Glossary · FMCSA & freight
BMC-84 surety bond
Also called: BMC-84, Broker bond, Freight broker surety bond
Definition
A BMC-84 is the FMCSA form that evidences a freight broker's $75,000 surety bond, which pays carriers and shippers if the broker fails to meet its obligations.
Under 49 CFR 387.307, a broker must have a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund in effect, filed on Form BMC-84 for a bond or BMC-85 for a trust. FMCSA won't register a broker without one, and the registration stays in effect only while the bond or trust does. A bond can be cancelled only on 30 days' written notice to FMCSA.
The broker financial responsibility rule, in force since 2026-01-16, added immediate suspension. When a surety pays claims that drop the bond below $75,000, it must notify FMCSA. FMCSA then tells the broker its authority will be suspended within 7 business days unless it shows the notice was in error, restores the bond to $75,000, or settles the claims without using the bond.
For a factor, the bond matters when a broker is your debtor. It is a backstop for carriers and shippers, not a guarantee: $75,000 is shared among every claimant, which may be small next to a busy broker's payables. Check debtors' bond status and watch for cancellation notices.
Sources
- 0149 CFR 387.307: Property broker surety bond or trust fund · eCFR
- 02Federal Register: Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility (final rule) · FMCSA, 2023-11-16
- 03Federal Register: Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility, extension of compliance date · Compliance date moved to 2026-01-16