Obtaining a Freight Broker License in Tennessee

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Learn how to become licensed as a freight broker, and speak with an Single Source Insurance agent today about purchasing the BMC-84 bond you�ll need to operate as a freight broker.

Who Needs a Freight Broker License?

If you want to operate anywhere in the United States as a freight broker, you must first obtain an operating authority (essentially a license) from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Learn more about a freight broker’s role in the movement of cargo and about what it takes to become a freight broker.

What Are the Steps in the Licensing Process?

There are a few decisions you�ll need to make in preparation for applying for a freight broker operating authority, beginning with deciding whether you will be opening your own firm or working for a freight brokerage owned by someone else. If you do plan to open your own brokerage, you�ll need to choose an appropriate legal structure (such as a sole proprietorship or LLC), establish a business entity, and register it with the Tennessee Secretary of State and Department of Revenue.

Another decision you�ll need to make is whether to apply for an operating authority as a �Broker of Household Goods� or a �Broker of Property (except Household Goods),� or perhaps as both.

You�ll also need to decide whether to select a process agent in each state where you will keep an office and write contracts or a blanket process service company that has agents in all states.� Whichever way you go, you must then complete a Form BOC-3�(Designation of Process Agents) listing all of the process agents you have chosen on a single form, and file it with FMCSA. (If you designate a blanket process service firm, the company can do that for you.)

Finally, you must decide whether to purchase a $75,000 freight broker bond (Form BMC-84) or set up a Trust Fund Agreement (Form BMC-85) for the protection of FMCSA. Most freight brokers choose the bonding option, as it requires only an annual premium whereas going the trust fund route requires tying up $75,000 in cash and/or credit.

Applications for a freight broker operating authority are submitted through the Unified Registration System (URS). Simply follow the instructions for creating an URS account, completing the online application, uploading the required supporting documents, and paying the registration fee. Upon payment of the $300 fee, URS will generate your MC number (MCN), which is the proof of your operating authority. The operating authority documents will be sent to you by mail within 10 business days.

Why Is a Freight Broker Surety Bond Required?

A BMC-84 bond is a freight broker�s pledge to operate in full compliance with all FMCSA regulations governing the freight brokerage industry. �Any violation by the freight broker (the bond�s �principal�) that causes financial harm to FMCSA or a shipper or carrier gives the injured party the right to file a claim against the bond and be compensated for the loss.

How Are Freight Broker Bond Claims Paid?

The principal is legally obligated to pay all valid claims. However, the third party to the legally binding freight broker bond�the �surety��is the bond�s guarantor. Having guaranteed the principal�s payment of valid claims, the surety will pay a claim on the principal�s behalf and then be reimbursed by the principal. The surety can take legal action against the principal for failing to repay that debt.

Costs Involved in Obtaining a Freight Broker License in Tennessee

The annual premium for a freight broker bond is a small percentage of the $75,000 bond amount. The surety determines that percentage, the premium rate, through an underwriting analysis of the risk of not being reimbursed for claims paid on behalf of the principal. The risk level is measured on the basis of the principal�s personal credit score.

A freight broker with good credit should be assigned a premium rate in the 2% to 4% range. A lower credit score signals a higher risk level, which warrants a higher premium rate.

Our surety bond professionals will get you the freight broker (BMC-84) bond you need at a competitive rate.

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