Federal · Title 49 — Transportation

49 U.S.C. § 14903: Tariff violations

Gross Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Offering or accepting transportation at rates different from tariff rates incurs civil penalties up to $100,000. Carriers willfully violating tariff requirements face criminal fines or imprisonment up to 2 years.

Read the full statutory text
A person that offers, grants, gives, solicits, accepts, or receives by any means transportation or service provided for property by a carrier subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 at a rate different than the rate in effect under section 13702 is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation. A carrier providing transportation or service subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 or an officer, director, receiver, trustee, lessee, agent, or employee of a corporation that is subject to jurisdiction under that chapter, that willfully does not observe its tariffs as required under section 13702, shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. When acting in the scope of their employment, the actions and omissions of persons acting for or employed by a carrier or shipper that is subject to this section are considered to be the actions and omissions of that carrier or shipper as well as that person. Trial in a criminal action under this section is in the judicial district in which any part of the violation is committed or through which the transportation is conducted.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.