Broker compliance
Freight Broker Compliance Resource Center
A primary-source map for obtaining authority, maintaining financial security, tracking continuing filings, and distinguishing current rules from proposals.
Last reviewed August 27, 2026
Direct answer
Independent interstate property brokers generally need active FMCSA broker authority, $75,000 in financial security through a BMC-84 surety bond or qualifying BMC-85 trust, and a BOC-3 process-agent filing. The federal application fee is $300. Confirm current requirements and active status directly with FMCSA before arranging transportation.
Guide map
Start here
How to Get Broker Authority
The application sequence, Login.gov access, $300 federal filing fee, financial security, BOC-3, and status verification.
Read guideFinancial security
BMC-84 Bond and BMC-85 Trust
Understand the $75,000 requirement, how bond and trust structures differ, and why provider terms are separate from the federal amount.
Read guideOngoing duties
Compliance Calendar
Track continuing filings and verify deadlines directly instead of relying on a static estimate.
Read guideRequirements
Broker License Requirements
Separate federal broker authority from optional education, state entity formation, insurance, and operating tools.
Read guideCurrent rule versus proposal
Existing broker recordkeeping duties are current law. A proposed broker-transparency change is not an operative requirement unless and until a final rule becomes effective. Always identify the document, publication date, stage and effective date before changing a workflow.
Financial security changed in 2026
The federal security amount remains $75,000. Rules effective January 16, 2026 address eligible trust assets, surety or trustee responsibilities, and suspension when available security falls below the required threshold and is not restored within the regulatory period.
Verify status, not estimated timing
Application processing varies. A receipt, MC number, vendor estimate or completed waiting period does not authorize operations. Begin brokering only when the official FMCSA record shows authority is active.