39 U.S.C. § 2201 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 22 / Section 2201: No postal equipment or supplies manufactured by convict labor
No postal equipment or supplies manufactured by convict labor
Status: in_force

Except as provided in chapter 307 of title 18, the Postal Service may not make a contract for the purchase of equipment or supplies to be manufactured by convict labor.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 742.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 2010 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 20 / Section 2010: Restrictions on agreements
Restrictions on agreements
Status: in_force

The Postal Service shall promote modern and efficient operations and should refrain from expending any funds, engaging in any practice, or entering into any agreement or contract, other than an agreement or contract under chapter 12 of this title, which restricts the use of new equipment or devices which may reduce the cost or improve the quality of postal services, except where such restriction is necessary to insure safe and healthful employment conditions.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 742.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 5001 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 50 / Section 5001: Provisions for carrying mail
Provisions for carrying mail
Status: in_force

The Postal Service shall provide for the transportation of mail in accordance with the policies established under section 101(e) and (f) of this title and the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Postal Service may make arrangements on a temporary basis for the transportation of mail when, as determined by the Postal Service, an emergency arises. Such arrangements shall terminate when the emergency ceases and the Postal Service is promptly able to secure transportation services under other provisions of this title.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 766.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 1011 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 10 / Section 1011: Oath of office
Oath of office
Status: in_force

Before entering upon their duties and before receiving any salary, all officers and employees of the Postal Service shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation:

"I, ________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."

A person authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States, including section 2903 of title 5, or of a State or territory, or an officer, civil or military, holding a commission under the United States, or any officer or employee of the Postal Service designated by the Board may administer and certify the oath or affirmation.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 733.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 3213 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 32 / Section 3213: Seeds and reports from Department of Agriculture
Seeds and reports from Department of Agriculture
Status: in_force

Seeds and agricultural reports emanating from the Department of Agriculture may be mailed—

(1) as penalty mail by the Secretary of Agriculture; and

(2) during the 90-day period immediately following the expiration of their terms of office, as franked mail by Members of Congress.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 754; Pub. L. 97–69, §5(b), Oct. 26, 1981, 95 Stat. 1043.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1981—Par. (2). Pub. L. 97–69 substituted "during the 90-day period immediately" for "until the thirtieth day of June".

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.
39 U.S.C. § 1009 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 10 / Section 1009: Personnel not to receive fees
Personnel not to receive fees
Status: in_force

An officer or employee of the Postal Service may not receive any fee or perquisite from a patron of the Postal Service on account of the duties performed by virtue of his appointment, except as authorized by law.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 733.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 2008 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 20 / Section 2008: Audit and expenditures
Audit and expenditures
Status: in_force

(a) The accounts and operations of the Postal Service shall be audited by the Comptroller General and reports thereon made to the Congress to the extent and at such times as he may determine.

(b) The Postal Service shall maintain an adequate internal audit of the financial transactions of the Postal Service.

(c) Subject only to the provisions of this chapter, the Postal Service is authorized to make such expenditures and to enter into such contracts, agreements, and arrangements, upon such terms and conditions and in such manner as it deems necessary, including the final settlement of all claims and litigation by or against the Postal Service.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as denying to the Postal Service the power to obtain audits of the accounts of the Postal Service and reports concerning its financial condition and operations by certified public accounting firms. Such audits and reports shall be in addition to those required by this section.

(e) At least once each year beginning with the fiscal year commencing after June 30, 1971, the Postal Service shall obtain a certification from an independent, certified public accounting firm of the accuracy of any financial statements of the Postal Service used in determining and establishing postal rates.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 741.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 1010 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 10 / Section 1010: Administration of oaths related to postal inspection matters
Administration of oaths related to postal inspection matters
Status: in_force

Officers and employees of the Postal Service performing duties related to the inspection of postal matters may administer oaths required or authorized by law or regulation with respect to any matter coming before them in the performance of their official duties.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 733.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 404a (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 4 / Section 404a: Specific limitations
Specific limitations
Status: in_force

(a) Except as specifically authorized by law, the Postal Service may not—

(1) establish any rule or regulation (including any standard) the effect of which is to preclude competition or establish the terms of competition unless the Postal Service demonstrates that the regulation does not create an unfair competitive advantage for itself or any entity funded (in whole or in part) by the Postal Service;

(2) compel the disclosure, transfer, or licensing of intellectual property to any third party (such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary information); or

(3) obtain information from a person that provides (or seeks to provide) any product, and then offer any postal service that uses or is based in whole or in part on such information, without the consent of the person providing that information, unless substantially the same information is obtained (or obtainable) from an independent source or is otherwise obtained (or obtainable).

(b) The Postal Regulatory Commission shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(c) Any party (including an officer of the Commission representing the interests of the general public) who believes that the Postal Service has violated this section may bring a complaint in accordance with section 3662.

