39 U.S.C. Chapter 56 — TRANSPORTATION OF MAIL BY VESSEL

Contents

Chapter 56 · Transportation of mail by vessel

5601Sea post service#

The Postal Service may maintain sea post service on ocean vessels conveying mail to and from the United States.

5602Termination of contracts for foreign transportation#

Contracts for the transportation of mail by vessel between the United States and a foreign port shall be made subject to cancellation by the Postal Service or the Congress.

5603Transportation of mail by vessel as freight or express#

The Postal Service may require that mail be transported by freight or express when—

(1)there is no competition on a water route and the rate or compensation asked is excessive; or

(2)no proposal is received.

A common carrier by water that fails or refuses to transport the mail when required to do so under this section shall be fined not more than $500 for each day of refusal.

5604Fines on ocean carriers#

The Postal Service may impose or remit fines on carriers transporting mail by vessel on routes extending beyond the borders of the United States for—

(1)unreasonable or unnecessary delay to the mails; and

(2)other delinquencies in the transportation of mail.

5605Contracts for transportation of mail by vessel#

The Postal Service may contract for the transportation of mail by vessel without advertising for bids.

United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.