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The private carriage of letters that enter the mailstream at some point between their origin and their destination is permissible. However, except as provided in this section, the carriage of letters from a place where they have been opened, read, separated, or otherwise utilized does not fall within this exception, even though such letters had previously been in the mailstream. Similarly, the carriage of letters to a place where they will be consolidated or otherwise utilized does not fall within this exception, even though such letters will subsequently enter the mailstream.
Examples of permitted activities include the pickup and carriage of letters that are delivered to Post Office™ facilities for mailing, the pickup and carriage of letters at Post Offices for delivery to addressees, and the bulk shipment of individually addressed letters ultimately carried by the Postal Service.
The private carriage of letters from branches of an organization to a location for preparation for mailing does not constitute a consolidation. The private carriage of letters from an organization’s point of mail delivery to its branches in the locality does not constitute a separation.
Examples
- Julie’s presort bureau picks up letters from its customers each day and merges the letters into one mailing so that they will be eligible for discount rates. The letters are then transported to the local Post Office for acceptance. This practice meets the requirements of this exception because the letters will enter the mailstream between their origin and their destination.
- Joe’s private messenger service picks up mail for several clients from the box section of the local Post Office and transports the mail to each client’s place of business. This practice meets the requirements of this exception because the letters were entered into the mailstream between their origin and destination.
- Ted’s private carrier service has been hired to run a bank’s main mailroom. The carrier’s duties include picking up mail from the Post Office, sorting the mail to the different bank departments, and then delivering the mail to the departments. Some of the departments are located in off-site facilities, and post routes must be crossed to make delivery. None of the letters is opened to determine to which department it is addressed. This practice meets the requirements of this exception because the letters were entered into the mailstream between their origin and destination.
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