The 2026 broker bond rule: what changed for carriers
Updated October 2026
Freight brokers have long been required to hold $75,000 in financial security, through a BMC-84 surety bond or BMC-85 trust fund, to protect carriers and shippers if a broker doesn't pay.
What changed
Since January 16, 2026, FMCSA can suspend a broker's operating authority if its available financial security falls below $75,000 and isn't restored within a short window after notice. The rule also tightened which assets and providers can back a BMC-85 trust.
What it means for you
A broker with a depleted bond can be shut down quickly. Check a broker's authority and bond status before you book, especially if their payments start slipping.
