Kansas Freight Broker Bond

Every freight broker in Kansas must carry a $75,000 bond to operate legally. The Kansas freight broker bond, also known as the BMC-84, protects carriers and shippers from non-payment and ensures brokers follow federal transport laws. This bond is a federal FMCSA requirement, not a Kansas-only rule—it applies to all brokers operating across the U.S.

A freight broker bond is essentially a financial guarantee. It assures that brokers will meet their contractual and payment obligations when arranging shipments. If a broker fails to pay a carrier or violates FMCSA regulations, the surety company can compensate affected parties up to the bond amount.

Kansas requires brokers to demonstrate financial responsibility and integrity, helping maintain trust in the state’s logistics network. The BMC-84 bond shows compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and allows brokers to stay licensed and competitive in a highly regulated industry.

Brokers in Kansas must meet federal financial and registration requirements to operate legally. The key obligations include filing, coverage, and eligibility criteria.

Under FMCSA regulations, freight brokers must hold either a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund agreement for at least $75,000 in financial responsibility. This ensures coverage if a broker fails to pay carriers or meet contractual terms.

To obtain authority, brokers must:

• Register through the FMCSA broker registration process
• File a BOC-3 process agent form designating representation in all states
• Obtain an MC number (Motor Carrier Authority)
• Submit the required insurance and bond filings

Business entities in Kansas should also register with the Kansas Secretary of State (Kansas Secretary of State) before starting operations. Meeting these requirements ensures both state and federal compliance.

Kansas follows federal freight broker bonding laws but enforces its own business registration standards. The state does not impose additional bond amounts but does require compliance with local commercial regulations.

All freight brokers must maintain good standing with the Kansas Secretary of State, ensuring their company is legally registered before applying for FMCSA authority. Unlike some states that have unique intrastate freight rules, Kansas primarily adheres to federal transportation regulations.

Brokers must also keep their bond active and notify the FMCSA immediately of any changes, as bond cancellations may trigger a suspension under FMCSA suspension/replenishment rules.

The bond’s cost depends mainly on credit score, financial strength, and underwriting results. Sureties determine the annual premium as a percentage of the $75,000 bond value.

Rates typically fall between 1% and 5% of the total bond amount each year.

• Brokers with strong credit (700+ FICO) may pay as little as 1%, or around $750 annually.
• Those with lower credit may pay closer to 5%, or about $3,750 per year.

Other factors that affect pricing include business experience, payment history, and any previous bond claims. You can explore more about pricing variables in our guide on surety bond cost.

At Lance Surety Bonds, we work with top-rated carriers to offer competitive rates. You can get a personalized quote through our fast online application.

Getting bonded in Kansas involves a few key steps that ensure FMCSA approval. We make this process straightforward from start to finish.

Step-by-step process:

1. Register with the FMCSA and obtain your MC number.
2. File your BOC-3 form and select your process agent.
3. Choose between a BMC-84 surety bond or BMC-85 trust fund agreement.
4. Submit your bond filing to the FMCSA for review.

You’ll need to provide business details, ownership information, and financial documentation during your bond application. Our experts handle the filing process to ensure everything meets FMCSA standards.

For complete guidance, check our resource on how to get bonded. Choosing a reliable surety partner like Lance Surety Bonds ensures quick approval and accurate submission of all paperwork.

Yes, brokers with low credit can still qualify for a Kansas freight broker bond. Lance Surety Bonds offers solutions for applicants with challenged credit profiles through specialized bonding programs.

Our bad credit program helps applicants secure approval, even if their credit score is below 650. While rates may be higher, these bonds still meet all FMCSA standards and allow brokers to operate legally.

Tips to improve approval chances include:

• Providing complete financial records
• Paying off outstanding debts
• Avoiding previous bond or loan defaults

We specialize in helping applicants rebuild credibility and obtain better premiums at renewal through improved financial standing.

Freight broker bonds renew annually to maintain continuous compliance with the FMCSA. The process is quick and straightforward.

Sureties send renewal reminders 30–60 days before the bond’s expiration date. Once payment is made, your bond automatically continues without interruption. Because the BMC-84 bond is continuous, renewal ensures there’s no gap in coverage or license suspension.

Failure to renew can trigger cancellation and immediate FMCSA suspension, leading to loss of operating authority. Working with an experienced surety like Lance Surety Bonds helps you avoid these costly lapses.

Do I need a separate Kansas license in addition to the FMCSA bond?

No. Kansas does not require an additional intrastate freight broker license, but all businesses must be registered with the Kansas Secretary of State before operating.

How long until FMCSA issues operating authority after filing the bond?

Typically, FMCSA processes authority approvals within 4–6 weeks after receiving your BMC-84 bond and BOC-3 form.

What happens if a claim is filed on my bond?

If a valid claim is made, the surety company compensates the claimant up to the bond’s $75,000 limit. The broker must then reimburse the surety for the paid amount and any related costs.

Can I get bonded with a new company or no credit history?

Yes. New brokers or those with limited credit can still qualify. Providing business financials and maintaining transparent records helps improve approval odds and rates.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (n.d.). Insurance filing requirements. Retrieved from
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-filing-requirements 

Kansas Secretary of State. (n.d.). Businesses. Retrieved from
https://sos.ks.gov/businesses/businesses.html 

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Freight broker bonds. Retrieved from
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/license-bonds/freight-broker-bonds 

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Surety bond cost. Retrieved from
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/surety-bond-cost 

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). How to get bonded. Retrieved from
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/how-to-get-bonded 

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Surety bond quote. Retrieved from
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/surety-bond-quote