Illinois Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)

Illinois freight brokers must carry the $75,000 BMC-84 bond. Illinois — and Chicago in particular — is one of the busiest freight hubs in the country. 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 Illinois Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)?

The BMC-84 is a $75,000 bond required by the FMCSA for every freight broker. It protects the carriers you hire, not you. If you do not pay a carrier you owe, they can claim against the bond. The surety pays them, then you repay the surety.

Every freight broker pays the same $75,000 — it is a federal amount, not a state one.

Who Needs This Bond in Illinois?

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

  1. Apply for MC authority with the FMCSA.
  2. Get your bond on this page — fast quotes.
  3. Your surety sends the BMC-84 to the FMCSA for you.
  4. Once active in about a week, start brokering.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

This bond runs continuously. Pay the premium on time each year. If the bond drops, you cannot legally broker freight until it is back in place.

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 Illinois bond protect me?

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

How fast can I get bonded in Illinois?

Most quotes come back fast, 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. Good credit means a lower rate.

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
California · Georgia · Ohio · Texas
Other Illinois surety bonds
Collection Agency Bond · Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond · Notary Public Bond · Residential Mortgage Licensee Bond

Related: All Illinois 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.