The invention makes it easier for the post office to calculate accurately
terminal dues by providing information to the post regarding each piece
or parcel of mail that crosses an international border. The invention
also makes it easier for the post offices to calculate terminal dues by
obtaining fee information from mail that is sent internationally. The
foregoing is accomplished by placing an indication on the mail that the
fees for delivering the mail have been paid or will be paid by a mailer
who has an account with the post office; sorting the mail to find
international mail; storing the fees that have been paid or will be paid
for international mail; reporting the fees that have been paid for
international mail to all participating post offices; and calculating the
fees that are to be transferred to participating post offices.