Duration of contracts

§ 6405. Duration of contracts (a) The Postmaster General may make contracts for the transportation of mail by vessel between the United States and foreign ports for terms of not more than two years. When the foreign office is not more than 200 miles from the domestic office he may make contracts for domestic and foreign transportation of mail by vessels, combined in one route, for terms of not more than four years. He may make other contracts for the transportation of mail for four-year terms. (b) This section does not apply to mail messenger service or to contracts made under sections 6408, 6413, 6415, 6427 of this title.