Oregon Freight Broker Bond

Freight brokers in Oregon must hold a $75,000 surety bond to maintain FMCSA authority. Here we look at how the bond works, why it’s required, and what it costs; plus steps to apply, renew, and qualify with low credit.

An Oregon freight broker bond is a financial guarantee that ensures brokers pay carriers and shippers on time and follow federal transportation rules. The bond is a federal FMCSA requirement, not an Oregon-only rule, and applies to all U.S. freight brokers.

Known as the BMC-84 (surety bond), it protects carriers and shippers if a broker fails to meet their contractual or payment obligations, strengthening trust in the freight and logistics industry.

Before a freight broker can operate in Oregon or any other state, they must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s financial responsibility rules. These rules are outlined in the official Broker & forwarder financial responsibility rule.

The requirements include:

• Obtaining a valid FMCSA broker authority.
• Maintaining a $75,000 surety bond (BMC-84) or trust fund (BMC-85).
• Completing a BOC-3 process agent filing designating representation in each state.

The bond guarantees payment to carriers and shippers if the broker defaults. It also serves as proof that the broker meets the federal minimum financial responsibility of $75,000.

While the bond itself is federally regulated, Oregon requires freight brokers to register their business with the Oregon Secretary of State before conducting operations. This ensures the broker is recognized as a legal business entity within the state.

Oregon does not have separate bond or insurance requirements for freight brokers beyond federal law. However, maintaining continuous coverage and renewing the bond on time is crucial to prevent FMCSA from suspending broker authority.

Although the FMCSA mandates a $75,000 bond amount, brokers only pay a small annual premium, typically ranging from 1% to 5% of the total bond value. This means most brokers pay between $750 and $3,750 per year, depending on factors such as business finances, experience, and underwriting evaluation. The exact premium varies based on the surety company’s assessment of financial stability and claim history.

Your premium reflects the risk assessed by the surety company. Strong credit, low debt, and a solid financial history can help secure lower rates. Learn more about how pricing works through our breakdown of surety bond cost.

Getting bonded in Oregon is a simple process when working with a licensed surety provider. Most brokers can complete the process entirely online in just a few steps.

Application process:

1. Apply Online: Start the process using our online application.
2. Provide Documentation: Submit your FMCSA license, business details, and financial statements.
3. Underwriting Review: The surety evaluates your credit profile and risk.
4. Bond Issuance: Once approved, the provider files your bond directly with the FMCSA.

The bond is issued as a freight broker bond, which serves as your official BMC-84 filing. For more detail on preparing your documents and understanding the review process, see our guide on how to get bonded.

Yes. Many freight brokers in Oregon qualify for a freight broker bond even with poor or limited credit history. Surety companies offer bad-credit programs that allow applicants to meet FMCSA requirements while rebuilding financial standing.

Tips to improve approval odds:

• Provide business bank statements or tax returns to show financial stability.
• Avoid open liens or unpaid debts before applying.
• Choose a surety that specializes in freight and transportation bonds.

While premiums for low credit may range from 3% to 5%, securing the bond still allows brokers to operate legally and build better terms in future renewals.

Freight broker bonds are typically valid for one year and must be renewed to maintain compliance. Your surety provider will send a renewal notice 30–60 days before expiration, giving time to review financials or update contact information.

Renewal ensures continuous coverage, which FMCSA requires to keep your operating authority active. A lapse in coverage may result in suspension or revocation of authority until the bond is reinstated. Maintaining timely renewals helps brokers stay compliant and avoid costly interruptions.

Is a freight-broker bond an Oregon state rule or a federal requirement?

The freight broker bond is a federal FMCSA requirement, not a state-level obligation. Oregon follows the same $75,000 minimum as all other states.

If I only broker loads inside Oregon, do I still need FMCSA broker authority?

Yes. Even if your loads are confined within Oregon, federal law still requires all brokers to hold FMCSA authority and file a BMC-84 surety bond.

Do Oregon motor-carrier registrations affect my broker bond?

No. The bond only applies to brokers and is separate from motor-carrier insurance or registration requirements.

How long after filing the BMC-84 will FMCSA grant authority?

It typically takes four to six weeks after submitting your BMC-84 bond and BOC-3 filing for the FMCSA to activate your broker authority.

- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (n.d.). Broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility rule overview and compliance.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/broker-and-freight-forwarder-financial-responsibility-rule-overview-and-compliance

- Oregon Secretary of State. (n.d.). Business registration.
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/default.aspx

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

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

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

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