Transportation
Motor Carrier Registration Bond
A motor carrier registration bond is a surety bond a trucking company files with FMCSA, in place of an insurance certificate, to show the financial responsibility required for operating authority.
- Required by
- FMCSA (49 CFR 387.311)
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
The bond guarantees payment of claims up to the federally required limits. A BMC-82 bond covers public liability (bodily injury and property damage) and a BMC-83 bond covers cargo liability. The public or shippers harmed by the carrier are protected.
Who needs it
- Motor carriers registering for interstate operating authority
- Household goods carriers needing cargo coverage
- Carriers using a bond instead of a BMC-91 insurance filing
What the underwriter looks at
- Required liability limits for the carrier's operation
- Carrier's financial strength
- Safety record
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
Can I use a bond instead of insurance?
FMCSA accepts a BMC-82 surety bond for public liability and a BMC-83 for cargo, each for the full required limits. Most carriers use insurance (BMC-91 or BMC-34) because these bonds are hard to get.