Jeff Brown

January 23, 2026
Truck driving through flooded area after heavy rainfall.
January 23, 2026
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FEMA STOS Program TSP Registration 2026: Complete Onboarding Guide

The FEMA STOS (Standard Tender of Service) program connects freight brokers and forwarders with vital disaster relief transportation opportunities. If you’re interested in transporting cargo for FEMA in 2026, it’s essential to understand the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) Onboarding process and the STOS Program requirements.  This guide outlines key information about the FEMA STOS Program and TSP Onboarding, including detailed information about eligibility and documentation to help you successfully navigate this year’s registration process. We’ve included helpful tips that can help you avoid delays and onboard more efficiently. [Table of contents – will generate a simple table of contents for this blog so users can skip to helpful sections Intro to FEMA ] Who Can Participate in the FEMA STOS Program? Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) include freight brokers, forwarders, and carriers who partner with FEMA to support emergency response operations. The FEMA Standard Tender of Service program enables TSPs to […]
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December 31, 2025
truck driving on highway hauling oil products
December 31, 2025
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Fuel Tax Bonds, Sales Tax Bonds, and Highway Use Tax Bonds: Who Needs Them?

Tax bonds are important financial guarantees that keep businesses compliant with state and federal tax laws. For companies involved in transportation, logistics, or any regulated industry, these bonds are more than paperwork. They act as crucial tools for compliance and risk management. Whether you distribute fuel, run a retail store, or operate a fleet of trucks, understanding tax bonds is essential for your operation.  This guide explores the three primary bond types you might encounter if you own a transportation business: fuel tax bonds, sales tax bonds, and highway use tax bonds. We will look at who needs them, why they matter, and what can happen if you fail to comply. Understanding Tax Bonds Surety bonds in the context of taxation are agreements that protect government interests. When a business acquires a tax bond, it promises to pay all required taxes and follow applicable laws. If the business fails to […]
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November 25, 2025
November 25, 2025
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How to File a BMC-84 or BMC-85 Claim: A Clear Guide 

Handling Freight Broker Non-Payment as a Carrier or Shipper Once carriers and shippers have met their end of a contract, freight brokers are legally obligated to pay as part of their end of the contract. But what happens if you’ve completed a haul and delivered as promised, and the freight broker refuses payment or suddenly drops off the radar? Carriers and shippers know this scenario too well. The work is done, but the payment is missing, leaving your business in the red and chasing what you rightfully earned. Fortunately, the broker’s BMC-84 Surety Bond or BMC-85 Trust Agreement exists for exactly these situations. These safeguards help the broker meet their financial obligations and ensure carriers and shippers get paid after completing their work. Filing a Claim with PFA Transportation Insurance and Surety Services Filing a claim is the most effective path to seek recovery. At PFA, we go beyond being […]
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October 20, 2025
Guide to ARTRANS performance bonds (formerly known as SDDC)
October 20, 2025
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How to Get Started in Military Freight with ARTRANS Performance Bonds

Why the Military Freight Market Matters The military freight market is one of the most stable and high-volume opportunities in the transportation industry. At the center of this market is the U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS), formerly known as the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). ARTRANS oversees the global movement of military equipment and supplies by surface transport, managing everything from trucks and rail to port shipments. Benefits of Working with Military Freight  For transportation companies, military freight offers unique advantages. Once in, your company gains access to a consistent, reputable stream of freight opportunities backed by the U.S. government. Maintaining your ARTRANS bond is worth it if your goal is long-term, stable growth. Beyond the financial appeal, hauling military freight builds credibility. Consistent performance with military contracts helps position your company as a serious player in government contracting. What is the ARTRANS Performance Bond? The ARTRANS Performance […]
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October 16, 2025
October 16, 2025
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FMCSA Updates Carriers and Brokers Need to Know in 2025 (Updated Oct. 2025)

*This blog has been updated as of October 16, 2025 to include important corrections and relevant updates announced by the FMCSA for all freight professionals. Use this link to see the revised sections with October’s announcements. This year is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for the U.S. trucking industry in the past decade. Fleet owners, safety managers, and drivers are about to experience two major regulatory shifts that will reshape how safety and compliance are managed across the country.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in the process of overhauling its Safety Measurement System (SMS). At the same time, several new federal trucking regulations are set to take effect in the coming months and years. Carriers and brokers must understand these changes, including their timelines, impacts, and how to stay compliant.  This guide breaks down both the expected SMS changes and the latest […]
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September 22, 2025
September 22, 2025
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Cargo Theft on the Rise: Why Cyber Liability Insurance Is Critical for Brokers

Digital Theft Is Rising. Are You Covered? In 2023, reported cargo theft in the U.S. topped $1 billion for the first time. According to NICB and CargoNet, incidents rose 27% from the year before, and things aren’t slowing down. Losses are expected to jump another 22% by the end of 2025. Criminals are getting smarter, using fake carrier identities, spoofed emails, and hacked dispatch systems to steal freight remotely. Cybercrime can be a major setback for businesses without cyber liability insurance. If you’re a freight broker or forwarder, you’re already juggling tight margins, complex compliance, and demanding shippers.  But here’s the kicker: most brokers still don’t have protection against today’s biggest risk, cybercrime. Freight Crime Has Gone Digital Cybercriminals are targeting freight and logistics more than ever. IBM’s latest report showed the transportation industry ranked as the fifth most attacked sector in 2024, up from eighth the year before. Why? […]
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July 10, 2025
July 10, 2025
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Law Enforcement to Target Commercial Vehicles During CVSA’s Operation Safe Drivers Week

Understanding Operation Safe Driver Week 2025 Each July, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) rolls out its highly anticipated Operation Safe Driver Week. It’s not just another annual campaign. It’s a strategic, nationwide enforcement initiative targeting risky driving behaviors by all drivers (commercial and passenger vehicles alike). Backed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this operation is designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. For 2025, the CVSA is zeroing in on two behaviors: reckless driving and careless driving. Truckers, fleet managers, and owner-operators should expect increased roadside inspections, heightened enforcement presence on major freight corridors, and a laser focus on unsafe driving habits. Why This Week Matters to Commercial Drivers Commercial vehicle drivers are already held to higher standards on the road. During Safe Driver Week, those standards are put to the test. Law enforcement officers across North America will be watching […]
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June 23, 2025
June 23, 2025
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Understanding Transportation Insurance for Freight Brokers

Freight brokers have an important role in connecting shippers and carriers. Proper transportation insurance coverage is critical for a broker’s success: carrying the right transportation insurance ensures compliance and protects the freight broker’s business, clients, and carriers from expensive liabilities.  Without the right coverage, there is a higher risk of major financial losses from denied claims.  Why Insurance Matters for Freight Brokers Unlike carriers, brokers don’t physically handle freight, but they still face liability if something goes wrong. If a carrier’s insurance denies a claim due to negligence, inadequate coverage, or insolvency, the broker could be held financially responsible. That’s why understanding different types of insurance, coverage limits, and risk management strategies is non-negotiable. Key Types of Transportation Insurance How Freight Brokers Can Mitigate Risk Verify Carrier Coverage  To protect their business from costly claims, freight brokers must take a proactive approach to risk management. The first line of defense […]
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