Your Guide to Filing MCS-82B: The Surety Bond Process

Get clear answers and avoid delays with our simple surety bond guide

What is Form MCS-82B?

Form MCS-82B is a surety bond that allows for-hire motor carriers of household goods to meet public liability requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It acts as an alternative to the insurance endorsement Form MCS-90B and provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. If you're a household goods carrier operating interstate and prefer to use a surety bond over a traditional insurance policy—this is your go-to form.

You need to file MCS-82B if you are:

A for-hire motor carrier transporting household goods
Operating interstate
Choosing a surety bond over an insurance policy

Form MCS-82B must be filed before the FMCSA issues your operating authority and before you begin transporting household goods. It’s not a one-time filing; surety bonds must stay active for as long as you operate under FMCSA authority. Filing early helps ensure you’re compliant from day one, and avoids any delays in starting or continuing your operations.

Carriers opt for Form MCS-82B because it offers a practical, cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance. By filing this surety bond, you can avoid high insurance premiums, partner with a trusted surety provider, and retain more control over how you manage risk, while staying fully compliant with FMCSA public liability requirements.

Here’re 4 simple steps to stay compliant:

Find a Surety company. Choose a licensed and FMCSA-approved surety provider.
Complete the form. Include your company details, FMCSA docket number, bond terms, and authorized signatures.
File with FMCSA. Submit via the Licensing & Insurance portal, or by mail if necessary.
Check your status. Always verify acceptance through FMCSA’s Licensing & Insurance portal.

For household goods carriers, Form MCS-82B requires a minimum coverage of $750,000 to meet FMCSA public liability standards. This bond provides protection for bodily injury (BI), property damage (PD), and environmental restoration, ensuring that carriers are financially responsible for any harm caused during transportation operations.

Bond or Insurance—Which One Works for You

Feature	MCS-90B (Insurance)	MCS-82B (Surety Bond)
Type	Insurance Endorsement	Surety bond agreement
Filed By	Insurance Provider	Surety company
Credit Check	Not always	Required
Upfront Cost	Premium-based	Bond fees (credit-based)
Personal Risk	Minimal	Possible repayment
Cancellation Notice	Per policy terms	30-day required

If you don’t file Form MCS-82B, the FMCSA won’t grant your operating authority. Operating without it can lead to fines, penalties, and suspension or revocation of your authority. Even a lapse in coverage can put your business at risk.