39 USC § 5603 - Transportation of mail by vessel as freight or express

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s5603"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "39 USC § 5603 - Transportation of mail by vessel as freight or express"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
section_number: "5603"
section_name: "Transportation of mail by vessel as freight or express"
chapter_number: 56
chapter_name: "TRANSPORTATION OF MAIL BY VESSEL"
part_number: "V"
part_name: "TRANSPORTATION OF MAIL"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 773.)"
---


# § 5603. Transportation 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.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 773.)

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective , pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See , set out as a note preceding .