3-6 Special Messenger (39 CFR 310.3(d))

A special messenger may be employed to transmit letters for a particular occasion only if 25 or fewer letters are involved. The permission granted under this exception is restricted to the use of a messenger service on an infrequent, irregular basis by the sender or addressee of the letter.

A special messenger is a person who, at the request of either the sender or the addressee, picks up a letter from the sender’s home or place of business and carries it to the addressee’s home or place of business. A messenger or carrier operating regularly between fixed points is not a special messenger.

Examples

• Sandra’s travel agency receives a request from Marcia Hess, a frequent traveler, to have some travel brochures sent to her. The travel agency normally uses the Postal Service for carriage but decides for this occasion to use a private carrier that offers a 2-day service. Because this private carriage is done on an infrequent, irregular basis, the criterion for this exception is met.
• Dave’s grocery store accepts payment for utility bills that are then forwarded daily to the individual utilities. Because carriage is required on a frequent, regular basis, the criterion for this exception is not met.