Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84): Requirements, Cost & How to Get One

If you’re getting your freight broker authority from the FMCSA, the BMC-84 bond is non-negotiable — you can’t activate your authority without it. This guide explains what the bond covers, what it costs at different credit levels, the BMC-84 vs. BMC-85 choice, and how to get bonded quickly.

For the underlying mechanics, see what is a surety bond. To shop directly, visit the BMC-84 freight broker bond.

What the Freight Broker Bond Covers

The BMC-84 protects the motor carriers and shippers a broker works with. It guarantees the broker will:

• Pay carriers for completed loads
• Refund shippers when required
• Honor the financial terms of brokerage agreements
• Operate in compliance with FMCSA broker regulations (49 USC 13906)

If a broker fails to pay a carrier, that carrier can file a claim against the BMC-84. The surety pays valid claims up to the $75,000 limit, then collects from the broker.

BMC-84 vs. BMC-85: Bond vs. Trust

The FMCSA accepts two ways to meet the $75,000 requirement:

The vast majority of brokers choose the BMC-84 surety bond because it preserves working capital — you pay a small annual premium instead of locking up $75,000.

How Much Does a Freight Broker Bond Cost?

Premium is a percentage of the $75,000, driven mainly by credit. The freight broker bond is more credit-sensitive than most license bonds because the industry has a higher historical claim rate:

The $75,000 bond amount aligns with the $75,000 surety bond page. For full pricing, see the surety bond cost guide.

Getting a Freight Broker Bond with Bad Credit

The BMC-84 is one of the more credit-sensitive bonds, but bad credit programs do exist — expect a premium toward the 5–10% end. Some carriers require additional financials or collateral for very poor credit. For the full picture, see bad credit surety bonds and how to get bonded with bad credit.

What Happens If a Claim Is Filed

Unpaid carriers are the most common BMC-84 claimants. When a claim is filed:

• The surety notifies the broker and investigates the claim.
• If valid, the surety pays the carrier up to the remaining bond limit.
• The broker reimburses the surety for the full amount paid.

FMCSA authority risk: if the bond is exhausted or canceled, the FMCSA can revoke the broker’s operating authority. This makes claims especially serious for brokers.

How to Get a Freight Broker Bond

1. 1. Get your MC number. Register for broker authority with the FMCSA and obtain your MC docket number.
2. 2. Apply for the BMC-84. Provide business and personal information for credit-based underwriting.
3. 3. Get your quote and pay. Good credit gets same-day; bad credit may take up to 48 hours.
4. 4. The surety files electronically with the FMCSA. The bond is filed directly into the FMCSA system under your MC number.
5. 5. Authority activates. Once the FMCSA processes the filing (plus any protest period), your broker authority goes active.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a freight broker bond?
  A freight broker bond, officially the BMC-84, is a $75,000 surety bond the FMCSA requires of all licensed freight brokers and forwarders. It guarantees the broker will pay carriers and honor financial obligations to shippers. It’s mandatory to obtain and maintain FMCSA broker authority.
• How much does a freight broker bond cost?
  The premium runs 1–10% of the $75,000 bond, depending on credit — roughly $560–$7,500 per year. Excellent credit pays around $560–$1,125; below-640 credit pays $3,750–$7,500. You pay the premium, not the full $75,000.
• Why is the freight broker bond $75,000?
  The FMCSA raised the requirement from $10,000 to $75,000 under the MAP-21 law in 2013 to ensure carriers could recover unpaid freight charges and to remove undercapitalized brokers from the market. The $75,000 amount has been standard since.
• What’s the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?
  Both satisfy the $75,000 FMCSA requirement. The BMC-84 is a surety bond — you pay a small annual premium and keep your capital free. The BMC-85 is a trust fund — you deposit the full $75,000. Most brokers choose the BMC-84 to preserve working capital.
• Can I get a freight broker bond with bad credit?
  Yes, through specialty programs, though the BMC-84 is more credit-sensitive than most license bonds. Bad credit applicants typically pay 5–10% of the $75,000. Very poor credit may require additional financials or collateral.
• How long does it take to get a freight broker bond?
  Good-credit applicants often get same-day approval and electronic FMCSA filing. Bad-credit applications may take up to 48 hours. After filing, the FMCSA processing and protest period determines when your authority activates.
• What happens if a carrier files a claim on my bond?
  The surety investigates, pays valid claims up to the bond limit, and collects reimbursement from you. Importantly, if the bond is exhausted or canceled, the FMCSA can revoke your broker authority — so claims are serious for your ability to operate.
• Do freight forwarders need a BMC-84 too?
  Yes. The FMCSA requires the $75,000 BMC-84 (or BMC-85 trust) for both freight brokers and freight forwarders that arrange transportation. The requirement applies to property brokers operating under FMCSA authority.

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