Freedom to Ship Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to prevent motor carriers from refusing or imposing undue conditions on the lawful transportation of firearms and related components, while also removing a federal restriction on mailing concealable firearms.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits motor carriers from discriminating against firearms, ammunition, or component parts shippers or transporters. It outlines specific discriminatory practices such as refusing transport, imposing extra conditions, or charging higher rates, and establishes civil penalties and a private cause of action for violations. Additionally, it repeals an existing federal prohibition on mailing firearms capable of being concealed on the person.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill protects Second Amendment rights by ensuring that lawful firearms commerce and personal transfers are not impeded by discriminatory practices from transportation companies. They contend it prevents private entities from acting as de facto regulators beyond federal law, ensuring fair access to essential shipping services for firearms businesses and individuals.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill infringes on the private business decisions of motor carriers, potentially forcing them to transport goods they deem high-risk or contrary to their corporate values. They may also raise significant public safety concerns regarding the repeal of the prohibition on mailing concealable firearms, fearing it could facilitate illegal gun trafficking and bypass background checks.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are easily understandable, making it accessible for a quick but informed review.
Section 2(a), adding 49 U.S.C. 14917(a)
Prohibition on Interference with Lawful Transportation of Arms
This provision makes it illegal for motor carriers to interfere with the lawful transportation of firearms, ammunition, or their component parts across state lines. It specifically prohibits refusing to transport such items if lawfully possessed and transportable, imposing extra conditions not required by federal law (18 U.S.C. 922), charging higher rates than for similar goods, or requiring consent for disclosure of protected information as a condition of transport. It also includes a catch-all for other conduct that interferes with lawful transfers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential to prevent private companies from unilaterally restricting Second Amendment-protected commerce and personal transfers. They contend it ensures fair market access and prevents carriers from imposing their own political views on lawful businesses and citizens.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision oversteps by dictating private business practices, potentially forcing carriers to handle goods they deem unsafe or against their corporate policies. They may also argue it could increase liability and operational costs for carriers without adequate justification.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the right of firearms owners and businesses to transport their goods against the autonomy of private carriers to set their own terms of service and manage perceived risks.
Section 2(a), adding 49 U.S.C. 14917(b)
Civil Penalties and Private Cause of Action
This section establishes consequences for violating the prohibitions. Any person who knowingly violates or authorizes a violation is liable for a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation to the U.S. Government. Additionally, any shipper or consignee harmed by such a violation can sue for all compensatory and consequential damages.
Section 2(c)
Repeal of Prohibition on Mailing Firearms
This section repeals 18 U.S.C. 1715, which currently prohibits the mailing of firearms capable of being concealed on the person, with certain exceptions for manufacturers, dealers, and government entities. The repeal would effectively remove the federal prohibition on mailing handguns and other concealable firearms, subject to U.S. Postal Service regulations and state laws.