BROKER / FREIGHT FORWARDER — NO VEHICLES
Brokers — what to do after getting your broker authority
No vehicles or drivers — needs a $75k surety bond. Because you operate no trucks and employ no CDL drivers, you do not need a drug & alcohol testing program, driver qualification files, apportioned plates, IFTA, or the New Entrant Safety Audit — your stack is the BOC-3 process agent, your surety bond, and UCR.
Your checklist as a broker / freight forwarder (no trucks)
These are the steps the engine includes for this authority type. Items marked “Vertical Identity” are handled by us when you enroll. Steps that don’t apply to this type are automatically left off.
Activate your authority
File your BOC-3 (process agent)
A registered process agent must file this. We resell a partner that handles it.
When:Before authority is granted; must stay on file.
Source: 49 CFR §366 · reviewed 2026-06-14
Authority goes ACTIVE
You may not operate until your authority shows ACTIVE. (Not a flat "21 days.")
When:~3–4 weeks (10-day protest + 20-day filing); longer if vetted.
Source: FMCSA registration · reviewed 2026-06-14
Register for UCR
UCR's site makes DIY easy — do it yourself there, or we'll handle it. Fees = official UCR schedule.
When:Annual; before interstate operation.
Source: 49 U.S.C. §14504a · reviewed 2026-06-14
Frequently asked questions
Do brokers need a drug and alcohol testing program?
No. The drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 CFR Part 382 apply to motor carriers that operate CMVs with CDL drivers. A broker arranges transportation without trucks or drivers, so it does not need that program. If you later operate as a carrier too, the carrier requirements apply.
What surety bond does a broker need?
Federal law requires a freight broker or forwarder to maintain a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund (BMC-84 or BMC-85) on file with FMCSA. Verify the current requirement and filing details with FMCSA.
Do brokers need apportioned plates or IFTA?
No. Apportioned (IRP) plates and IFTA fuel-tax licensing are vehicle registrations — they apply to carriers that operate trucks. A broker that owns no commercial vehicles does not register for either. Verify with FMCSA and your base state if your operation changes.
Questions about broker compliance?
Talk to our team about what your broker operation needs.
Talk to our teamThis is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify requirements with FMCSA and your state DOT.