BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond

The BMC-84 is a $75,000 federal surety bond required by the FMCSA for all freight brokers and forwarders in the United States. It protects motor carriers from financial loss if a broker fails to pay for services or commits fraud. This bond must be filed and maintained continuously to operate legally as a freight broke…

Bond amount$75,000
State or jurisdictionIowa
ObligeeFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Essential point: Pin down whether this is your bond, then start the application. Ava can confirm the right state and license type if you are not sure.

Overview

What it is.

The BMC-84 is a $75,000 federal surety bond required by the FMCSA for all freight brokers and forwarders in the United States. It protects motor carriers from financial loss if a broker fails to pay for services or commits fraud. This bond must be filed and maintained continuously to operate legally as a freight broke…

Who usually needs it

All freight brokers and property forwarders operating in Iowa (and nationwide) who are applying for or maintaining FMCSA broker operating authority (MC number). This applies to anyone arranging transportation of property by motor carrier for compensation.

Pricing & timing

What to expect.

Generic pricing

Freight broker bonds (BMC-84) are required by FMCSA for freight brokers and forwarders. Typical Pricing:. • Bond amount: $75,000 (required by federal regulation). • Rates: Commonly around 1–5% based on credit, with annual premiums typically starting around $750–$3,750. • Credit impact: Good credit: starting around 1–2% · Average credit: typically 2–4% · Credit challenges: often 4–5% or higher. Multiple programs are available, including options for applicants with less-than-perfect credit. Rates may be higher when additional risk factors are present.

Your quote determines the actual premium.

Typical timeframe

Credit-based approval — typically 1–2 business days

Timing can change when underwriting needs more information.
Application details

How it works.

  1. Start the application

    Confirm the bond and provide applicant and business details.

  2. Review the quote

    See the terms and premium before deciding to continue.

  3. Pay and sign

    Complete the required payment and signatures.

  4. Receive the bond

    Get the issued bond and filing or delivery instructions.

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Frequently asked

Common questions.

What is the bond amount for the BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond?

The BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond requires a fixed bond amount of $75,000 as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 U.S.C. § 13904. This amount is standard nationwide and protects motor carriers from non-payment or fraudulent practices by brokers.

How do I file the BMC-84 bond with the FMCSA?

After obtaining your BMC-84 bond from a Treasury-listed surety company, you must file Form BMC-84 with the FMCSA as part of your OP-1 Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority through the Unified Registration System. You'll also need to submit a BOC-3 form designating process agents for each state where you operate. The bond must be maintained continuously to keep your broker authority active.

Who needs to file a BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond?

All freight brokers and property forwarders in the United States who are applying for or maintaining FMCSA broker operating authority (MC number) must file a BMC-84 bond. This federal requirement applies to anyone who arranges transportation of property by motor carrier for compensation, regardless of which state they operate in.

Next step

Ready to move forward?

Start the secure application with this bond already selected, or ask Ava a question before you begin.