Illinois Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)

What Is the Illinois Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)?

The freight broker bond is a federal requirement under 49 U.S.C. §13906, set at $75,000 by the MAP-21 transportation legislation. It is filed with FMCSA on Form BMC-84. Illinois — and Chicago in particular — is one of the nation's busiest freight hubs, and a large share of licensed freight brokers are domiciled here.

The bond protects motor carriers and shippers from financial loss caused by:

• The broker's failure to pay carriers for services performed
• Misrepresentation of freight terms or cargo details
• Diversion of carrier payments
• Violation of FMCSA brokerage regulations

Without an active BMC-84 bond on file with FMCSA, broker authority is suspended immediately — even for one day's lapse.

Who Needs This Bond in Illinois?

• Property freight brokers arranging interstate transportation of any cargo (other than household goods) must hold an active BMC-84 bond through FMCSA-licensed MC authority.
• Household goods freight brokers — same $75,000 federal requirement.
• Surface freight forwarders — same $75,000 federal requirement.
• Illinois-domiciled brokers operating solely within Illinois may have separate ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission) requirements; most interstate brokers need only the FMCSA BMC-84.

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Form your business and obtain MC authority from FMCSA (Form OP-1). Allow 4–6 weeks for MC number issuance.
2. Apply for the BMC-84 bond. Submit the form on this page; underwriting reviews credit and business history.
3. Receive your quote and pay premium. Payment plans are available for higher-premium accounts.
4. FMCSA filing. The surety files the BMC-84 directly with FMCSA electronically. Allow 7–10 business days to show active in SAFER.
5. Complete FMCSA registration including UCR filing and designating a process agent (BOC-3) in all operating states.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

The BMC-84 is a continuous bond with no set expiration. Premium is billed annually. A lapse in payment or cancellation by the surety results in automatic FMCSA suspension of MC authority. Set up automatic payment reminders to avoid any gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

BMC-84 vs. BMC-85 — what's the difference?

BMC-84 is a surety bond (annual premium, surety backs $75,000 guarantee). BMC-85 is a cash trust deposit of the full $75,000. Most brokers use BMC-84 to avoid tying up working capital.

Can I lower the bond amount if I'm a small Illinois broker?

No. The $75,000 amount is set by federal statute and cannot be reduced based on company size, volume, or state of domicile.

Do I need both FMCSA and Illinois ICC authority?

Most freight brokers operating interstate need only FMCSA authority (MC number) and the BMC-84 bond. If you arrange transportation exclusively within Illinois (intrastate only), you may need separate ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission) authority. However, very few brokers operate exclusively intrastate.

How long before my MC authority is active after the bond is filed?

FMCSA typically processes BMC-84 filings within 7–10 business days of electronic submission. Plan your launch timeline accordingly.

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