Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)

Miami BMC-84 freight broker bond ($75,000)

Federal $75,000 BMC-84 for Miami-Dade freight brokers

Interstate property brokers and freight forwarders need a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond (or BMC-85 trust) filed with FMCSA before broker operating authority is active. PortMiami and Miami-Dade logistics corridors drive heavy BMC-84, OTI, and customs bond demand.

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Overview

What is this bond?

A BMC-84 freight broker bond is the $75,000 federal surety required under 49 U.S.C. § 13906 and 49 C.F.R. Part 387 before FMCSA grants or maintains broker operating authority.

Key Provisions
  • Guarantees compliance with 49 U.S.C. § 13906
  • 49 C.F.R. Part 387
  • Protects the obligee named on the Florida bond form
  • Remains subject to the penal sum and bond conditions
Surety Obligation Overview

What Does This Bond Guarantee?

The surety bond guarantees that the principal will perform the duties required under 49 U.S.C. § 13906; 49 C.F.R. Part 387 up to the penal sum.

Principal
The party required to obtain the bond and perform the underlying obligation.
Obligee
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Surety
The company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the obligation to the obligee.

When a claim may arise

A claim may arise if the principal fails to comply with the bonded Florida obligation or causes covered loss to the obligee or protected parties.

If a claim is valid

If a claim is valid, the surety may pay up to the bond penalty according to the bond terms; the principal remains liable to reimburse the surety.

Scope of the Obligation
  • Comply with 49 U.S.C. § 13906
  • 49 C.F.R. Part 387
  • Satisfy Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration filing conditions
  • Maintain the bond for the required term
Bond terms

Bond summary

Amount, premium, term, and the authority that requires this filing.

Eligibility

Who Needs This Bond?

Miami-Dade freight brokers, dispatchers becoming brokers, and freight forwarders obtaining FMCSA property-broker authority need this federal filing.

Who Is Required to File
  • New interstate property brokers filing OP-1 with FMCSA
  • Brokers domiciled in Miami-Dade or Broward arranging loads through PortMiami or Port Everglades
  • Freight forwarders and NVOCCs adding FMC broker authority alongside OTI licensing
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

Issue a BMC-84 for $75,000 naming the FMCSA as required and file through the FMCSA process.

Required Documentation
  1. Legal entity name matching FMCSA registration
  2. $75,000 BMC-84 or qualifying BMC-85 trust
  3. Owner or officer identification for underwriting
  4. MC number or pending OP-1 application
Filing

How this filing works

  1. 01

    Confirm the Florida requirement

    Share your license type, court order, or obligee form and the exact penal sum required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

  2. 02

    Underwrite and price

    We review credit and filing details, then quote premium options through licensed surety markets.

  3. 03

    Issue and file

    Once approved, we issue the bond for delivery to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or for your Florida filing package.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required amount for a Miami freight broker bond (BMC-84)?

FMCSA requires exactly $75,000 in financial security — either a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund — under 49 C.F.R. § 387.307. The bond amount does not vary by state or city.

How much does a Miami freight broker bond cost per year?

Most brokers pay an annual premium of about 1%–12% of the $75,000 bond amount ($750–$9,000+). Personal credit is the main pricing factor; you do not post the full $75,000 unless you choose a BMC-85 trust.

BMC-84 vs BMC-85 — which should I choose?

A BMC-84 is a surety bond: you pay an annual premium and the surety guarantees up to $75,000. A BMC-85 trust requires depositing $75,000 in cash or qualifying assets. After the January 2026 FMCSA rule, many BMC-85 trustees no longer qualify — most new brokers choose BMC-84.

Do I need the BMC-84 before I get my MC number?

Yes. File Form OP-1 through FMCSA's Unified Registration System, then your surety electronically files the BMC-84. FMCSA typically posts active broker authority within a few business days after the bond is accepted.

How long until my BMC-84 appears in FMCSA?

After underwriting and payment, the surety files electronically with FMCSA. The bond usually appears in FMCSA systems within two to three business days.

Also need coverage?

Same agency desk for commercial coverage

Need more than a bond? Through the same agency desk we can discuss commercial coverage for the whole business.

Contact us or call (877) 477-7578

Freight Bonds

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BMC-84 freight broker, OTI, customs, SDDC, and warehouse operator filings.

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Or call (877) 477-7578