Abrupt changes in the surety market can create challenges, particularly for freight brokers. Recent developments have left many freight brokers uncertain about their bond renewals and searching for new bond providers.

Carrier withdrawals from the market can occur for several reasons, including the need for clients to have good credit and the high risk associated with bonds that have a significant number of claims. With little notice given to customers, those with bonds written by this carrier are left uncertain about their next steps as their bond renewals approach. A lapse in bond coverage can be problematic for many reasons, especially with their Motor Carrier Operating Authority (MC Authority) on the line.

Understanding Freight Broker Bonds

The freight broker bond is an MC Authority requirement to ensure brokers adhere to federal regulations and ethical business practices, protecting shippers and carriers from financial loss due to broker misconduct, such as non-payment of freight charges.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all freight brokers must hold a valid BMC-84 bond to operate legally in the United States. Failure to maintain a valid bond can result in severe penalties, including revocation of operating authority. Keeping a valid bond also establishes trust to maintain healthy business relationships and a good industry reputation.

The Impact of Carrier Withdrawal

A carrier may decide to cancel a surety bond for many reasons, including a principal demonstrating financial instability, a history of claims against the bond, changes in underwriting criteria, non-payment of premiums, and fraudulent activity.

However, cancellations may also occur when a surety carrier withdraws from the market altogether. The exit of a large carrier can lead to market fluctuations, potentially affecting bond premiums and availability. Surety bond brokers may encounter higher costs or stricter underwriting criteria when seeking new bonds. As renewal dates approach, brokers need to act quickly to avoid lapses in the principal’s bond coverage, which can result in fines, loss of operating authority, and disruption of business operations.

In this blog, we’re going to focus on steps to take when your insurance carrier stops underwriting BMC-84 Surety Bonds, leaving principals to seek a new, trusted surety bond broker.

Steps to Take to Secure a New Freight Broker Bond

Step 1: Assess Your Situation

• Review the cancellation notice to understand why your bond was cancelled. This will help you address any underlying issues and prevent future cancellations.

Step 2: Research Potential Bond Providers

• Accessibility: Choose a provider that is easy to contact and responsive to inquiries.
• Support: Ensure they offer comprehensive support throughout the bond application process and beyond.
• Transparency: Look for providers that are clear about their terms, conditions, and fees.
• Industry Experience: Consider providers with extensive experience in the surety bond industry, specifically with BMC-84 Surety Bonds.
• Application Process: Assess how straightforward and efficient their application process is. A user-friendly online application can save time and hassle.

Step 3: Apply for a New Bond

• Complete the Application: Fill out the application form accurately and provide all requested documentation.
• Address Past Issues: If your previous bond was cancelled due to specific issues, address them proactively in your application to improve your chances of approval.

Step 4: Review and Sign the Bond Agreement

• Understand Terms: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the bond agreement before signing.
• Clarify Doubts: Ask for clarification on any points you do not fully understand.

Step 5: Maintain Your New Bond

• Timely Payments: Ensure you pay premiums on time to avoid future cancellations.
• Compliance: Stay compliant with FMCSA regulations and address any issues promptly.
• Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your bond provider, keeping them informed of any significant changes in your business.

When applying for a new bond, evaluating a reliable bond provider is essential. Consider their financial stability, reputation, customer service, and bond issuance process. At BOSS Bonds, we boast over 40 years of experience and a national presence, positioning us as a leading surety-only agency. We have relationships with more than 25 carriers, which means we can shop around for the most competitive rates on your behalf, ensuring you receive the best value.

Don’t wait to apply for your new bond. If you know your bond is going to be cancelled, contact us today so we can help keep you in compliance. When you choose BOSS Bonds as your trusted surety partner, you’ll benefit from our competitive rates, fast and easy application process, and strong customer support. With extensive experience in the freight broker industry and having written thousands of bonds for freight brokers, we leverage our expertise to provide top-tier service and, most importantly, help you secure the bond you need.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is crucial for freight brokers to take swift action when their BMC-84 Surety Bond is at risk of cancellation due to abrupt market changes. Don't wait—take action now to secure a new bond at competitive rates before the market changes further. Contact BOSS Bonds today for a consultation and bond quote. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and ensure your business remains compliant and protected. 

Key Takeaways

• Urgent Need for New Bonds: A large carrier's sudden withdrawal from the freight broker bond market can create uncertainty and an urgent need for bond renewals among freight brokers.
• Critical Compliance: Maintaining a valid freight broker bond is essential for legal compliance and business operations, as mandated by the FMCSA, to avoid severe penalties, including the loss of operating authority.
• Immediate Action Required: Brokers whose bonds are affected must act quickly to secure new bonds to avoid lapses in coverage, which could lead to fines, disrupted business operations, and potential loss of MC Authority.
• Choosing a Reliable Bond Provider: It is crucial to evaluate bond providers based on customer service, industry expertise, and an efficient bond application process. Companies like BOSS Bonds offer competitive rates, a fast online application process, and extensive experience in the freight broker industry.