Guide · Brokers

How to become a freight broker in the USA

To broker freight between US states you need broker operating authority from FMCSA (an MC number), $75,000 of financial security as a surety bond (form BMC-84) or trust fund (form BMC-85), a BOC-3 filing naming a process agent in every state, and an annual Unified Carrier Registration (UCR). There is no federal broker exam. The same federal rules apply in every state; states mainly add business registration.

Post loads as a broker See pricing

Federal requirements, step by step

  1. Register the business (state business registration, EIN) and get a USDOT number through FMCSA registration.
  2. Apply to FMCSA for property broker operating authority — this gives the MC number.
  3. File $75,000 of financial security: a surety bond (BMC-84) or a trust fund (BMC-85). The authority cannot become active without it.
  4. File a BOC-3 designating a process agent in every state where you operate (usually a blanket company covering all states).
  5. Register for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) and renew it every year.
  6. Wait for FMCSA to activate the authority before arranging any load.

Broker, broker agent or dispatcher

  • A freight broker arranges transport for shippers under its own authority and bond.
  • A broker agent works under another broker’s authority and bond, usually on commission.
  • A dispatcher works for carriers, finding loads for their trucks. Arranging freight for shippers without broker authority is not allowed — check which role you are in against FMCSA guidance.

After the authority: customers and carriers

  • Customers: shippers who need loads moved — the broker’s revenue is the difference between the shipper rate and the carrier rate.
  • Carriers: find them on load and vehicle boards and check each one before booking.
  • Paperwork: a broker–shipper agreement, broker–carrier agreements and a rate confirmation for every load.

On GigFreight

US brokers upload their MC broker authority and surety bond at registration; GigFreight reviews the documents manually before verifying the company. Posting loads is restricted to active paid subscribers and valid trials: the load is posted from a broker account — shippers and forwarders use the same account type — of a verified company, and is published in that account’s own markets.

US plans start at $29.99 a month; The Standard monthly plan starts with 3 days for $1, then $29.99 a month.

Frequently asked questions

Can I become a freight broker with no experience?

Yes. FMCSA requires authority, $75,000 of financial security, a BOC-3 and UCR — not experience. Experience matters for winning shippers and managing carrier and payment risk.

How much is the freight broker bond?

The required financial security is $75,000. The yearly premium for a surety bond is set by the surety company and depends largely on credit.

Is it different in Texas, Georgia or California?

No. Interstate broker authority is federal and the same in every state; states mainly require business registration.

Can I be a freight broker from home?

Yes. The requirements are the same; many brokers and broker agents work remotely.

Your next step

Need a truck? Check the vehicle board, then register to post your load.

Browse the vehicle boardRegister to post loads

What you get

  • Free, without an account: browse the load and vehicle boards.
  • After registering: $1 for your first 3 days (card required). Verified companies can post loads.
  • Broker contact details unlock with the first payment of your plan.

Related

Facts on this page last checked 2026-10-15.