Even though your print & mail vendor is probably handling the Intelligent Mail Barcode details for you, it can’t hurt to know how to read and decode the IMB.
Secondly, we receive a steady flow of traffic to our blog from people searching for information on how to read the IMB.
After watching the 4 minute video below, you’ll know exactly how to do so.
Do you have a question about the Intelligent Mail Barcode? Email Matt Cote: matt (at) ballantine.com
This post is an update to our previous post from October 8th, titled “The Intelligent Mail Barcode Explained“. Visit this link if you want to learn more about the Intelligent Mail Barcode.
Right now this new postal technology is available to mailers, but isn’t required to qualify for automation postage rates on letters and flats.
This requirement implementation was slated to become active January 2009. Postmaster General John Potter announced last week, however, that this date will now be pushed back to May 2009 based on public feedback.
Mr. Potter stated, “Many of you told us that January 2009 was too soon. We will propose a May 2009 implementation, concurrent with our next annual price change.”
One thing to note – the previous Postnet Barcode will remain eligible for automation prices until May 2010.
But we recommend you speak to your lettershop vendor about making the necessary changes to utilize this new barcode sooner rather than later.
Here’s additional info about the Intelligent Mail Barcode:
Today’s blog entry is about the much talked about Intelligent Mail Barcode.
The Intelligent Barcode, formally called the 4-state customer barcode, is the newest attempt by the post office to make both them and their customers more efficient in preparing and handling the mail. It also offers additional features such as enhanced tracking and ACS services.
Some of the Features and Benefits That Make the Intelligent Barcode Unique are the Following:
Combines multiple services into one barcode – these can include: OneCode ACS (Address Change Service), postNET barcode, OneCode Confirm Service Type ID # (what class of mailing) and unique piece identifier.
With the OneCode Confirm, you have the ability to track every single mail piece using the unique piece identifier. For example, if you want to see if John Doe received his mail piece, you have the ability to track that piece using his unique piece identifier up to the delivery point sorter.
It consists of 65 bars (postNET was 62) and can include up to 31-digits worth of information.
The post office is currently using the Intelligent Barcode for First-Class Mail (confirm and ACS services, flats only) and Standard Class (confirm service only).
Frees up more real estate on the actual mail piece by combining what used to be 4 lines of the address block into 1.
And lastly, this barcode will be required by 2009 to get automation rates.
What Makes up the Intelligent Barcode?
Barcode Identifier: This a 2 digit field that will be used to encode the presort identification that is currently being read manually from the Optional Endorsement Line.
Service Type Identifier: This is a 3-digit field which tells the sorting equipment exactly what service is required for that piece of mail. For example, if you would prefer the OneCode ACS service, the identifier would be 080.
Customer Identifier: This is the BEI that is assigned by the post office to the mailer.
Sequence Number: This is the unique piece identifier which is assigned to each record in your mailing.
Routing Code: This is the 11-digit delivery point, or Zip+4, with other delivery information.
