Ohio Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)

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

The freight broker bond is a federal requirement under 49 U.S.C. §13906, mandated at $75,000 by MAP-21 legislation. Ohio, a major manufacturing and logistics corridor, sees high freight broker activity, particularly along the I-70 and I-71 corridors and in the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metro areas.

The BMC-84 bond is filed directly with FMCSA and protects motor carriers and shippers from:

• Non-payment of carriers for transportation services
• Misrepresentation of shipment terms
• Violation of FMCSA regulations governing brokerage operations

The bond must be maintained continuously. Any lapse — even one day — triggers immediate suspension of MC authority by FMCSA.

Who Needs This Bond in Ohio?

• Property freight brokers arranging interstate movement of general freight must hold an active BMC-84 bond through FMCSA authority.
• Household goods freight brokers — same $75,000 federal requirement.
• Surface freight forwarders — same $75,000 federal requirement.
• Ohio-domiciled brokers operating solely within Ohio (intrastate only) may have separate PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) requirements.

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Obtain FMCSA MC authority by filing Form OP-1 at FMCSA.dot.gov. The MC number is issued in 4–6 weeks.
2. Apply for the BMC-84 bond using the form on this page.
3. Pay your premium and the surety files the bond with FMCSA within 7–10 business days.
4. Designate a process agent in all states where you operate (BOC-3 filing) and complete UCR registration.
5. Begin operations once FMCSA confirms active status for your MC authority.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

The BMC-84 bond has no expiration — it is continuous until canceled. Annual premium is billed by the surety. Missing a renewal payment triggers a cancellation notice to FMCSA with 30 days before authority suspension. Pay on time or set up automatic renewal to keep Ohio MC authority active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ohio freight broker bond a state or federal requirement?

Federal. The $75,000 BMC-84 bond is required by FMCSA regardless of which state the broker is domiciled in. Ohio does not add a separate state-level freight broker bond requirement for interstate operations.

What's the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?

BMC-84 is a surety bond — you pay annual premium and the surety backs the $75,000 guarantee. BMC-85 requires depositing the full $75,000 in a trust account. Most brokers use BMC-84 to conserve working capital.

Can new brokers get bonded in Ohio without prior business history?

Yes. Most sureties will underwrite new freight brokers based primarily on personal credit history and business plan. Premium rates will be higher for startups without a track record, but coverage is available.

How fast does the bond appear in FMCSA's system?

After the surety submits the electronic filing, it typically takes 7–10 business days for FMCSA to activate the BMC-84 in the SAFER system. Plan this timeline when launching operations.

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