Freight Broker Bond Cost
How much does a freight broker bond cost?
The bond itself is always $75,000 — that's the FMCSA-required amount. But you never pay that. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, and for most freight brokers that's about $900 to $2,500 per year.
What you actually pay
A BMC-84 freight broker bond is credit-based. The surety looks at the owner's personal credit and sets your premium as a percentage of the $75,000 face amount:
- Strong credit: roughly 1.2%–3% → about $900–$2,250/yr
- Average credit: roughly 3%–5% → about $2,250–$3,750/yr
- Lower credit / new with thin file: higher percentage, sometimes with collateral options
Most established and new brokers with clean histories land in the $900–$2,500 range.
What drives the price
- Owner credit — the single biggest factor.
- Business age & experience — a brand-new authority vs. a few years operating.
- Claims history — any prior surety bond claims raise the rate.
- Financials — for some new ventures the surety may ask for a brief financial statement.
How to get the lowest rate
Apply with the owner who has the strongest credit as the signer, keep the business in good standing, and avoid letting prior bonds lapse with claims. We run your application through Old Republic Surety to get your firm, credit-scored premium — there's no cost to see your number.
Get your freight broker bond quote →Frequently asked questions
- How much is a $75,000 freight broker bond?
- You don't pay $75,000 — that's the coverage amount. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, usually $900 to $2,500 per year depending on the owner's credit.
- Why is my freight broker bond quote higher than someone else's?
- Bond premium is credit-based. Owners with stronger personal credit get the lowest rates (close to 1.2%–3% of the $75,000), while lower credit raises the percentage. Business age and any prior bond claims also factor in.
- Is the freight broker bond a one-time fee or annual?
- It's an annual premium. The BMC-84 is continuous until cancelled, and you renew the premium each year to keep your authority active.