(Added Pub. L. 109–435, title IV, §403(a), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3226.)
39 U.S.C. § 2601 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 26 / Section 2601: Collection and adjustment of debts
Collection and adjustment of debts
Status: in_force

(a) The Postal Service—

(1) shall collect debts due the Postal Service;

(2) shall collect and remit fines, penalties, and forfeitures arising out of matters affecting the Postal Service;

(3) may adjust, pay, or credit the account of a postmaster or of an enlisted person of an Armed Force performing postal duties, for any loss of Postal Service funds, papers, postage, or other stamped stock or accountable paper; and

(4) may prescribe penalties for failure to render accounts.

The Postal Service may refer any matter, which is uncollectable through administrative action, to the Government Accountability Office for collection. This subsection does not affect the authority of the Attorney General in cases in which judicial proceedings are instituted.

(b) In all cases of disability or alleged liability for any sum of money by way of damages or otherwise, under any provision of law in relation to the officers, employees, operations, or business of the Postal Service, the Postal Service shall determine whether the interests of the Postal Service probably require the exercise of its powers over the same. Upon the determination, the Postal Service on such terms as it deems just and expedient, may—

(1) remove the disability; or

(2) compromise, release, or discharge the claim for such sum of money and damages.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 744; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office" in concluding provisions.

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.
39 U.S.C. § 3701 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 37 / Section 3701: Purpose
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to enable the Postal Service to increase its net revenues through specific nonpostal products and services that are expressly authorized by this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 117–108, title I, §103(a)(1), Apr. 6, 2022, 136 Stat. 1140.)
39 U.S.C. § 102 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 1 / Section 102: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this title—

(1) "Postal Service" means the United States Postal Service established by section 201 of this title;

(2) "Board of Governors", and "Board", unless the context otherwise requires, mean the Board of Governors established under section 202 of this title;

(3) "Governors" means the 9 members of the Board of Governors appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, under section 202(a) of this title;

(4) "Inspector General" means the Inspector General appointed under section 202(e) of this title;

(5) "postal service" refers to the delivery of letters, printed matter, or mailable packages, including acceptance, collection, sorting, transportation, or other functions ancillary thereto;

(6) "product" means a postal service with a distinct cost or market characteristic for which a rate or rates are, or may reasonably be, applied;

(7) "rates", as used with respect to products, includes fees for postal services;

(8) "market-dominant product" or "product in the market-dominant category of mail" means a product subject to subchapter I of chapter 36;

(9) "competitive product" or "product in the competitive category of mail" means a product subject to subchapter II of chapter 36; and

(10) "year", as used in chapter 36 (other than subchapters I and VI thereof), means a fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 720; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(f) [title VI, §662(a)(2)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–314, 3009–379; Pub. L. 109–435, title I, §101, Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3199.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pars. (5) to (10). Pub. L. 109–435 added pars. (5) to (10).

1996—Par. (4). Pub. L. 104–208 added par. (4).

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.
39 U.S.C. § 2402 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 24 / Section 2402: Annual report
Annual report
Status: in_force

The Postmaster General shall render an annual report to the Board concerning the operations of the Postal Service under this title. Upon approval thereof, or after making such changes as it considers appropriate, the Board shall transmit such reports to the President and the Congress.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 743.)

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.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in this section relating to the requirement that the Board transmit annual reports to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 195 of House Document No. 103–7.
39 U.S.C. § 3623 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 36 / Subchapter I / Section 3623: Repealed. Pub. L. 109-435, title II, §201(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3205
Repealed. Pub. L. 109-435, title II, §201(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3205
Status: repealed

[§§3623 to 3625. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–435, title II, §201(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3205]

Section 3623, Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 94–421, §8, Sept. 24, 1976, 90 Stat. 1310, related to mail classification.

Section 3624, Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 761; Pub. L. 94–421, §5(a), Sept. 24, 1976, 90 Stat. 1306, related to recommended decisions of the Postal Rate Commission.

Section 3625, Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 762; Pub. L. 103–123, title VII, §708(d), Oct. 28, 1993, 107 Stat. 1273, related to action of the Board of Governors of the Postal Service.
39 U.S.C. § 5004 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 50 / Section 5004: Discontinuance of service on post roads
Discontinuance of service on post roads
Status: in_force

The Postal Service may discontinue service on a post road or part thereof when, in its opinion, the public interest so requires.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 767.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 5003 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 50 / Section 5003: Establishment of post roads
Establishment of post roads
Status: in_force

The following are post roads:

(1) the waters of the United States, during the time the mail is carried thereon;

(2) railroads or parts of railroads and air routes in operation;

(3) canals, during the time the mail is carried thereon;

(4) public roads, highways, and toll roads during the time the mail is carried thereon; and

(5) letter-carrier routes established for the collection and delivery of mail.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 766.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 2007 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 20 / Section 2007: Public debt character of the obligations of the Postal Service
Public debt character of the obligations of the Postal Service
Status: in_force

For the purpose of any purchase of the obligations of the Postal Service, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under chapter 31 of title 31, as now or hereafter in force, and the purposes for which securities may be issued under chapter 31 of title 31, as now or hereafter in force, are extended to include any purchases of the obligations of the Postal Service under this chapter. The Secretary of the Treasury may, at any time, sell any of the obligations of the Postal Service acquired by him under this chapter. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of the obligations of the Postal Service shall be treated as public debt transactions of the United States.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 741; Pub. L. 97–452, §2(f), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2479.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 97–452 substituted "chapter 31 of title 31" for "the Second Liberty Bond Act" wherever appearing.

