BMC-84 vs BMC-85: Freight Broker Bonds and Trust Funds Explained
What the $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond and BMC-85 trust fund are, how they differ, how to check which one a broker has, and what carriers can do if a broker doesn’t pay.
Updated October 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Why brokers need $75,000 in financial security
Federal rules require every freight broker to keep at least $75,000 of financial security on file with FMCSA. It protects carriers and shippers if a broker fails to pay for transportation it arranged. A broker can meet the requirement in one of two ways: a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
BMC-84: surety bond
A surety company guarantees up to $75,000 on the broker's behalf. The broker pays the surety an annual premium instead of setting aside the full amount. If valid claims are paid, the surety then recovers that money from the broker. Because it's affordable, it's by far the most common option.
BMC-85: trust fund
The broker deposits $75,000 in cash or eligible assets with a trustee (often a financial institution or an industry group). The money sits there to cover valid claims. It ties up more capital, so fewer brokers use it.
Side-by-side comparison
| BMC-84 surety bond | BMC-85 trust fund | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $75,000 guaranteed by a surety | $75,000 held by a trustee |
| Broker's cost | Annual premium | Full amount set aside, plus trustee fees |
| Who pays claims | Surety company, then recovers from broker | Trustee, from the deposited funds |
| Share of active brokers (Oct 2026) | ≈ 97% | ≈ 3% |
How to check which one a broker has
Look up the broker on truckload.broker. The FMCSA record section of every profile shows the form on file (BMC-84 or BMC-85), the surety or trustee, and the effective date. A profile marked "No bond record found" is a red flag — confirm with FMCSA before doing business.
If a broker doesn't pay
- Contact the broker in writing with the invoice, rate confirmation and proof of delivery.
- If unresolved, contact the surety or trustee listed on the broker's profile and ask how to file a claim against the BMC-84 or BMC-85.
- Keep copies of everything and file promptly — claims against the same $75,000 compete with each other.
Check a broker now
Look up any MC or USDOT number to see authority, bond, revocations and red flags.
Check an MC numberFrequently asked questions
How much is a freight broker bond?
The required amount is $75,000. What a broker actually pays a surety company each year is a premium — usually a small percentage of that amount, depending on credit and financial strength.
Which is more common, BMC-84 or BMC-85?
BMC-84. In our October 2026 data, about 25,400 active brokers had a BMC-84 surety bond on file and about 820 had a BMC-85 trust fund.
Does a bond guarantee I will be paid?
No. The $75,000 is shared by all claimants against that broker, and claims can take time. Verifying a broker before working with them is still the best protection.
What happens if a broker’s bond is cancelled?
If no replacement is filed in time, FMCSA can revoke the broker’s authority. We flag brokers with recent bond coverage gaps.
Related guides
- How to Verify a Freight Broker (MC Number Check, Step by Step)
- Double Brokering: What It Is and How to Avoid It
- FMCSA Motus Explained: What Changed for Freight Brokers in 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm a broker's status with FMCSA before doing business.