49 U.S.C. § 14916 — Unlawful brokerage activities

(a) Prohibited Activities
A person may act as an interstate broker^* only if the person is registered under and complies with section 13904 and has met section 13906’s financial-security requirements.

(b) Exceptions
This rule does not apply to: (1) a non-vessel^*-operating common carrier^* or ocean freight forwarder^*, as defined in section 40102 of title 46, when arranging inland transportation^* as part of an international ocean movement between the United States^* and a foreign port; (2) a customs broker licensed under 19 C.F.R. § 111.2, but only when handling a movement under a customs bond or a transaction involving customs business as defined in 19 C.F.R. § 111.1; or (3) an indirect air carrier with a Transportation Security Administration-approved Standard Security Program, but only when acting as an air carrier under section 40102(2) or engaging in activities under section 40102(3).

(c) Civil Penalties and Private Cause of Action
A person who knowingly authorizes, agrees to, or permits, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, a violation of subsection (a) is liable to the United States for up to $10,000 per violation and to the injured party for all valid claims, without an amount limit.

(d) Liable Parties
For unauthorized brokering, civil-penalty and claim liability is joint and several for each involved corporation or partnership and for its officers, directors, and principals.