Trucking Surety Bonds for Texas Motor Carriers & Freight Brokers
Hauling oversize loads, running under a Texas weight-tolerance permit or brokering freight each comes with a different bond requirement. Lavon Insurance helps Texas motor carriers, owner-operators and freight brokers identify the right bond and get it filed.
Which Trucking Surety Bond Do You Need?
These three bonds meet different state and federal requirements. Start with the one that matches your operation.
Texas Oversize Permit Bond
A $10,000 TxDMV Form 439 bond covering highway damage from equipment moved under an oversize or superheavy permit.
Texas Oversize Permit Bond →BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond
A $75,000 FMCSA bond that meets the federal financial responsibility requirement for freight brokers and forwarders.
BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond →Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Bond
A $15,000 TxDMV Form 1753 bond required for the Annual Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit.
Over Gross Weight Tolerance Bond →Three Bonds, Three Different Purposes
| Bond | Amount | Agency & Form | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oversize Permit Bond | $10,000 | TxDMV Form 439 | Permit applicants not required to have TxDMV motor carrier registration or UCR |
| Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Bond | $15,000 | TxDMV Form 1753 | Carriers hauling divisible loads under the annual weight tolerance permit |
| BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond | $75,000 | FMCSA Form BMC-84 | Property brokers, household goods brokers and freight forwarders |
Form 439 and Form 1753 are separate TxDMV bonds for different permits. Confirm which permit you’re applying for before you buy.
Texas Oversize Permit Bond: Form 439
TxDMV requires a $10,000 Form 439 Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond from operators who aren’t required to have TxDMV motor carrier registration or UCR. The bond covers highway damage caused by equipment moved under the permit.
- Bond must be on file before the permit is issued
- Bond year runs September 1 through August 31
- Renew every year before August 31
- A faxed or electronic copy is valid for only 10 days until the original is on file
Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Bond: Form 1753
Before issuing the Annual Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit, TxDMV requires a $15,000 Form 1753 bond or an irrevocable letter of credit. The permit is for divisible commodities.
- Up to 10% over allowable axle weight
- Up to 5% over allowable gross weight
- Annual permit fee from $270 to $1,095, depending on the number of counties
- The original bond must be on file; electronic copies aren’t accepted
BMC-84 Freight Broker Surety Bond
FMCSA requires freight brokers and freight forwarders to keep $75,000 in financial security on file. A BMC-84 surety bond meets that requirement without tying up $75,000 in cash in a BMC-85 trust fund.
FMCSA’s updated broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility rules reached their compliance date on January 16, 2026, with faster suspension if security drops below $75,000.
- 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
- Starting rates for qualified applicants with strong credit
Insurance Texas Motor Carriers Also Need
A surety bond doesn’t replace trucking insurance. We can help with your bonds and your coverage together.
Truck Liability
Primary auto liability and state and federal filings for motor carriers.
Commercial Truck Liability →Motor Truck Cargo
Coverage for the freight you haul for customers.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance →Physical Damage
Coverage for your own tractors and trailers.
Truck Physical Damage →All Trucking Insurance
Every policy owner-operators and fleets may need.
Trucking Insurance in Texas →Trucking Surety Bond FAQs
What surety bonds are commonly used in trucking?
Common transportation bonds include the $10,000 Texas Form 439 oversize permit bond, the $15,000 Texas Form 1753 over axle / over gross weight tolerance bond and the $75,000 federal BMC-84 freight broker bond.
Is a BMC-84 bond required for a motor carrier?
Not for operating as a motor carrier alone. The BMC-84 is for freight brokers and freight forwarders, who must keep $75,000 in financial security on file with FMCSA through a BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund.
How much is the Texas oversize permit bond?
The TxDMV Form 439 Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond is $10,000. It must be renewed every year before August 31.
Who needs the Texas Form 439 permit bond?
TxDMV requires it from oversize or superheavy permit applicants who aren’t required to have TxDMV motor carrier registration or Unified Carrier Registration (UCR).
How much is the Texas over axle / over gross weight bond?
TxDMV Form 1753 is a $15,000 bond required for the Annual Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit. An irrevocable letter of credit can be used instead.
Are the $10,000 and $15,000 Texas permit bonds interchangeable?
No. Form 439 and Form 1753 are separate TxDMV bonds for different permits. Confirm the permit and form before you buy.
Does a trucking surety bond replace commercial trucking insurance?
No. Bonds and insurance serve different purposes. Motor carriers still need commercial auto liability, cargo, physical damage or other insurance based on their operation.
Can Lavon Insurance help if I don’t know which bond I need?
Yes. Send us the permit notice, government form or other document showing the requirement, and we’ll help identify the right bond.
Find the Trucking Surety Bond You Need
Whether it’s a Texas oversize permit, a weight tolerance permit or broker authority, we can help you get bonded quickly.
Bond availability, approval, premium and underwriting requirements vary by surety, applicant and bond type. Permit and registration requirements are set by TxDMV and FMCSA; confirm current rules with the agency.