What Is BMC-84 Bond in Trucking?
Also called: BMC-84, Broker Surety Bond, Freight Broker Bond
A BMC-84 is the $75,000 surety bond that a freight broker must have in effect to hold FMCSA broker authority. It pays shippers or carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts. A broker can use a BMC-85 trust fund instead. FMCSA will not register a broker without one, and a broker's authority can be suspended if the bond is cancelled or falls below $75,000.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- A broker must have a surety bond or trust fund of $75,000 in effect. FMCSA will not register a broker until it is (49 CFR 387.307(a))
- The surety bond is filed on Form BMC-84. A trust fund with a financial institution is filed on Form BMC-85
- The bond or trust fund pays shippers or motor carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts or arrangements for supplying transportation
- A trust fund may hold only cash, irrevocable letters of credit from a federally insured depository institution, and Treasury bonds. The assets must be liquid to cash within 7 calendar days
- A bond or trust fund can be cancelled only on 30 days' written notice to FMCSA
- Under the section that took effect on January 16, 2026, a surety must tell FMCSA within 2 business days when a payment drops the bond below $75,000. FMCSA can then suspend the broker's authority within 7 business days unless the bond is restored
- A BMC-84 is not insurance on trucks or cargo. It is a separate requirement
What is a BMC-84 bond?
A BMC-84 is a surety bond that a property broker files with FMCSA. A surety company promises to pay if the broker fails to meet its contracts with shippers or motor carriers. The bond protects the people who work with the broker, mainly carriers who are not paid. A broker must have it before FMCSA registers the broker, and must keep it in force to keep its authority. The amount is $75,000.
What is the difference between a BMC-84 and a BMC-85?
Both meet the same $75,000 requirement. A BMC-84 is a surety bond. The broker pays a premium to a surety company, which backs the bond. A BMC-85 is a trust fund agreement. The broker puts $75,000 in a trust fund at a financial institution. Under the rule, the trust fund may hold only cash, irrevocable letters of credit from a federally insured depository institution and Treasury bonds, and it must be convertible to cash within 7 calendar days. Most brokers use the surety bond.
What does a BMC-84 cover?
It covers the broker's failure to carry out its contracts, agreements or arrangements for supplying transportation by authorized motor carriers. In practice, this is most often a broker that takes a shipper's money and does not pay the carrier. A carrier with an unpaid claim can ask the surety to pay. It does not pay for damage to cargo, injury or property damage from a crash, or other insurance claims. Those need cargo and liability insurance.
What happens if claims reduce the bond?
The rule that took effect on January 16, 2026 adds a fast process. If payments, a judgment or an insolvency finding would drop the bond or trust fund below $75,000, the surety or financial institution must tell FMCSA within 2 business days. FMCSA then tells the broker that its authority will be suspended within 7 business days, unless the broker shows the notice was sent in error, restores the $75,000 or settles the claims without using the bond. If the broker does not respond in time, FMCSA suspends the authority.
How can a carrier check a broker's bond?
Look up the broker's MC number on FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance site. It shows whether the broker's authority is active and whether a bond or trust fund is on file. Check before you haul, and check again if payment slows. Our broker credit checker and carrier and broker lookup can help. A bond does not guarantee you will be paid. It is a backstop, and its limit is $75,000.
Related Free Tools
Authority Age and History Checker
Enter an MC or USDOT number to see how long the authority has been active, every revocation and reinstatement, and every insurance filing.
Broker Credit Checker
A live FMCSA authority and bond check, plus a scoring worksheet for payment history and complaints before you haul.
Carrier & Broker Lookup
Verify MC/DOT authority, check credit scores, and spot red flags before hauling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BMC-84 bond?+
It is the $75,000 surety bond that a freight broker must have in effect to hold FMCSA broker authority. It pays shippers or carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts. A broker can use a BMC-85 trust fund instead.
What does a BMC-84 cover?+
It covers the broker's failure to carry out its contracts or arrangements for supplying transportation, such as not paying a carrier. It does not cover cargo damage or crashes. Those need cargo and liability insurance.
How much is a BMC-84 bond?+
The bond amount is $75,000. What the broker pays is a premium, a fraction of that amount, and the surety company sets it based on the broker's credit and finances. Quotes vary, so compare a few.
How do you get a BMC-84 bond?+
A broker buys it from a surety company, which files Form BMC-84 with FMCSA. FMCSA will not register a broker until the bond or a BMC-85 trust fund is in effect.
What is the difference between a BMC-84 and a BMC-85?+
A BMC-84 is a surety bond. A BMC-85 is a trust fund agreement in which the broker puts $75,000 in cash, irrevocable letters of credit or Treasury bonds in a trust fund. Both meet the $75,000 requirement.
Can a broker lose authority if the bond falls below $75,000?+
Yes. Under 49 CFR 387.307, a surety must tell FMCSA within 2 business days when payments drop the bond below $75,000. FMCSA can then suspend the broker's authority within 7 business days unless the broker restores the bond or settles the claims another way.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.