California Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)

California freight brokers must carry the $75,000 BMC-84 bond. California's ports and highways carry some of the nation's largest freight flows. It is filed with the FMCSA. The amount is the same in every state.

Bond Amount
$75,000
Typical Premium
$938–$10,000+/yr
Term
Continuous
Required By
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
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What Is the California Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)?

A freight broker bond (Form BMC-84) is a $75,000 federal guarantee. It backs your promise to pay carriers. If a carrier is not paid, they file a claim, the surety pays, and you owe that money back.

The $75,000 amount is set by federal law (MAP-21) and is the same in every state.

Who Needs This Bond in California?

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

Freight broker bond premiums are heavily credit-driven. Top-credit brokers pay around 1.25%; challenged-credit applicants may pay 8–13%:

Credit ProfileAnnual PremiumApprox. Rate
Excellent Credit$938 – $1,5001.25% – 2%
Good Credit$1,500 – $2,2502% – 3%
Fair Credit$2,250 – $3,7503% – 5%
Credit Challenges$3,750 – $7,5005% – 10%
Past Credit Issues$7,500 – $10,000+10% – 13%+

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

  1. Get your FMCSA authority with Form OP-1.
  2. Get your bond here. Most quotes come back fast.
  3. The surety files the BMC-84 with the FMCSA.
  4. Once it shows active, you can start booking loads.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

Your BMC-84 does not expire on a set date; it runs until canceled. Keep the premium current. A lapse means the FMCSA pulls your broker authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?

BMC-84 is a surety bond — you pay a yearly premium. BMC-85 means putting the full $75,000 in cash in a trust. Most brokers pick BMC-84.

Does the California bond protect me?

No. The bond protects your customers and the state, not you. If a claim is paid, you repay the surety. The bond is not your own insurance.

How fast can I get bonded in California?

We shop several sureties for you, often within a day. Many bonds are issued the same day for good credit.

How much does the bond cost?

You pay a yearly premium — a small percent of the bond amount. Your rate depends mostly on your credit.

How a Surety Bond Works

A freight broker bond is a type of surety bond. The picture below shows the three parties and what happens if someone files a claim.

Diagram of how a surety bond works: the obligee requires the bond, the principal applies and signs an indemnity agreement, and the surety issues the bond; if the principal fails, the obligee files a claim, the surety investigates and may pay, and the principal reimburses the surety.

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This Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84) in other states
Georgia · Illinois · Ohio · Texas
Other California surety bonds
Auto Dealer Bond · Budget and Credit Counseling Agency Bond · Contractor License Bond · Debt Collector Bond · Insurance Broker's Bond · Notary Public Bond · Residential Mortgage Lender / Broker Bond

Related: All California surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated

Underwriting Disclosure. All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.