Freight Broker Bonds: BMC-84 and BMC-85 Explained

A freight broker must keep $75,000 of financial security on file with FMCSA, either as a surety bond (Form BMC-84) or as a trust fund agreement (Form BMC-85).

In the data · FMCSA files as of Nov 11, 2026

7,572 BMC-84 bonds and 237 BMC-85 trust funds are currently on file in FMCSA’s Motus licensing data.
7,809 of them are for exactly $75,000.

BMC-84: surety bond

A surety company issues the bond and files Form BMC-84 with FMCSA. If the broker fails to pay a carrier or shipper, a claim can be made against the bond.

BMC-85: trust fund

Instead of a bond, a broker can place funds with a financial institution that files Form BMC-85 as trustee.

What happens if the filing lapses

When the bond or trust fund is cancelled and not replaced, FMCSA moves to suspend or revoke the broker’s authority. Daily authority suspension lists show these actions with the reason FMCSA records.

How to check a broker

On a broker’s record, look at whether a BMC-84 or BMC-85 filing is on file, the amount, the effective date and any past cancellations.

Questions

Is the $75,000 a cap on what a carrier can recover?

The filing covers claims up to its amount; when several claims are made, they share that amount.

Do carriers need a BMC-84?

No. BMC-84 and BMC-85 are for brokers and freight forwarders. Carriers file liability insurance (such as BMC-91X) and, where required, cargo insurance.

This guide explains public FMCSA records in plain language. It is not legal or compliance advice. CheckTrucking is not affiliated with FMCSA.