BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond Application
A BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety Bond is a federal requirement enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all freight brokers and property brokers operating in interstate commerce. This bond is a mandatory condition of obtaining and maintaining freight broker authority and guarantees compliance with federal transportation laws.
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Why You Need a BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety Bond
You need a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond because it is a mandatory licensing requirement imposed by the FMCSA. The bond must be filed before your freight broker authority becomes active and must remain in force for as long as you operate as a broker.
This bond protects motor carriers and shippers by ensuring freight brokers:
- Pay carriers for completed freight shipments
- Comply with FMCSA regulations and broker agreements
- Operate honestly and avoid fraudulent practices
Without an active BMC-84 bond on file, the FMCSA will deny, suspend, or revoke your freight broker authority.
BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety Bond FAQs
These are some of the most common questions asked about BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety Bonds and how they work.
A BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond is a federally required surety bond with a bond amount of 75,000 that guarantees a freight broker’s compliance with federal transportation laws and payment obligations to motor carriers.
If a freight broker fails to pay a carrier or violates FMCSA rules, an injured party may file a claim against the bond to recover financial losses. The bond does not protect the broker; it protects carriers and shippers from nonpayment and misconduct.
A BMC-84 bond is a three-party agreement between the freight broker (principal), the surety company, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The bond guarantees that the broker will operate lawfully and meet all financial and contractual obligations.
If a carrier files a valid claim for nonpayment or misconduct, the surety will investigate and may pay damages up to the 75,000 bond limit. The freight broker is legally required to reimburse the surety for any claims paid, including investigation costs.
The bond must remain active at all times. If the bond is canceled or not renewed, the FMCSA will immediately suspend or revoke the broker’s operating authority.
The cost of a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond is a small annual premium based on the broker’s personal credit history and financial profile, not the full 75,000 bond amount.
- Brokers with good credit typically pay 1%–3% annually
- Most brokers pay between 750 and 2,250 per year
- Brokers with challenged credit may pay higher rates
Most surety companies use a soft credit check, which generally does not impact your credit score.
You need a BMC-84 bond if you are:
- Applying for FMCSA freight broker authority
- Operating as a property broker
- Brokering freight for motor carriers without operating your own trucks
Motor carriers operating solely under their own authority do not need a BMC-84 bond unless they also broker loads for other carriers.
To get a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond, submit an application through a licensed surety agency. The surety will review your personal credit history and issue a quote.
Once approved and payment is made:
- The bond is filed electronically with the FMCSA
- Your broker authority can become active
To renew your bond, simply pay the annual premium before the expiration date. Failure to renew will result in automatic suspension or revocation of your FMCSA freight broker authority.