West Virginia Freight Broker Bond

Freight brokers in West Virginia must maintain a federal FMCSA freight broker bond to operate legally. This guide explains everything — what the bond is, how it works, and how much it costs. You’ll also learn how to apply, renew, and get approved even with bad credit.

A West Virginia freight broker bond guarantees that brokers meet their financial and contractual obligations when arranging shipments between carriers and shippers.  It’s important to note that the bond is a federal FMCSA requirement, not a West Virginia-only rule. Every U.S. freight broker must have a $75,000 bond or trust fund on file before receiving operating authority.

Also called a BMC-84 surety bond, it protects carriers and shippers from losses caused by broker non-payment or unethical practices, helping maintain trust in the logistics industry.

Freight brokers in West Virginia must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These include holding active broker authority, completing a BOC-3 process agent filing, and showing proof of financial responsibility through either a BMC-84 (surety bond) or a BMC-85 (trust fund agreement).

• Bond Amount and Coverage: A $75,000 bond ensures payment to shippers or carriers if the broker defaults on financial obligations.
• Eligibility: Brokers must have valid FMCSA registration, financial stability, and a clean business record.

To stay compliant, visit the official FMCSA broker registration page for full details on filing and maintaining authority.

While the freight broker bond follows federal law, West Virginia has its own registration steps. Before applying for operating authority, brokers must register their company through the West Virginia Secretary of State.

Unlike some states, West Virginia does not require an extra bond. However, brokers must maintain continuous coverage to avoid license suspension and confirm compliance with any local tax or business licensing obligations.

Although the required bond amount is $75,000, brokers only pay a small annual premium — typically between 1% and 5% of the total amount — based on credit score, business finances, and underwriting factors. Typical cost examples include, approximately $750 per year at  1% or approximately $3,750 per year At 5%.

Your rate can also vary depending on experience, business assets, and claim history. To explore more examples, see our guide on surety bond cost.

Getting bonded is simple and can be completed online through a licensed surety provider.

Step-by-step process:

1. Get an Instant Quote: Start by requesting a rate through our secure portal, get an instant quote.
2. Submit Documents: Provide your FMCSA license, proof of identity, and business financials.
3. Underwriting Review: The surety will assess credit and financial background.
4. Bond Issuance & Filing: Once approved, your provider files the bond electronically with the FMCSA.

For additional details, visit our resource on how to get bonded.

Yes. Even if you have a low credit score or limited financial history, you can still qualify for a freight broker bond in West Virginia. Lance Surety Bonds works with top surety markets that offer flexible bad-credit programs.

To improve your approval chances:

• Submit business financials and tax returns to show stability.
• Keep personal debt low.
• Partner with an experienced surety specializing in freight broker bonds.

The West Virginia freight broker bond must be renewed annually to maintain compliance with FMCSA regulations. Surety providers typically send renewal reminders 30–60 days before expiration, allowing time to update business or financial information.

Maintaining continuous bond coverage is essential. If your bond lapses, FMCSA will suspend your operating authority until proof of coverage is refiled. Renewing early ensures uninterrupted compliance and prevents costly delays.

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

No. Freight brokers only need federal FMCSA authority, but they must register their business with the West Virginia Secretary of State.

What’s the difference between BMC-84 and BMC-85?

A BMC-84 is a surety bond that doesn’t require full upfront payment, while a BMC-85 requires brokers to deposit $75,000 into a trust fund.

Most choose the bond to preserve working capital.

How long until FMCSA issues authority after filing the bond?

Once your bond and BOC-3 are filed, the FMCSA generally activates your authority within 4–6 weeks, depending on processing times.

Can a new company get bonded with no credit history?

Yes. Sureties often accept new businesses with limited credit by evaluating additional factors like assets, experience, or co-signers.

- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (n.d.). Broker registration.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/broker-registration

- West Virginia Secretary of State. (n.d.). Business registration. 
https://sos.wv.gov/business 

- 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.). BMC-84 surety bond.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/license-bonds/freight-broker-bonds