---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 5604"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "5604"
heading: "Fines on ocean carriers"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/5604"
units:
  - "Part V — Transportation of Mail"
  - "Chapter 56 — Transportation of Mail by Vessel"
---

# §5604. Fines on ocean carriers


The [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) 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.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 773.)

## Notes

### 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.