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AMERICAN SURETY BONDS AGENCY
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FREIGHT BROKER BOND
American Surety Bonds Agency helps property brokers and freight forwarders meet FMCSA’s federal financial responsibility requirement. Our underwriting team reviews your application and credit history to secure your $75,000 Freight Broker Bond.
What Is a Freight Broker Bond?
A Freight Broker Bond, filed with FMCSA on Form BMC-84, guarantees that a licensed property broker will comply with federal transportation regulations and meet its financial obligations to the motor carriers and shippers it arranges freight for. If a broker fails to pay a carrier or shipper as agreed, or violates applicable federal regulations, a claim can be filed against the bond for covered loss, up to the bond amount.
Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 13906 and 49 CFR § 387.307) requires every property broker and freight forwarder to maintain $75,000 in financial security — either this bond or a BMC-85 trust fund — before FMCSA will grant or maintain operating authority. Since January 16, 2026, FMCSA has enforced this requirement more strictly: if a broker’s available security drops below $75,000 and isn’t restored, operating authority is suspended within 7 business days of notice.
Also Known As
This bond goes by several names. You may also see it called:
- BMC-84 Bond
- Property Broker Bond
- Broker Bond
- Freight Broker Surety Bond
- ICC Broker Bond
- ICC Bond
These generally refer to the same bond described on this page.
Who Needs a Freight Broker Bond?
This bond is required for anyone who arranges for the transportation of property by motor carrier for compensation, without directly transporting the goods themselves, including:
Federal law requires this bond for every property broker holding FMCSA operating authority — it isn’t optional or client-driven the way some other commercial bonds are.
What Do I Need to Apply for a Freight Broker Bond?
This bond is individually underwritten. To apply, you’ll generally need:
Once your application and credit review are complete, our underwriting team will provide a quote and issue your bond.
How Much Does a Freight Broker Bond Cost?
The required bond amount is fixed at $75,000, but what you pay for the bond is individually underwritten, based primarily on your credit history and business experience. American Surety Bonds Agency works with a wide array of markets — from preferred applicants to non-traditional and higher-risk applicants — to help find the right rate for your bond.
How Do I Apply for a Freight Broker Bond?
Obtaining your Freight Broker Bond through American Surety Bonds Agency is simple:
1. Complete the bond application.
2. Our underwriting team reviews your application, credit history, and business background.
3. Once approved, review your quote and finalize your bond.
4. We file your BMC-84 with FMCSA on your behalf.
Why Choose American Surety Bonds Agency?
American Surety Bonds Agency has been helping freight brokers and freight forwarders meet their FMCSA bonding requirements for decades. Whether you’re applying for broker authority for the first time or renewing your existing bond, our experienced team is here to make the process simple and efficient.
When you choose American Surety Bonds Agency, you’ll receive:
- Experienced surety bond professionals
- Competitive rates from leading surety companies
- Fast underwriting and responsive customer service
- A secure online application process
- Assistance filing your BMC-84 with FMCSA
Above all, we’re committed to helping you meet your FMCSA bonding requirement quickly and correctly, with experienced guidance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freight Broker Bond Basics
| What is a Freight Broker Bond? | It guarantees that a licensed property broker will comply with federal transportation regulations and honor its financial obligations to the motor carriers and shippers it arranges freight for. If the broker fails to pay a carrier or shipper as agreed, the carrier or shipper can file a claim against the bond for covered loss, up to the bond amount. |
| Is this the same as a BMC-84 bond? | Yes — BMC-84 is the specific FMCSA form used to file a Freight Broker Bond. “Freight Broker Bond,” “Property Broker Bond,” and “BMC-84 Bond” all refer to the same required bond. |
| Why is this bond sometimes called an ICC Bond? | The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) originally regulated property brokers before the ICC Termination Act of 1995 abolished the agency. Broker regulation — including this bond requirement — now falls under the FMCSA, but many in the industry still use the older “ICC Bond” or “ICC Broker Bond” name out of habit. |
| Who needs a Freight Broker Bond? | Any business or individual acting as a property broker — arranging for the transportation of freight by motor carrier for compensation, without directly transporting the goods themselves — must maintain this bond to hold FMCSA operating authority. Freight forwarders are subject to the same $75,000 financial responsibility requirement, though they may also qualify under a different filing depending on how they operate. |
| How much does a Freight Broker Bond cost? | The bond amount is $75,000, but we individually underwrite your premium — what you actually pay — based on your credit history and business experience. Apply for a quote to see your rate. |
Applying, Compliance & Claims
| What happens if my bond balance drops below $75,000? | Under FMCSA rules effective January 16, 2026, if your available bond or trust fund security drops below $75,000 — for example after a claim is paid — FMCSA will notify you and will suspend your operating authority within 7 business days unless you restore the shortfall or show that FMCSA issued the notice in error. |
| Can I use a trust fund (BMC-85) instead of a bond? | Yes, FMCSA also accepts a $75,000 trust fund filed on Form BMC-85 as an alternative to a surety bond. As of January 16, 2026, FMCSA limits eligible trust assets to cash, U.S. Treasury securities, and irrevocable letters of credit from FDIC-insured institutions — loan and finance companies no longer qualify as trustees. As a result, a surety bond typically requires less upfront capital than fully funding a trust. |
| How long does it take to get a Freight Broker Bond? | We can often complete bond issuance within a few business days once your application and underwriting review are complete. After we file your BMC-84, FMCSA typically updates your operating authority to active status within 3 to 10 business days. |
| Can I get a Freight Broker Bond with bad credit? | Yes, though your premium will generally be higher. American Surety Bonds Agency works with a range of surety markets, including programs for applicants with less-than-perfect credit, to help place your bond. |
| What happens if a claim is filed against my bond? | The surety investigates the claim, and if it’s valid, pays the claimant up to the bond amount. The broker is ultimately responsible for reimbursing the surety for any paid claim, which is why the bond application includes a credit and financial background review. |
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Contact American Surety Bonds Agency toll-free at (877) 201-8976 or our Atlanta office at (404) 486-2355. Our team can answer questions about your Freight Broker Bond and walk you through the application process.