# Freight Broker Bond Guide: BMC-84 Surety Bond Explained

Canonical: https://www.fastboc3filing.com/guides/freight-broker-bond-guide
Category: Industry Guides
Published: 2026-04-07
Updated: 2026-04-07
Read time: 7 min read

> Learn about the $75,000 BMC-84 freight broker bond. Covers requirements, cost, how to apply, and alternatives like BMC-85 trust.

## TL;DR

> Every FMCSA-licensed freight broker must hold a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or BMC-85 trust fund. Surety premiums run 1–10% of face value; the trust requires depositing the full $75K.

## Key takeaways

- Bond floor is $75K under the MAP-21 law — no legitimate "reduced" alternative exists.
- Surety is cheapest upfront; trust avoids premiums but ties up $75K.
- New brokers with fair credit pay 3–6% ($2.25K–4.5K) the first year.
- BMC-84 protects shippers and carriers against broker non-payment.
- Bond is required separately from BOC-3 and OP-1 for MC-B activation.

## Cited entities

- MAP-21 [Legislation]
- BMC-84 Surety Bond [DefinedTerm]

## FAQ

### What is the $75,000 freight broker bond?

The BMC-84 (surety) or BMC-85 (trust fund) is a $75,000 financial guarantee required of every freight broker by FMCSA under the MAP-21 law. It protects shippers and carriers against broker non-payment - if the broker fails to pay a carrier for a load, the carrier can file a claim against the bond.

### How much does a freight broker bond premium cost?

Surety bond premiums run 1-10% of the $75,000 face amount annually ($750-7,500). Rate is based on personal credit, industry experience, and business financials. New brokers with fair credit typically see 3-6% ($2,250-4,500 first year); experienced brokers with 700+ credit can hit 1-2%.

### BMC-84 surety vs BMC-85 trust - which should I choose?

BMC-84 surety: you pay an annual premium, insurance company assumes the risk. BMC-85 trust: you deposit the full $75,000 into an FMCSA-controlled trust account, earning no interest but avoiding premiums. Surety is cheaper upfront; trust makes sense if you have the $75k idle capital and a shaky credit profile.

### Can I reduce my freight broker bond below $75,000?

No. FMCSA raised the bond minimum from $10,000 to $75,000 in 2013 under MAP-21, and that is the floor for every licensed broker. Any broker offering a cheaper "alternative bond" is violating federal law - FMCSA will revoke authority.

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