---
title: "What is a Surety Bond for Trucking? A Trucking Insurance Guide"
url: https://myfullcoverage.com/blog/what-is-surety-bond-trucking
updated: 2026-09-12
author: "Full Coverage LLC"
---

# What is a Surety Bond for Trucking? A Trucking Insurance Guide

## What is a Surety Bond for Trucking? A Trucking Insurance Guide

A **surety bond for trucking** is a three-party financial guarantee that protects shippers and motor carriers from freight broker non-payment. The most common type is the BMC-84 freight broker bond — a $75,000 bond mandated by the FMCSA that all licensed freight brokers must maintain as a condition of their operating authority. It is not insurance; it’s a credit-backed promise to pay claims.

## What Is a Trucking Surety Bond?

A surety bond involves three parties: the principal (the freight broker), the obligee (FMCSA and the public), and the surety (the bond company). If a freight broker fails to pay a carrier or shipper what they’re owed, the injured party can file a claim against the bond. The surety pays the claim up to $75,000, then recovers from the broker.

According to Nazar Mamaev, trucking insurance specialist at Full Coverage LLC, “The BMC-84 bond exists because freight brokerage has historically had cases of brokers collecting freight charges but never paying the carriers who did the actual work. The bond provides a financial backstop that gives carriers confidence to work with licensed brokers.”

## Types of Trucking Surety Bonds

*   **BMC-84 (Freight Broker Bond)** – Required for all FMCSA-licensed freight brokers; $75,000 bond amount. The most common trucking surety bond.
*   **BMC-85 (Trust Fund Agreement)** – An alternative to the BMC-84 where the broker deposits $75,000 into a trust instead of purchasing a bond. Used by larger brokers.
*   **Performance Bond** – Sometimes required by shippers on large contracts to guarantee a carrier will complete service as promised.
*   **Customs Bond** – Required for importers and carriers handling goods entering the U.S. through customs.

## Who Needs a Trucking Surety Bond?

*   **Freight brokers** – All licensed freight brokers must maintain a BMC-84 or BMC-85 as a condition of FMCSA operating authority (MC number)
*   **Freight forwarders** – Also required to maintain a $75,000 BMC-84 bond
*   **Motor carriers** – Do NOT need a surety bond; they need liability insurance (BMC-91/BMC-91X filing)
*   **Owner-operators** – Do NOT need a surety bond for their operating authority

## How Much Does a Trucking Surety Bond Cost?

The cost of a BMC-84 freight broker bond depends primarily on the broker’s personal credit score. The bond amount is fixed at $75,000 by federal law, but the premium is a percentage of that amount:

*   **Excellent credit (720+):** 1–1.5% = $750–$1,125/year
*   **Good credit (660–719):** 1.5–2.5% = $1,125–$1,875/year
*   **Fair credit (600–659):** 2.5–4% = $1,875–$3,000/year
*   **Challenged credit (below 600):** 4–10%+ = $3,000–$7,500+/year

## How to Get a Freight Broker Surety Bond

Getting a BMC-84 bond is a straightforward process:

*   Apply with a licensed surety bond company or your insurance agent
*   Underwriting reviews your credit (soft pull in most cases)
*   Receive a quote and pay the annual premium
*   The surety files the BMC-84 electronically with FMCSA
*   Your freight broker authority becomes active once the bond is on file

## Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Surety Bonds

### What is a surety bond for trucking?

It’s a $75,000 FMCSA-required financial guarantee (BMC-84) that all freight brokers must carry to protect carriers and shippers from non-payment. It is not insurance for your own business.

### How much does a freight broker surety bond cost?

$750–$3,000/year for most brokers, depending on credit. Excellent credit = lowest rates. The bond amount ($75,000) is fixed by federal law.

### Do trucking carriers need a surety bond?

No. Motor carriers need liability insurance filed with FMCSA (BMC-91/BMC-91X), not a surety bond. Bonds are for freight brokers and forwarders only.

## Need Help With Your Trucking Bonds and Insurance?

Whether you need a freight broker bond or motor carrier insurance filings, [Full Coverage Insurance](https://myfullcoverage.com/services) handles BMC-84 bonds, BMC-91 filings, and all commercial trucking insurance. **Get started at [myfullcoverage.com](https://myfullcoverage.com/) or call 317-427-5599.**