A BMC-84 bond is a $75,000 surety bond required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for every licensed freight broker and freight forwarder operating in the U.S. It is a federal mandate under MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) and must remain continuously active to maintain FMCSA operating authority.
Without an active BMC-84 bond, FMCSA will suspend a broker’s operating authority. For freight brokers, lapses in authority mean lost business, client penalties, and regulatory consequences. We issue BMC-84 bonds fast, with same-day or next-business-day issuance for qualifying brokers.
BMC-84 bond premiums vary by FMCSA history. The FMCSA sets the $75,000 bond amount; the premium is what the broker pays annually to maintain the bond.
If a broker fails to pay a carrier for services rendered, the carrier can file a claim against the BMC-84 bond for the unpaid amount, up to $75,000 per claim. The surety investigates and, if the claim is valid, pays the carrier. The surety then seeks full reimbursement from the broker.
This is why BMC-84 claims are serious: the broker ultimately bears the full financial responsibility. Claims lead to bond cancellation, FMCSA authority suspension, and damaged carrier relationships.
The BMC-84 is a surety bond, a third-party guarantee issued by a surety company. The BMC-85 is a trust-fund arrangement in which the broker deposits $75,000 into a qualifying trust instead of a surety bond. The BMC-84 is the standard because it requires no cash deposit, just an annual premium.
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A BMC-84 bond is a $75,000 surety bond required by the FMCSA for all licensed freight brokers and freight forwarders in the U.S. It guarantees payment to carriers and shippers if a broker fails to meet contract obligations.
Annual premiums range from approximately $900 for brokers with excellent credit to $9,000 or more for high-risk applicants. TFMCSA fixes the $75,000 bond amount
FMCSA will suspend your operating authority. You cannot legally broker freight without an active bond on file with FMCSA.
Yes, through specialty markets. Premiums will be higher, and some sureties may require collateral. Contact us to discuss your options.
For qualifying applicants, same-day or next-business-day issuance is standard. We file directly with FMCSA on your behalf.
The BMC-84 is a surety bond requiring only an annual premium. The BMC-85 is a trust fund arrangement requiring a $75,000 cash deposit. Most brokers use the BMC-84.
