H.R. 9979: Freedom to Ship Act
This bill would bar motor carriers from refusing to transport lawfully owned firearms, ammunition, or firearm-related parts when they are being shipped within, to, or through U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. In simple terms, it would make it illegal for a trucking or transport company to treat these shipments differently in certain ways if the shipment is lawful.
What it would prohibit
- Refusing to carry firearms, ammunition, or related parts that the shipper is legally allowed to possess and send.
- Imposing extra conditions on these shipments that are not required by federal firearms law and that have the effect of blocking a lawful transfer.
- Charging more for transporting firearms, ammunition, or related parts than for other items of similar size, weight, and hazard class.
- Requiring the shipper or recipient to agree to disclosure of certain protected information as a condition of transport.
- Engaging in other similar conduct that interferes with a lawful shipment of these items from one person to another.
Penalties and lawsuits
If a motor carrier knowingly violates the bill, it could face:
- a civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation payable to the U.S. government; and
- liability to any shipper or recipient harmed by the violation for compensatory and consequential damages.
The bill also says that if employees or agents act within the scope of their work, their actions count as the carrier’s actions too.
Definitions
The bill defines the covered items broadly. “Firearm” includes the types of firearms covered under federal law, including antique firearms. “Ammunition” uses the existing federal definition. “Component parts” includes parts or accessories intended for use with firearms or ammunition, including magazines or clips, optical devices, and similar products used with firearms or ammunition.
Other changes
The bill would also repeal an existing section of federal law, though the text provided does not explain that section in plain language beyond the repeal itself.
Relevant Companies
- UPS — Could be affected if its shipping policies or procedures for firearms-related shipments need to change.
- FDX — Could be affected if it handles or restricts firearms, ammunition, or parts shipments and would need to adjust service terms.
- CHRW — A logistics and freight intermediary that could be affected by requirements for handling lawful firearms-related shipments.
- XPO — A freight and logistics company that could be affected if it transports or brokers shipments covered by the bill.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
4 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul. 30, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Jul. 30, 2026 | Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
Corporate Lobbying
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