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.
39 U.S.C. § 1204 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 12 / Section 1204: Elections
Elections
Status: in_force

(a) All elections authorized under this chapter shall be conducted under the supervision of the National Labor Relations Board, or persons designated by it, and shall be by secret ballot. Each employee eligible to vote shall be provided the opportunity to choose the labor organization he wishes to represent him, from among those on the ballot, or "no union".

(b) In any election where none of the choices on the ballot receives a majority, a runoff shall be conducted, the ballot providing for a selection between the 2 choices receiving the largest and second largest number of valid votes cast in the election. In the event of a tie vote, additional runoff elections shall be conducted until one of the choices has received a majority of the votes.

(c) No election shall be held in any bargaining unit within which, in the preceding 12-month period, a valid election has been held.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 735.)

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.
39 U.S.C. § 2901 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 29 / Section 2901: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Excess property.—The term "excess property" means any postal property that the Postal Service determines is not required to meet the needs or responsibilities of the Postal Service.

(2) Postal property.—The term "postal property" means any property owned or leased by the Postal Service.

(3) Underutilized property.—The term "underutilized property" means a portion or the entirety of any real property that is postal property, including any improvements, that is used—

(A) irregularly or intermittently by the Postal Service for program purposes of the Postal Service; or

(B) for program purposes that can be satisfied only with a portion of the property.

(Added Pub. L. 114–318, §4(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1613.)
39 U.S.C. § 2006 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 20 / Section 2006: Relationship between the Treasury and the Postal Service
Relationship between the Treasury and the Postal Service
Status: in_force

(a) At least 15 days before selling any issue of obligations under section 2005 or 2011 of this title, the Postal Service shall advise the Secretary of the Treasury of the amount, proposed date of sale, maturities, terms and conditions, and expected maximum rates of interest of the proposed issue in appropriate detail and shall consult with him or his designee thereon. The Secretary may elect to purchase such obligations under such terms, including rates of interest, as he and the Postal Service may agree, but at a rate of yield no less than the prevailing yield on outstanding marketable Treasury securities of comparable maturity, as determined by the Secretary. If the Secretary does not purchase such obligations, the Postal Service may proceed to issue and sell them to a party or parties other than the Secretary upon notice to the Secretary and upon consultation as to the date of issuance, maximum rates of interest, and other terms and conditions.

(b) Subject to the conditions of subsection (a) of this section, the Postal Service may require the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations of the Postal Service under section 2005 in such amounts as will not cause the holding by the Secretary of the Treasury resulting from such required purchases to exceed $2,000,000,000 at any one time. This subsection shall not be construed as limiting the authority of the Secretary to purchase obligations of the Postal Service under section 2005 in excess of such amount.

(c) Notwithstanding section 2005(d)(5) or 2011(e)(4)(E) of this title, obligations issued by the Postal Service shall be obligations of the Government of the United States, and payment of principal and interest thereon shall be fully guaranteed by the Government of the United States, such guaranty being expressed on the face thereof, if and to the extent that—

(1) the Postal Service requests the Secretary of the Treasury to pledge the full faith and credit of the Government of the United States for the payment of principal and interest thereon; and

(2) the Secretary, in his discretion, determines that it would be in the public interest to do so.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 741; Pub. L. 109–435, title IV, §401(b)(4), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3225.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–435, §401(b)(4)(A), inserted "or 2011" after "section 2005" in first sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–435, §401(b)(4)(B), inserted "under section 2005" before "in such amounts" in first sentence and before "in excess of such amount." in second sentence.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–435, §401(b)(4)(C), inserted "or 2011(e)(4)(E)" after "section 2005(d)(5)".

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.
39 U.S.C. § 5007 (2024) — Title 39: POSTAL SERVICE / Chapter 50 / Section 5007: Free transportation of postal employees
Free transportation of postal employees
Status: in_force

(a) Each person or carrier engaged in the transportation of mail shall carry on any vessel, train, motor vehicle, or aircraft he operates, upon exhibiting their credentials and without extra charge therefor, persons on duty in charge of the mails or when traveling to and from such duty.

(b)(1) In this subsection, "air carrier" and "aircraft" have the same meanings given those terms in section 40102(a) of title 49.

(2) An air carrier engaged in transporting mail shall carry without charge on any plane it operates those agents and officers of the Postal Service traveling on official business related to transporting mail by aircraft, as prescribed by regulations of the Secretary of Transportation, on exhibiting credentials.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 103–272, §4(g)(1), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1364.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–272 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

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.