Section was derived from R.S. § 925, which was originally classified to section 738 of former Title 28. Following the general revision and enactment of Title 28 by act June 25, 1948, R.S. § 925 was reclassified to section 838 of Title 39. R.S. § 925 was repealed by section 12(c) of Pub. L. 86–682 (section 1 of which revised and enacted Title 39), and reenacted by section 9 thereof as section 2711 of this title.

Section effective Sept. 1, 1960, see section 11 of Pub. L. 86–682, 74 Stat. 708.