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$20.26B Market • 6.6% Growth • 2024-2025 Guide

Transportation & Logistics Bonds Complete Guide

Master all transportation bond requirements: BMC-84 freight broker bonds ($75K), customs bonds ($50K+), DOD performance bonds ($25K-$100K). Get instant quotes, 24-48hr approval, and compliance expertise for the fastest-growing bond market.

$20.26B
Market Size 2024
6.6%
Annual Growth
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Federal Transportation Bond Requirements

Understanding mandatory vs. optional bonding for logistics companies

BMC-84 Freight Broker Bond

MANDATORY

Federal mandate: $75,000 BMC-84 bond required for all freight brokers to obtain FMCSA operating authority. Zero exceptions.

Bond Amount:$75,000
Cost Range:$1,250-$15,000/yr

DOD Freight Contracts

REQUIRED

Department of Defense freight requires performance bonds. Bond amounts typically $25K-$100K depending on contract value and risk.

Typical Amount:$25K-$100K
Cost:1-5% annually

Commercial Logistics

OPTIONAL

Large shippers sometimes require performance bonds for logistics contracts, especially for high-value or critical supply chains.

When Required:Client dependent
Advantage:Competitive edge

All Transportation Bond Types

Comprehensive coverage for every transportation operation

BMC-84 Freight Broker

$75,000 federal requirement

Cost:$938-$11,250/yr

Customs Bonds

$50,000+ for importers

Cost:$450-$550/yr

Warehouse Bonds

$50,000-$500,000

Type:USDA & Commercial

OTI Maritime Bonds

$50,000-$150,000

Cost:$300-$500/yr

DOD Performance Bonds

$25,000-$100,000

Cost:1-5% annually

Household Goods

$25,000 interstate movers

Type:State-specific

Getting Your Transportation Bond

Step-by-step process for freight broker and logistics bonds

1

Determine Requirements

  • BMC-84 for freight broker authority
  • Performance bonds for DOD
  • Commercial contract bonds
2

Gather Documentation

  • Business tax returns (2-3 years)
  • Personal financial statement
  • Bank statements
3

Submit Application

  • Fill out application
  • Credit check authorization
  • Submit to underwriting
4

Bond Issuance

  • Rate quote approval
  • Sign indemnity agreement
  • Receive bond certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What transportation bonds are required in 2024-2025?
Transportation companies need BMC-84 freight broker bonds ($75,000), customs bonds ($50,000+ for importers), warehouse bonds ($50,000-$500,000), OTI bonds ($50,000-$150,000), and DOD performance bonds ($25,000-$100,000). Requirements vary by operation type and scope.
How much do transportation bonds cost in 2024?
Transportation bond costs range from 1-15% annually based on credit and bond type. Freight broker bonds: $938-$11,250/year. Customs bonds: $450-$550/year. OTI bonds: $300-$500/year. Market hardening has increased rates 50-200% for some sectors.

Official Resources

U.S. Department of Treasury - Surety Bond Program

Official list of Treasury-certified surety companies authorized to write federal bonds

Small Business Administration - Surety Bond Guarantee Program

SBA bonding assistance for small contractors on federal and private contracts

Written by BuySuretyBonds.com
Licensed surety bond agency operating nationwide with direct integrations to Treasury-certified surety carriers. Our platform enables instant approval for license and notary bonds, with 24-48 hour underwriting for commercial bonds. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals.

Ready to Get Your Transportation Authority?

BMC-84 bonds are mandatory - there's no way around it. But that doesn't mean you have to overpay. Get competitive rates and fast approval.

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