BMC-85: Broker Trust Fund

Written by Nick Webster

Published on Feb. 24, 2023, 12:54 a.m.

BMC-85: Broker Trust Fund

Form BMC-85: broker trust fund is a surety bond required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. It's also known as an "Interstate Motor Carriers Registration" bond. This form of surety bond ensures that motor carriers comply with all federal statutes, including paying fines and penalties assessed by the FMCSA for Violations.

The bond amount starts at $75,000 for new applicants, but can be increased depending on violations or other circumstances. All motor carriers must obtain this type of bonding before they begin to operate in interstate commerce. Form BMC-85 bonds are maintained for five years from the date of issuance and must be renewed when expired. To know more visit Broker Authority.

What Are BMC-85 Trust Funds?

If you're just starting out in the trucking industry, a BMC-85 may not be the most cost-effective option for your business. These bonds are more commonly seen amongst larger brokers and carriers due to their high initial cost. To make an informed decision about which type of bond is right for you, it's important to understand a few key facts about BMC-85s. Here are some essential points to consider when looking into this type of bond:

  • The minimum surety amount required is $75,000.
  • The issuing company must have at least 25 years of experience in the trucking industry.
  • The standard premium rate is 1% annually.
  • They cover states nationwide.

Also, when you set up a trust fund, you have to place the full amount of $75,000 into it and you cannot access that money. You'll need to pay a bank fee for these services. Trust companies have less risk when making payouts because they're done through your trust account. As such, they are not as motivated or required to investigate claims in great detail. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.

How Much Money Does a BMC-84 Cost?

In addition to the collateral you must post, an annual fee of approximately $1,500 will need to be paid annually along with the initial deposit of $75,000 into the trust. All these associated costs should be factored into your budget when making a decision about taking out a loan.

What Are the Differences Between FMCSA Form BMC-84 and Form BMC-85?

The primary difference between FMCSA Form BMC-84 and Form BMC-85 is that the BMC-84 covers a single motor carrier while the BMC-85 covers multiple motor carriers. The former requires the filing of an agreement by which one party agrees to provide surety on behalf of another party, while the latter requires multiple agreements covering all parties involved in providing surety. What are the Top 3 DOT paper appointed Violations?

A BMC-84 form also contains more information than the BMC-85 such as IRS number, bond amount, and expiration date. Additionally, both forms must be completed in accordance with applicable federal regulations. When applying for a bond through FMCSA, it is important to understand the differences between Form BMC-84 and Form BMC-85 to ensure your carrier takes the correct actions. Must visit How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that brokers have proof of insurance coverage with a minimum liability limit of $75,000. Brokers have the option to choose either a BMC-84 or BMC-85 policy in order to meet this requirement. Also check out Texas DOT Number.

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More Information About the Difference Between BMC-84 and BMC-85

BMC-84 bonds are a great option for brokers seeking surety coverage with the flexibility of making periodic payments. With this bond, the broker pays a portion of the $75,000 requirement as either a monthly or yearly premium. On the other hand, BMC-85 trust funds require brokers to pay the full $75,000 amount into the fund, which they will not be able to access afterwards. Check out BOC-3 Filing .

Both options offer protection and security for clients who may be affected by fraudulent activities or negligence on behalf of their bonded broker. Whichever option you choose, it's important to understand how each one works and make an informed decision that best suits your business needs. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?

What Are BMC-84 Surety Bonds?

If you're in the trucking or freight brokerage business, you've probably heard of BMC-84 surety bonds. These are basically guarantees that industry companies will pay their customers if they don't deliver what they promised. What is DOT SAP Program?

It's like an insurance policy, but instead of protecting yourself from accidents and damage, these bonds protect your customers if you fail to deliver your end of the bargain. They might sound complicated, but they're actually pretty simple. And getting one isn't too expensive either - usually only a few hundred dollars - which is well worth it when it comes to making sure your customers are taken care of. So if you're in the transportation biz, consider getting your BMC-84 bond today! Visit DOT Authority Package, Tips to prepare for 2023 DOT Week filings in minutes. How to get Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?

How Much Money Does a BMC-84 Cost?

A bonding provider will assess your business' credit and charge a yearly premium to obtain the $75,000 bond required by MAP-21 legislation. This type of bond, which is often referred to as a BMC-84 after the FMCSA document you need to file, typically amounts to between $750 - $9,000 annually. Must visit the link.

If you want to make sure you file all the right documents, it's best to have an MGU (Managing General Underwriter) on your side. They'll be able to act as an advocate and guide through the claims process while also offering advice on how to prevent potential issues. To learn more about surety bond rates and calculations, reach out to our team today! We'd love to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Importance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.

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The Process of Being Bonded While Having Bad Credit

If your credit is less than stellar, getting a surety bond might be the better option for you. This is because it's difficult to obtain a loan if your credit history isn't up to par. However, not all agencies are willing to provide surety bonds to those with bad credit, so make sure you research the bonding company thoroughly before making any decisions. BMC-84 route may still be an option for you, but be aware that poor credit could affect your ability to secure the full amount of $75,000. Make sure you understand the risks and limitations that come with this route before committing to it. Also visit the link.

Having a low credit score shouldn't hinder your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. While it may cause the cost of your freight broker bond to increase, you can still get bonded by working with a big bonding agency that has connections to numerous surety companies. By broadening their network, they're more likely to find a rate that works for you. So don't let your credit score stop you from pursuing success; invest in a reliable bond provider and get started on the path toward success! Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics.

Summary: The Basics of BMC-85: Broker Trust Fund

Here is the most crucial information to keep in mind when it comes to a BMC-85 and the broker trust fund:

  • BMC-85 is a trust fund required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as part of their motor carrier safety regulations.

  • This trust fund is used for financial protection of motor carriers, their customers, and third parties in case of any loss or damage resulting from the negligence or misconduct of the motor carrier.
  • A BMC-85 trust fund requires motor carriers to deposit a certain amount of money into an escrow account that can only be accessed if there are damages or losses due to the fault of the motor carrier.
  • The FMCSA will not issue operating authority without proof that this trust fund has been established.