Title 39, Postal ServiceRelease 119-110
§5603 Transportation of Mail by Vessel as Freight or Express
Title 39 › PART V — TRANSPORTATION OF MAIL › CHAPTER 56 — TRANSPORTATION OF MAIL BY VESSEL › § 5603
Summary
Postal Service can require mail to travel by freight or express on water routes when there is no competition or no bids; refusing carriers face up to $500 per day.
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §5603
Postal Service, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
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.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 5603
Title 39, Postal Service
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110