((a))

((1)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** 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.