Navigating the BMC-84 Bond Claim Process

If you’ve delivered a load and the freight broker disappears without paying you, there’s one line of defense that could help you get your money back—the BMC-84 bond.

Every federally licensed freight broker must maintain a $75,000 bond to ensure that motor carriers like you have a legal path to recovery when brokers default on payments. But while the bond is there to protect you, actually filing a BMC-84 bond claim is not always simple.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the claim process step by step, explain what to expect, and help you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your chance at getting paid.

What Is a BMC-84 Bond?

A BMC-84 bond is a $75,000 surety bond required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It’s designed to ensure that freight brokers can meet their contractual payment obligations to carriers and shippers.

When a broker fails to pay a carrier after services are completed, the carrier can file a claim against the broker’s bond. If the claim is valid, the surety company pays the carrier (up to the bond limit) and then seeks reimbursement from the broker.

This bond is the carrier’s legal safety net in case of non-payment.

Who Can File a BMC-84 Bond Claim?

As a carrier, you’re eligible to file a bond claim if:

• You delivered freight under a valid rate confirmation
• You provided documentation proving successful delivery
• The broker failed to pay your invoice, and you’ve made reasonable attempts to collect

Even if the broker is now out of business or declared bankruptcy, the bond is still in effect and can be pursued.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a BMC-84 Bond Claim

Step 1: Locate the Bond Provider

Use the FMCSA’s Licensing and Insurance database to search for the broker by MC number or company name. There you’ll find:

• Name of the surety company
• Bond number
• Contact information for filing claims

You can also use Carrier411, SaferWatch, or MyCarrierPackets if you already use those tools.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

You’ll need:

• A signed rate confirmation
• Proof of delivery (POD)
• Bill of lading
• Final invoice
• Email or written communication confirming the load

The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be. Sureties often deny incomplete or poorly documented claims.

Step 3: Submit the Claim

Contact the surety company directly and request their claim form or submission process. Some accept claims by email, others require physical mail. Make sure to:

• Reference the broker’s name and MC number
• Attach all documentation
• Include a brief summary of what occurred and the amount owed

Step 4: Respond to Any Follow-Up

The surety may reach out for clarification or additional documents. They may also notify the broker and allow time for the broker to respond or dispute your claim.

Be prompt, organized, and cooperative—it helps keep your claim moving.

What Happens After You File?

Once submitted, the surety will:

• Acknowledge receipt
• Notify the broker of the claim
• Investigate the documentation
• Issue a decision—usually within 30 to 90 days

Possible Outcomes:

• Claim Approved (Full or Partial): You receive payment up to the bond’s available limit.
• Claim Denied: If documentation is weak, late, or disputed, the claim may be rejected.
• Claim Delayed: If multiple claims exist, the surety may review all submissions before issuing pro rata payouts.

Challenges with BMC-84 Bond Claims

While bond claims are often successful, there are limitations:

1. Limited Bond Pool

Only $75,000 is available per broker—regardless of how many carriers are owed money. If 10 carriers each file $10,000 claims, everyone may receive less than the full amount.

2. First-Come, First-Paid

Some sureties honor claims in the order they’re received. Others divide the bond among all claimants. Either way, filing quickly is key.

3. Disputed Charges

If the broker disputes the charge or claims service was incomplete, the surety may delay or deny the claim.

4. Filing Deadline

Most sureties require claims to be submitted within 12 to 18 months from the date of service. Don’t wait.

Tips for a Successful BMC-84 Bond Claim

✅ Always save signed rate confirmations and PODs
✅ Submit the claim promptly—ideally within 30–60 days of non-payment
✅ Include a summary letter outlining what happened
✅ Follow up regularly after submission
✅ Work with a freight collections attorney if the surety delays or denies your claim

Real-World Example

You delivered a $4,500 load for a broker in June. You submitted your invoice and POD, but received no response. After two weeks, the broker’s MC number is revoked.

You search the FMCSA database, find the broker’s bond provider, and submit your BMC-84 bond claim with all documents.

The surety responds within 30 days, confirms the broker didn’t dispute the claim, and issues payment for the full $4,500.

Because you acted quickly and had complete documentation, you avoided the risk of competing claims and got paid in full.

FAQs About BMC-84 Bond Claims

Can I still file a claim if the broker went bankrupt?

Yes. The bond exists outside of bankruptcy. You can pursue both a bond claim and a bankruptcy creditor claim simultaneously.

Can I recover attorney’s fees through the bond?

No. The bond only covers the freight charge amount—typically what’s shown on the invoice and rate confirmation.

What if the bond is exhausted?

You can still sue the broker or pursue collection through other legal remedies. A collections attorney can help you explore additional options.

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Recover

A freight broker default can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be. With a BMC-84 bond claim, you have a clear legal path to pursue unpaid freight charges.

At Freight Collection Solutions, we help carriers file strong, timely bond claims and fight for every dollar they’re owed. If a broker owes you money, don’t wait until the bond runs dry.