Surety bonds • Transportation
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84): $75,000 Requirement, Cost, and New FMCSA Rules
Federal rules require property brokers to keep $75,000 in financial security, filed with FMCSA as a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund. Most brokers choose the bond, which costs a percentage of the $75,000; published prices start around $938 a year. Under rules effective January 16, 2026, authority can be suspended if security drops below $75,000 and is not restored quickly.
This guide explains BMC-84 and BMC-85, what the bond costs, the 2026 FMCSA financial responsibility rule, and how to keep your authority active. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, and a licensed agent can help you compare options.
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BMC-84 vs. BMC-85
| BMC-84 surety bond | BMC-85 trust fund | |
|---|---|---|
| Who files it | A surety company | A financial institution |
| What you pay | An annual premium, a percentage of $75,000 | $75,000 in qualifying assets set aside |
| Qualifying assets | Not applicable | Cash, irrevocable letters of credit from federally insured institutions, or Treasury bonds |
| If a claim is paid | You repay the surety | The trust is reduced and must be restored |
Requirements from 49 CFR 387.307. Loan and finance companies can no longer serve as BMC-85 trustees (FMCSA).
How much a freight broker bond costs
You pay a premium, not the full $75,000. SuretyBonds.com lists premiums starting at $938 a year (about 1.25% of the bond), varying with the credit of all owners; experienced brokers with strong personal credit may qualify for lower rates. New brokers and applicants with weaker credit usually pay more, and the bond is subject to underwriting.
| Premium rate | Annual premium |
|---|---|
| 1.25% | $938 |
| 2% | $1,500 |
| 4% | $3,000 |
| 8% | $6,000 |
Simple percentage examples for illustration only, not quotes. See our surety bond cost guide.
The 2026 FMCSA financial responsibility rule
According to FMCSA, rules effective January 16, 2026 tighten how broker security works:
- Drawdowns. The surety or trustee must notify FMCSA within 2 business days if a payment or judgment drops available security below $75,000.
- Suspension. FMCSA then notifies the broker that its authority will be suspended within 7 business days unless the security is restored or the notice was in error (49 CFR 387.307).
- Insolvency. If a broker fails financially, the surety or trustee accepts claims for 60 days after FMCSA publishes notice.
- Provider penalties. Sureties and institutions that violate the rules can face fines and a three-year ban from providing broker security.
FMCSA has announced compliance date changes in a separate notice, so check its site for the latest dates.
Cancellation and keeping authority active
A surety must give FMCSA 30 days’ written notice to cancel a BMC-84 bond, on Form BMC-36 (49 CFR 387.307). If you switch providers, the new surety or institution files the replacement through its FMCSA e-filing account. Pay renewals on time, and settle valid claims quickly so your security stays at $75,000.
Bond vs. broker insurance
The BMC-84 bond protects motor carriers and shippers if a broker fails to pay; it does not protect the broker, who must repay any claim the surety pays. Brokers often also carry contingent cargo, contingent auto liability, and general liability coverage. See our commercial truck insurance guide for carrier-side coverage.
Freight broker bond FAQs
How much is a freight broker bond?
The bond amount is $75,000. Published premiums start around $938 a year, and rise for newer brokers or owners with weaker credit.
What is the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?
BMC-84 is a surety bond you pay a premium for. BMC-85 is a trust fund holding $75,000 in cash, irrevocable letters of credit, or Treasury bonds.
What happens if a claim drops my security below $75,000?
The surety must notify FMCSA within 2 business days, and FMCSA will suspend your authority within 7 business days unless you restore the security or show the notice was in error.
Do freight forwarders need a bond too?
Yes. Freight forwarders are subject to the same $75,000 financial security requirement.
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Important information
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Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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