How to become a freight broker

Updated October 2026

A freight broker needs its own operating authority from the FMCSA and $75,000 in financial security. Here's the path most new brokers follow.

1. Learn the business. Shippers, carriers, rates, contracts, and how you'll find customers. Many new brokers start by working at a brokerage.
2. Set up your business. Form a business entity, get an EIN, open a business bank account and set up bookkeeping.
3. Register with the FMCSA. Apply for property broker authority through FMCSA registration. FMCSA registration
4. Designate process agents (BOC-3). File a BOC-3 naming a process agent in each state.
5. File your $75,000 financial security. A BMC-84 surety bond (you pay a yearly premium based on credit) or a BMC-85 trust fund. Since January 2026, falling below $75,000 can lead to suspension of your authority.
6. Register for UCR. Brokers file Unified Carrier Registration and pay the annual fee.
7. Get insurance and tools. Consider contingent cargo and general liability coverage, a TMS, a load board and a carrier-vetting service.
8. Build your carrier setup process. A broker-carrier agreement, insurance requirements and a vetting checklist before every first load.

Run your numbers with the startup cost calculator and the margin calculator.

Requirements and fees change. Confirm current details with the FMCSA.