What is a Freight Broker according to the FMCSA?

A freight broker is a licensed intermediary authorized under 49 CFR Part 371 to arrange transportation of property by an authorized motor carrier. Freight brokers do not operate commercial motor vehicles themselves and do not assume carrier liability for cargo.

What is the BMC-84 surety bond requirement?

Under federal law (49 U.S.C. 13906), every licensed property freight broker must maintain a $75,000 surety bond (Form BMC-84) or trust fund agreement (Form BMC-85) to ensure financial security and guarantee payments to motor carriers.

Do freight brokers have safety ratings or truck inspections?

No. Because freight brokers arrange freight rather than operate trucks, they have 0 power units and 0 drivers, and are not subject to roadside vehicle inspections or FMCSA safety ratings unless they also hold separate motor carrier authority.

Licensed Freight Broker Registry

Freight Broker Lookup & Authority Verification

Verify licensed property freight brokers in real time. Confirm active Property Broker authority, Form BMC-84 \$75,000 surety bonds, BMC-85 trust filings, and legal operating status directly from the FMCSA registry.

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How to Verify a Freight Broker

Motor carriers, owner-operators, and shippers must verify freight brokers before accepting rate confirmations or tendering freight. A legitimate broker must have:

Active Broker Authority: Federal status granting permission to broker freight.
Active BMC-84 or BMC-85: Mandatory \$75,000 surety bond or trust fund posted on file.
Matching Contact Data: Registered phone number and corporate email address to prevent double brokering fraud.

Read Broker Verification Guide

Brokers vs Motor Carriers: Key Differences

Under federal regulations, pure freight brokers do NOT own commercial fleets or operate power units. Consequently:

No Fleet Metrics or Safety RatingsA freight broker record correctly reflects 0 trucks and 0 drivers. The lack of roadside vehicle inspections or safety ratings is normal and legally consistent with brokerage operations.

Dual-Authority EntitiesSome logistics companies hold both Motor Carrier and Freight Broker authorities. TransportTrace accurately identifies dual classifications based on authoritative FMCSA filings.

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Freight Broker Verification FAQs

How do I know if a freight broker is legitimate?

Verify that the broker has an active FMCSA Broker Authority status, an active \$75,000 BMC-84 surety bond with no cancellation notices, and official contact information that matches your communications.

What happens if a broker's bond is cancelled?

When a surety underwriter files a notice of cancellation (Form BMC-35 or BMC-36), the broker has 30 days to file an acceptable replacement bond. If no replacement is filed, FMCSA immediately revokes their operating authority.

What is double brokering and how do I prevent it?

Double brokering occurs when an unauthorized party re-brokers a shipment to another carrier without shipper knowledge or broker authority. Always verify the broker's registered phone number and ensure the dispatching entity holds valid Broker authority.

How can I perform a freight broker search or broker MC lookup?

Use our freight broker lookup and broker verification tool by entering the MC docket number, USDOT number, or business name above. Our broker database search checks active licensing, BMC-84 bond status, and official FMCSA registration online.

How do I check a freight broker license and operating authority online?

TransportTrace queries the official FMCSA database to display active property broker authority, verify that the \$75,000 bond or trust fund is currently in effect, and confirm that no revocation orders are pending.