Question: When a letter or package is mailed across borders, is the postage split between the country where the mail originated and the one where it is delivered?
Answer: Countries don't split postage for the delivery of mail, said Postal Service spokesman Michael Miles.
Rather, he said, they agree on fees for the exchange and delivery of mail based on the total amount (weight) of mail exchanged.
These agreements are set during periodic meetings of the Universal Postal Union, a U.N. agency composed of 190 member countries. Its mission is "to foster quality, universal and efficient postal services among people throughout the world," Miles said.
● Have a question about the news? Colin Bessonette will try to get an answer. Write him at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, P.O. Box 4689, Atlanta, GA 30302; or e-mail him at q&a@ajc.com.

