Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) — the $75,000 bond every broker needs
If you broker loads, the FMCSA requires a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file to activate and keep your broker authority. Apply online in minutes, e-sign, and we file it with the FMCSA — no trucks, no auto policy, just the bond your authority needs.
Start your bond application →Who needs a BMC-84 bond?
Every licensed freight broker and freight forwarder operating under FMCSA authority. If your business arranges freight between shippers and motor carriers — and you don't run your own trucks — you need the bond, not trucking insurance. It's a condition of getting and keeping your MC (broker) authority.
How it works
- Apply online. Enter your USDOT number and we pre-fill your business details. Add your owner info and answer a few questions.
- E-sign the application. Your signature authorizes the credit check and the bond indemnity — your SSN goes on the secure form, never in an email.
- We file it. We run it through Old Republic Surety for your firm premium, and the surety files the bond electronically with the FMCSA. You're covered before your authority goes live.
How much does it cost?
The bond is always $75,000, but you don't pay that — you pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, based primarily on the owner's credit. For most brokers that's roughly $900 to $2,500 per year. New brokers with no claims history usually land in that range. See a full cost breakdown →
Frequently asked questions
- What is a freight broker bond?
- A freight broker bond (BMC-84) is a $75,000 surety bond the FMCSA requires every licensed freight broker and freight forwarder to maintain. It protects the motor carriers and shippers you work with, and it must be on file for your broker authority (MC number) to stay active.
- How much does a freight broker bond cost?
- The bond amount is always $75,000, but you only pay an annual premium — a small percentage of that based on the owner's credit. For most brokers it runs about $900 to $2,500 per year.
- How long does it take to get a BMC-84 bond?
- You can complete the online application and e-sign in a few minutes. Underwriting and filing typically take 1–2 business days, and the surety files the bond electronically with the FMCSA.
- Do I need a freight broker bond if I have no trucks?
- Yes. If you broker loads (arrange freight between shippers and carriers) you need the BMC-84 bond — not trucking insurance — to operate. Brokers don't run their own trucks, so auto liability doesn't apply; the bond is what your authority requires.
- What happens if my freight broker bond lapses?
- If your BMC-84 bond is cancelled or lapses, the FMCSA can revoke your broker authority, which stops you from legally brokering loads. Keeping the bond active is required to keep your MC authority.