BMC-84 Surety Bonds for Freight Brokers and Freight Forwarders
Freight brokers and freight forwarders regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must maintain $75,000 in qualifying financial security.
A BMC-84 surety bond is one way to satisfy this federal financial responsibility requirement without placing $75,000 into a BMC-85 trust fund.
BMC-84 Bond at a Glance
- $75,000 required financial security
- Used by freight brokers and freight forwarders
- Filed with FMCSA
- Alternative to a BMC-85 trust fund
- Required to maintain qualifying operating authority
What Is a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond?
Form BMC-84 is the FMCSA filing used to provide evidence that a broker or freight forwarder has obtained the required surety bond.
$75,000 Bond Requirement
FMCSA requires qualifying brokers and freight forwarders to maintain $75,000 in financial security.
Federal Filing
The surety provider files the BMC-84 electronically with FMCSA as evidence that the required bond is in effect.
Financial Protection
The bond provides financial protection for qualifying claims arising when a broker or freight forwarder fails to meet certain transportation-related obligations.
Who Needs a BMC-84 Bond?
BMC-84 financial responsibility requirements generally apply to federally regulated property brokers and freight forwarders.
Property Brokers
Businesses arranging transportation by authorized motor carriers for compensation generally must maintain the required FMCSA financial security.
Household Goods Brokers
Household goods brokers are also subject to the $75,000 broker financial responsibility requirement.
Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders of property generally must maintain $75,000 in qualifying financial security through a BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund.
BMC-84 Bond vs. BMC-85 Trust Fund
BMC-84 Surety Bond
A BMC-84 uses a surety company to provide the required $75,000 financial guarantee.
The broker or freight forwarder generally pays a bond premium rather than placing the entire $75,000 into a trust account.
BMC-85 Trust Fund
A BMC-85 uses a qualifying trust arrangement to satisfy the FMCSA financial responsibility requirement.
Under current FMCSA rules, qualifying trust assets must meet specific liquidity and provider requirements.
2026 Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility Rules
FMCSA’s updated financial responsibility regulations became effective January 16, 2026.
Maintain $75,000
Brokers and freight forwarders must continue to maintain qualifying financial security totaling $75,000.
Claims Can Affect Security
Paid claims may reduce the amount of available financial security below the federally required threshold.
Authority Can Be Suspended
FMCSA can suspend operating authority when required financial security is no longer maintained and is not replenished within the applicable federal timeframe.
How to Get a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond
1. Apply for Broker Authority
New brokers generally begin by applying for FMCSA broker authority and obtaining the required identifying numbers.
2. Apply for the BMC-84 Bond
Complete the surety application and provide requested business, ownership, credit or financial information.
3. Surety Files With FMCSA
Once the bond is approved and issued, the surety provider submits the BMC-84 filing electronically to FMCSA.
BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond FAQs
How much is the BMC-84 bond requirement?
Is a BMC-84 the same as a $75,000 freight broker bond?
What is the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?
Do I have to deposit $75,000 to get a BMC-84?
Who files the BMC-84 with FMCSA?
Can my broker authority be suspended if the bond is not maintained?
Does Lavon Insurance help with BMC-84 freight broker bonds?
Apply for Your $75,000 BMC-84 Bond
Lavon Insurance helps freight brokers and freight forwarders obtain surety bonds required for FMCSA financial responsibility.