Us Code § 14908 - Unlawful disclosure of information

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 14908 — Unlawful disclosure of information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 14908. Unlawful disclosure of information

(a) Disclosure of Shipment and Routing Information.—

(1) Violations.—A carrier or broker providing transportation subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I, II, or III of chapter 135 or an officer, receiver, trustee, lessee, or employee of that carrier or broker, or another person authorized by that carrier or broker to receive information from that carrier or broker may not disclose to another person, except the shipper or consignee, and a person may not solicit, or receive, information about the nature, kind, quantity, destination, consignee, or routing of property tendered or delivered to that carrier or broker for transportation provided under this part without the consent of the shipper or consignee if that information may be used to the detriment of the shipper or consignee or may disclose improperly to a competitor the business transactions of the shipper or consignee.

(2) Penalty.—A person violating paragraph (1) of this subsection is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $2,000.


(b) Limitation on Statutory Construction.—This part does not prevent a carrier or broker providing transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 from giving information—

(1) in response to legal process issued under authority of a court of the United States or a State;

(2) to an officer, employee, or agent of the United States Government, a State, or a territory or possession of the United States; or

(3) to another carrier or its agent to adjust mutual traffic accounts in the ordinary course of business.

(Added Pub. L. 104–88, title I, §103, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 917.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 11910 of this title prior to the general amendment of this subtitle by Pub. L. 104–88, §102(a).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.

About This Section

49 U.S.C. § 14908 is part of Title 49 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 49 U.S.C. § 14908. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 14908

What does United States Code § 14908 cover?

Section 14908 ("Unlawful disclosure of information") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 14908?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 14908" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 14908 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.