Overview
The freight broker bond, filed on form BMC-84, is the surety bond the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires of licensed property brokers and freight forwarders. It guarantees that the broker will pay the motor carriers and shippers it arranges loads for, and gives them a way to recover if the broker does not. A broker must keep the bond (or an equivalent trust) on file to hold active operating authority.
The bond amount is fixed by federal rule at 75,000 dollars, the same for every broker, so pricing turns on the applicant rather than the amount. Because the bond guarantees payment, underwriting weighs the owners' credit and, for higher-risk files, the company's financials.
It is a surety bond that protects carriers and shippers, not the broker. The broker reimburses the surety for any paid claim under the indemnity agreement.
Who needs this bond
Property brokers and freight forwarders applying for or holding FMCSA operating authority, who must keep a 75,000 dollar bond or trust on file to stay active.
Typical amount and term
The bond amount is fixed by federal rule at 75,000 dollars. Premium runs roughly 1 to 5 percent of that amount per year for well-qualified brokers, and higher for newer or credit-challenged applicants.
What this bond costs
Your premium is a small percentage of the bond amount, set by underwriting. The biggest drivers:
- The owners' personal credit, the main driver at a fixed bond amount
- Time in business and freight broker experience
- Company financials for higher-risk files
- Any prior claims history
| Scenario | Bond amount | Estimated premium |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced broker, strong credit | $75,000 bond | around 1 to 2 percent per year |
| Average credit | $75,000 bond | around 3 to 5 percent per year |
| New broker or credit-challenged | $75,000 bond | higher rate, sometimes with collateral |
Figures are illustrative premium ranges, not quotes or statutory amounts. Your rate depends on the bond amount your obligee requires and your underwriting profile.
What you will need
- FMCSA docket (MC) number or application details
- Owner credit authorization
- Business financials for higher-risk files
How to apply
- Send your MC number or application details
- Receive a quote based on your credit and financials
- Bond filed electronically with the FMCSA
How a surety bond differs from insurance
A freight broker bond is a surety guarantee that protects the carriers and shippers you work with, not your brokerage. Contingent cargo or other insurance protects the brokerage's own exposures. The bond backstops your payment obligations; insurance transfers the brokerage's own risk. A paid claim is reimbursed to the surety by the broker.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the freight broker bond?
The bond amount is fixed by federal rule at 75,000 dollars for every property broker and freight forwarder. Your premium is a percentage of that amount, set by your credit and financials.
Who needs a BMC-84 bond?
Property brokers and freight forwarders applying for or holding FMCSA operating authority, who must keep a 75,000 dollar bond or trust on file to stay active.
What is the difference between a BMC-84 and a BMC-85?
A BMC-84 is the surety bond. A BMC-85 is a trust fund where the broker posts the full 75,000 dollars in cash or assets. Most brokers choose the bond so they are not tying up that capital.
What happens on a claim?
The surety investigates, pays valid claims up to the 75,000 dollar amount, and then seeks reimbursement from the broker under the indemnity agreement.
More additional bonds
Reviewed by the Cornerstone Surety bond team. Last reviewed 2026-06-17.