Us Code § 2602 - Transportation of international mail by air carriers of the United States

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2602 — Transportation of international mail by air carriers of the United States, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2602. Transportation of international mail by air carriers of the United States

(a) The Postal Service may offset against any balances due another country resulting from the transaction of international money order business, or otherwise, amounts due from that country to the United States, or to the United States for the account of air carriers of the United States transporting mail of that country, when—

(1) the Postal Service puts into effect rates of compensation to be charged another country for transportation; and

(2) the United States is required to collect from another country the amounts owed for transportation for the account of the air carriers.


(b) When the Postal Service has proceeded under authority of subsection (a) of this section, it shall—

(1) give appropriate credit to the country involved;

(2) pay to the air carrier the portion of the amount so credited which is owed to the air carrier for its services in transporting the mail of the other country; and

(3) deposit in the Postal Service Fund that portion of the amount so credited which is due the United States on its own account.


(c) The Postal Service may advance to an air carrier, out of funds available for payment of balances due other countries, the amounts determined by the Postal Service to be due from another country to an air carrier for the transportation of its mails when—

(1) collections are to be made by the United States for the account of air carriers; and

(2) the Postal Service determines that the balance of funds available is such that the advances may be made therefrom.


Collection from another country of the amount so advanced shall be made by offset, or otherwise, and the appropriation from which the advance is made shall be reimbursed by the collections made by the United States.

(d) If the United States is unable to collect from the debtor country an amount paid or advanced to an air carrier within 12 months after payment or advance has been made, the United States may deduct the uncollected amount from any sums owed by it to the air carrier.

(e) The Postal Service shall adopt such accounting procedures as may be necessary to conform to and carry out the purposes of this section.

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 744.)


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.

About This Section

39 U.S.C. § 2602 is part of Title 39 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 39 U.S.C. § 2602. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 2602

What does United States Code § 2602 cover?

Section 2602 ("Transportation of international mail by air carriers of the United States") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 2602?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 2602" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 2602 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.