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Dallas-Fort Worth · BMC-84 vs BMC-85

BMC-84 vs BMC-85: which FMCSA filing fits Dallas brokers?

Both satisfy the $75,000 federal requirement — but a surety bond and a trust fund work very differently on cash flow, credit checks, and 2026 compliance.

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Side by side

BMC-84 surety bond vs BMC-85 trust

  • BMC-84 (surety bond) — Pay an annual premium (often $750–$9,000+). Surety guarantees up to $75,000. Credit check required. No $75,000 cash lock-up.
  • BMC-85 (trust fund) — Deposit $75,000 in cash, U.S. Treasuries, or an irrevocable letter of credit with a qualifying trustee. No annual premium, but capital is tied up.
  • Replenishment — After a claim, BMC-85 trusts must restore the balance within seven calendar days (2026 rule) or FMCSA may suspend authority.
  • 2026 trustees — Many prior BMC-85 providers no longer qualify; trustees must be FDIC-, OCC-, or NCUA-regulated with restricted asset types.

Most new Dallas brokers choose BMC-84 to preserve working capital. See freight broker bond cost for premium tiers.

Decision

When each option makes sense

Choose BMC-84 if you want to avoid tying up $75,000, need fast approval with manageable annual cost, or your BMC-85 trustee may not meet 2026 rules.

Consider BMC-85 only if you have the cash, a qualified trustee, and a plan to replenish within seven days after any drawdown.

Texas brokers with FMCSA authority generally do not need the separate TxDMV intrastate broker bond — see that page only if you broker loads entirely inside Texas without an MC number.