Get a surety bond to become a freight broker
April 18th, 2011 by AdminGet a surety bond to become a freight broker
Want to be a freight broker? Got to know from someone that you need to get a surety bond to become a freight broker? So the next obvious question that is looming in your mind is why do you get a surety bond to become a freight broker? To understand this better, let us first understand what a freight broker does. A freight broker is some who helps the shipper meet his transportation needs by helping them enter into transfer of goods agreement with various carriers and in return charge a fee for the services rendered. The reason why you get a surety bond to become a freight broker is because it is mandatory as per the law to have a surety bond in order to get a license to operate from the Federal Motor Carrier’s Safety Administration. It is primarily meant to guarantee that the payments to the carriers would be made on time and that the freight broker carries out his responsibilities faithfully. In case the broker defaults, then the surety is responsible for all the outstanding payments or claims. The next question that comes to our mind is what do you need to get a surety bond to become a freight broker? There are a lot of factors that are considered while issuing the bond, the main factor being the financial strength of the owner and his credit history. Thus a good personal credit rating for the owner is mandatory. Another question to be answered is when do you need to get a surety bond to become a freight broker? Well, the answer is that it has to be got at the time a new freight broker applies for a license from the Federal Motor Carrier’s Safety Administration. Unless the surety bond is produced, the license to operate will not be issued. How to get a surety bond to become a freight broker? Well, the best way is to get in touch with an agent who could help you get in touch with the surety companies who will be willing to issue the surety based on your credit rating. How much does it cost to get a surety bond to become a freight broker? The bond amount as mandated by law is of $10,000. The cost would vary on the applicants credit standing, it can be anything between $1500 payment as premium per year to as high as a one time payment of $10,000 in case of very bad credit standing. Above are some of the points that you need to keep in mind when you are thinking to get a surety bond to become a freight broker. However, all these information is available on the internet or one should get in touch with agents to know more about the state laws which can vary from state to state.