Price out your freight brokerage: the BMC-84 bond by credit score, FMCSA fees, load boards, TMS, insurance and working capital. Everything updates live — change the inputs and watch the totals. A broker needs no truck: no Clearinghouse, no Drug & Alcohol program, no ELD, no primary truck liability insurance — which is why entry costs a fraction of what a carrier pays.
The bond renews annually with re-underwriting. After 1–2 claim-free years the rate drops. Alternative — BMC-85 trust: $75,000 in cash on deposit.
The heavier-duty alternative is Descartes MyCarrierPortal from $515/mo (a Starter tier exists for brokerages under 12 months old). With $10B+ drained from the industry by fraud in 2022–2025 (double brokering alone ~$4B), vetting is not optional.
Shippers often require contingent cargo by contract — without it many simply won't sign a broker-shipper agreement.
Immediate suspension rule (in force since January 16, 2026): if the bond's available security drops below $75,000 due to valid claims and isn't replenished within 7 calendar days, FMCSA suspends the authority. Keep a reserve and don't let claims sit.
What else to factor in
The cash flow gap is the #1 killer of new brokerages. You pay the carrier in 15–30 days while shipper money arrives in 30–60. The gap is bridged with factoring (Denim — 90% advance, HaulPay — 100%; non-recourse 2.5–5%) or a credit line.
Margins. Typical broker gross margin is 10–20% ($200–500 per FTL load), 8–12% on competitive lanes. Spot rates are up 25% YoY (April 2026), but tender volumes are ~−20% YoY — margins are under pressure.
The market is growing again. After the shakeout (−5,409 brokerages since 2022), active brokerages grew from ~25,271 (January 2025) to ~26,216 (August 2025). In June 2026 dry van spot rates rose above contract rates for the first time since February 2022.
Registration runs through Motus. FMCSA's new system (replaced URS on May 14, 2026): Login.gov access with identity verification — government ID plus a face scan. Application processing takes 1–2 business days; ACTIVE usually within 1–3 weeks.
Illustrative math — estimates, not an offer, and not financial advice. Bond premiums are set by the underwriter based on your profile; verify current rates with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a BMC-84 broker bond cost per year?
The premium is 1.25%–10% of the $75,000 bond amount (a MAP-21 requirement, in force since October 1, 2013): roughly $938/year at 720+, about $1,500 at 660–719, about $3,000 at 620–659, and $4,500–7,500 below 620. After 1–2 claim-free years the rate drops.
How much does it cost to start a freight brokerage in the first year?
A realistic all-in figure is $8,000–15,000: $300 MC fee, $35 BOC-3, bond from ~$938/year, insurance $1,800–3,600/year, load board from $109–159/month, TMS from $0.
What tools does a broker need every month?
A load board (DAT $159–499/month or Truckstop $109–369/user), a TMS (AscendTMS free up to 2 users, DAT Broker TMS from $100/month), and carrier vetting (Carrier411 ~$99/month).
How fast is broker authority issued in 2026?
Via FMCSA Motus, applications process in 1–2 business days, then the protest period, BMC-84 and BOC-3 — usually 1–3 weeks to ACTIVE. The bond alone with a DOT number ready: 24–48 hours.