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…
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. R…
Typical timeframe
Credit-based approval — typically 1–2 business days
Application
What to do next.
Tell us the bond name, state, and amount on your form.
Share business and applicant info so the team can quote it.
Sign and pay; we issue the bond and send you the documents.
Keep your effective date and renewal date on file with us.
Start the application.
You are on the exact bond page. The next step is to start the quick application.
StateIABond amount$75,000ObligeeFederal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationBond classFreight Broker BondCategoryTransportationBondBMC-84 Freight Broker BondPlain descriptionThe 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 comm…Who needs this bondAll 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 propert…
FAQ
Common questions.
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.
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.
