BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond: $75,000 FMCSA Surety Bond
Every FMCSA-licensed freight broker and freight forwarder must keep $75,000 in financial security on file. A BMC-84 surety bond meets that requirement starting at $2,250 a year for qualified applicants, instead of tying up $75,000 in cash in a BMC-85 trust fund.
Starting at $2,250 / year
- $75,000 bond amount required by FMCSA
- 1-year term from $2,250
- 2-year term from $4,500
- 3-year term from $6,750
- Filed electronically with FMCSA by the surety
- For property brokers, household goods brokers and freight forwarders
How Much Does a BMC-84 Bond Cost?
You pay a premium for the bond, not the full $75,000. Your premium is based on your credit and the surety’s underwriting. These are our starting rates for applicants with the strongest credit.
From $4,500
$75,000 bond, one premium covers 2 years.
Your actual premium depends on personal and business credit, financial information and surety underwriting, and may be higher. Approval isn’t guaranteed, and some applicants may be asked for collateral. You’ll see your exact price before you buy.
What Is a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond?
A BMC-84 bond is a $75,000 surety bond that FMCSA requires before a freight broker or freight forwarder can receive and keep operating authority. “BMC-84” is the name of the FMCSA form the surety files to prove the bond is in place.
The bond guarantees payment to the motor carriers and shippers you work with. If a broker fails to pay a carrier or meet other covered obligations, a valid claim can be paid from the bond, and the broker must then repay the surety.
- Also called a freight broker bond, $75,000 broker bond or property broker surety bond
- Filed electronically with FMCSA by the surety, not by you
- Must stay active for as long as you hold broker or forwarder authority
Who Needs a BMC-84 Bond?
Any business that arranges interstate transportation of property for compensation must keep $75,000 in financial security on file with FMCSA.
Property Brokers
Businesses that match shippers with authorized motor carriers and get paid to arrange the move.
Household Goods Brokers
Brokers arranging household moves carry the same $75,000 financial responsibility requirement.
Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders of property must keep $75,000 in security through a BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund.
BMC-84 Bond vs. BMC-85 Trust Fund
Both satisfy FMCSA’s $75,000 requirement. The difference is how much cash you tie up.
| Feature | BMC-84 Surety Bond | BMC-85 Trust Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Premium starting at $2,250 a year, based on credit | $75,000 set aside, plus trustee fees |
| What backs it | A surety company guarantees the $75,000 | Cash, an irrevocable letter of credit from a federally insured institution, or U.S. Treasury bonds |
| Cash flow | Keeps your working capital free | Ties up $75,000 for as long as you hold authority |
| After a paid claim | You repay the surety, and security must be restored | The trust balance drops and must be replenished to $75,000 |
| Best for | Most new and growing brokers | Brokers with idle capital to commit |
2026 Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility Rules
FMCSA’s updated financial responsibility rule reached its compliance date on January 16, 2026. It’s stricter about keeping your security at the full $75,000.
Fast Replenishment
If your security drops below $75,000, the surety must notify FMCSA within 2 business days. If it isn’t restored within 7 business days of FMCSA’s notice, FMCSA moves to suspend your authority.
Stricter BMC-85 Assets
Trust funds may hold only cash, irrevocable letters of credit from federally insured institutions or U.S. Treasury bonds. Loan and finance companies can no longer serve as trustees.
Provider Accountability
Sureties and trustees that violate the rules face penalties and a three-year ban from providing broker security, so a reliable bond provider matters more than ever.
Source: FMCSA Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility Rule overview.
How to Get a BMC-84 Bond and Freight Broker Authority
Your broker authority won’t become active until FMCSA has your bond and process agent filings on record.
Apply for Broker Authority
Register with FMCSA and apply for property broker or freight forwarder authority to get your USDOT and MC numbers.
Apply for Your BMC-84 Bond
Apply online or call us. Choose a 1-, 2- or 3-year term and provide your business, ownership and MC number details.
Surety Files the BMC-84
Once your bond is approved and paid, the surety files Form BMC-84 electronically with FMCSA.
File Your BOC-3
FMCSA requires a BOC-3 naming a process agent in each state. Most brokers use a blanket process agent company.
Register for UCR & Start Brokering
Complete Unified Carrier Registration. Once FMCSA activates your authority, you’re ready to book loads.
Freight Broker Bonds From a Local Texas Agency
Lavon Insurance is an independent agency in North Texas that helps freight brokers, freight forwarders and trucking companies with the bonds they need to operate. You see your exact price before you buy, and you have a real person to call.
- Starting rates of $2,250 for 1 year, $4,500 for 2 years and $6,750 for 3 years
- Apply online any time, or call (972) 853-8884
- Electronic BMC-84 filing with FMCSA
- Brokers and forwarders bonded nationwide
BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond FAQs
How much does a BMC-84 freight broker bond cost?
At Lavon Insurance, $75,000 BMC-84 bonds start at $2,250 for 1 year, $4,500 for 2 years or $6,750 for 3 years for qualified applicants with strong credit. Your actual premium depends on your credit and surety underwriting and may be higher.
Does my credit affect my BMC-84 bond cost?
Yes. The surety sets your premium based on your personal and business credit, financial information and other underwriting factors. Applicants with strong credit qualify for our starting rate of $2,250 per year. Others may pay more.
Can I get a BMC-84 bond with bad credit?
Applicants with lower credit may still qualify, usually at a higher premium or with extra requirements such as collateral. Approval is not guaranteed. Apply online or call us to see your options.
Do I have to pay $75,000 to get a BMC-84 bond?
No. $75,000 is the bond amount FMCSA requires, not what you pay. You pay a bond premium, starting at $2,250 per year for qualified applicants. Only a BMC-85 trust fund requires you to set aside the full $75,000.
Why choose a 2-year or 3-year BMC-84 bond?
One premium covers the full term, so you renew less often. That lowers the risk of a missed renewal putting your authority at risk.
What is the difference between a BMC-84 and a BMC-85?
A BMC-84 is a surety bond: a surety company guarantees the $75,000 and you pay a premium. A BMC-85 is a trust fund: you deposit $75,000 in cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or U.S. Treasury bonds with a qualified trustee.
Who files the BMC-84 with FMCSA?
The surety company files Form BMC-84 electronically with FMCSA once your bond is issued. Brokers do not file it themselves.
What happens if a claim is paid on my bond?
You’re responsible for repaying the surety. Under FMCSA’s rule, if your available security falls below $75,000 and isn’t restored within 7 business days of FMCSA’s notice, FMCSA moves to suspend your authority.
Can my broker authority be suspended if my bond lapses?
Yes. Keeping $75,000 in financial security on file is a condition of broker and freight forwarder authority. If your bond is cancelled and no replacement is filed, FMCSA will suspend your authority.
Do freight forwarders need a BMC-84 bond?
Yes. Freight forwarders of property must keep $75,000 in financial security, through either a BMC-84 bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
Can I get a BMC-84 bond in Texas?
Yes. The BMC-84 is a federal bond that covers broker authority nationwide. Lavon Insurance is based in North Texas and helps brokers across the country get bonded.
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Bonds start at $2,250 a year for qualified applicants. Apply online to see your rate, or talk with our team about the right term for your brokerage.
Starting rates are for qualified applicants and are subject to surety underwriting and approval. FMCSA rules are summarized for general information; confirm current requirements with FMCSA.