements.

Risks of Operating Without Transportation Broker Bonds

Consequences of non-compliance with FMCSA bonding requirements

FMCSA authority application denial or suspension

Inability to operate as freight broker legally

Loss of access to load boards and freight platforms

Exclusion from shipper and carrier networks

Daily penalties for operating without proper authority

Potential criminal charges for unlicensed brokerage

Federal Enforcement: Operating as a freight broker without proper authority and bonding violates federal transportation laws and can result in criminal charges and significant fines.

Why Choose Our Transportation Broker Bonds?

🚛 FMCSA Compliance: Required for freight broker authority

⚡ Fast Processing: 24-48 hour approval for qualified brokers

💰 Competitive Rates: 1-15% annually based on credit and experience

🛡️ Industry Protection: Protects shippers and carriers from fraud

📋 Authority Assurance: Enables legal freight brokerage operations

🏆 Professional Credibility: Demonstrates financial responsibility

📞 Transportation Expertise: Industry-specific compliance guidance

Frequently Asked Questions