18 U.S.C. § 1696 — Private express for letters and packets

The term "private express" is not defined in this section. (a) A person who establishes a private express to transport letters or packets, or who in any way causes or provides for those letters or packets to be transported on regular trips or at stated times over a post route that law establishes or may establish, commits an offense. The same is true for transport from one city, town, or place to another city, town, or place between which the mail is regularly carried. The person must be fined not more than $500, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. This section does not prohibit a person from receiving properly stamped mail matter and delivering it to the nearest post office, postal car, or other authorized place for depositing mail. (b) A person who sends a letter or packet by a private express or another unlawful means, delivers it to an agent of that express or means, or deposits it at an appointed place so it can be sent that way, must be fined under this title. (c) This chapter does not prohibit transporting or transmitting letters or packets by private hands without compensation, or by a special messenger employed only for that particular occasion. If that special messenger transports or transmits more than 25 such letters or packets, the requirements of section 601 of title 39 must be followed for each piece.