Freedom to Ship Act

“14917. Interference with lawful transportation of arms

“(a) Violation relating to interference with the lawful transportation of arms—A motor carrier shall not interfere with the lawful transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition from a place in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States through or to a place in another State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession, including by knowingly—

“(1) declining to transport firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition that are lawfully possessed by the shipper and can lawfully be transported by the motor carrier;

“(2) imposing conditions on the transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition that are not required by section 922 of title 18, United States Code, and have the effect of restricting the ability of a person in lawful possession of such a product to transfer or dispose of the same to another person in a manner not prohibited by law;

“(3) charging more for the transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition than the motor carrier charges for the transportation of other objects of a similar size, weight, and hazard class;

“(4) requiring the consent of a shipper or consignee to the disclosure of information protected under section 14908 of this chapter as a condition of agreeing to transport firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition; or

“(5) engaging in any other like conduct which has the effect of interfering with the ability of a person to direct the shipment of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition to another person in furtherance of a lawful transfer or disposition.

“(b) Civil penalties and private cause of action—Any person who knowingly violates or authorizes, consents to, or permits, directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction with any other person, a violation of subsection (a) is liable—

“(1) to the United States Government for a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000 for each violation; and

“(2) to a shipper or consignee who has been harmed by such violation for all compensatory and consequential damages suffered by such shipper or consignee.

“(c) Actions of agents and employees—When acting in the scope of their employment, the actions and omissions of persons acting for or employed by a motor carrier that is subject to this section are considered to be the actions and omissions of such motor carrier as well as such person.

“(d) Definitions—In this section:

“(1) Ammunition—The term “ammunition” has the meaning given such term in section 921(a)(17)(A) of title 18.

“(2) Component Parts of Firearm or Ammunition—The term “component part of firearm or ammunition” means a component part of, or an accessory intended for use with, a firearm or ammunition, including ammunition magazines or clips, optical devices, or other products intended to be included in, attached to, or used while attached to, or in conjunction with, a firearm or ammunition.

“(3) Firearms—The term “firearm” has the meaning given such term in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 921(a)(3) of title 18, including any antique firearm (as such term is defined in section 921(a)(16) of such title).”