Freedom to Ship Act
Sponsored By: Representative Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
Introduced
Summary
Protects the ability of lawful gun owners to ship firearms by banning motor carriers from refusing or obstructing transport. It would bar carriers from adding conditions beyond federal law, charging higher rates for firearms than similar goods, or forcing disclosure of protected shipment information, and it creates civil penalties plus a private right of action.
Show full summary
- Families and lawful shippers: Owners and consignees could insist carriers transport lawfully possessed firearms, ammunition, and components and seek compensatory and consequential damages if a carrier blocks or interferes with a shipment.
- Motor carriers and employees: Carriers would be prohibited from refusing transport, imposing extra fees, or demanding consents to disclose protected information. Actions by employees or agents within the scope of their work are treated as the carrier's actions.
- Federal government and enforcement: The bill defines firearms, ammunition, and components, repeals a related 18 U.S.C. provision, and authorizes civil penalties of $10,000 per knowing violation and private recovery by harmed shippers or consignees.
*Would increase federal receipts by authorizing $10,000 civil penalties per knowing violation payable to the United States.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Protections for lawful firearm shippers
If enacted, the bill would bar motor carriers from knowingly refusing to transport firearms, ammunition, or parts that the shipper lawfully possesses and that the carrier can lawfully carry across states or territories. Carriers would also be barred from adding conditions beyond those in 18 U.S.C. §922, charging higher rates for these items than for similar freight, or conditioning transport on disclosing information protected by 18 U.S.C. §14908. A harmed shipper or consignee would be able to sue for compensatory and consequential damages. A person who knowingly violates these rules would face a $10,000 civil penalty per violation. Actions by employees or agents acting within the scope of employment would count as carrier actions. These rules would start upon enactment.
Repeal of a federal code section
If enacted, the bill would repeal section 1715 of chapter 83 of title 18, U.S. Code, and remove its item from the chapter analysis. The summary does not say what that section did, so the practical effects on households or businesses are unclear. The repeal would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
CO • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3]
SC • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27]
TX • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov