The "Engi-shiki law" compiled in the early tenth century listed provinces where tenma were posted, which made it known that tenma were posted only along passing routes of new kokushi.
10世紀初めに編纂された『延喜式』に伝馬を置く郡が列挙されているが、新任国司の通過路線に限定して伝馬が設置されるようになったことがわかる。