General Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB)

What is the Intelligent Mail® barcode?

The Intelligent Mail barcode, formerly referred to as the 4-State Customer barcode, is a new Postal Service barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. The Postal Service is promoting use of the Intelligent Mail barcode because it expands the ability to track individual mail pieces and provides customers with more options and information about the mail.

How does it work?

The Intelligent Mail barcode combines the data of the existing POSTNET™ and the PLANET Code® barcodes, as well as other data, into a single barcode. The Intelligent Mail barcode is a type of height-modulated barcode, that uses four distinct vertical bar types (Full, Tracker, Ascender and Descender) as shown below.

Note: The Postal Service Flat Mail Identification Code Sort (FICS) program uses another type of 4-state barcode that looks similar to the Intelligent Mail barcode, but it is applied as an ID tag on non-barcode flat mail pieces only.
How do mailers benefit from the Intelligent Mail barcode?

The Intelligent Mail barcode is the result of the Postal Service’s efforts to develop more robust codes capable of encoding more information, while minimizing the space used on the mail piece. The Intelligent Mail barcode:

* Has a greater overall data capacity than existing barcodes.
* Provides mailers with more digits for their use, allowing for unique identification of up to a billion mail pieces per mailing.
* Provides greater visibility and more accurate, detailed information about mailings which can enable better decision making.
* Increases mail piece “real estate” by eliminating the need for multiple barcodes.
* Allows for participation in multiple USPS service programs with a single barcode.

What services use the Intelligent Mail barcode and when can I start using it?

The Postal Service offers a suite of services for letters and flats using the Intelligent Mail barcode. Business Mail Entry Units (BMEU) started accepting letters with the Intelligent Mail barcode in September of 2006. In May of 2007, the Postal Service expanded use of the Intelligent Mail barcode by allowing mailers to use it on automation flat-size mail pieces. Since then, mailers have had the option to use the Intelligent Mail barcode on letter and flat mail for the Confirm® Service, referred to as OneCode Confirm™, and a version of Address Change Service™ (ACS™) called OneCode ACS™. Current Confirm subscribers should contact Confirm Customer Assistance at 800-238-3150 for instructions on how to use their Subscriber ID within the Mailer ID field and to modify their account to accept the Intelligent Mail barcode.

What about automation prices?

Since March 2007, mailers using the Intelligent Mail barcode have been able to qualify for automation prices as long as all other automation requirements are met including meeting addressing, readability, and other requirements for processing on automated equipment. The Intelligent Mail barcode must contain a proper routing ZIP Code™, a valid Mailer ID and a Service Type ID to satisfy the criteria for automation prices. The easiest way to apply for a Mailer ID is to contact your local Mail piece Design Analyst (MDA). If you do not know who your local MDA is there is an easy lookup tool on Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com).

Am I required to use the Intelligent Mail barcode in lieu of POSTNET and PLANET codes?

Currently, use of the Intelligent Mail barcode is optional; however, because it offers significant advantages over POSTNET and PLANET Code barcodes (including using less mail piece “real estate” and offering more overall data capacity), many customers have found it makes good business sense to adopt this new format today. The Postal Service’s current plans are to require use of the Intelligent Mail barcode to qualify for automation prices beginning May 2010.

Where can I place the Intelligent Mail barcode?

When used to qualify for an automation price, the Intelligent Mail barcode follows the same placement rules as POSTNET barcodes. On letters, it can be placed in the address block or in the barcode clear zone found on the lower right corner of the envelope. On flats, the Intelligent Mail barcode can be placed anywhere on the address side as long as it is at least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece.

What are the dimensions of the barcode?

The 31-digit Intelligent Mail barcode (65 bars) is slightly longer than the 11-digit POSTNET (62 bars). The print specification allows mailers some flexibility in choosing the height and width of the barcode they produce. The minimum height specification for the Intelligent Mail barcode is 0.125 inches.

Will I have problems passing MERLIN® program requirements?

No. The Postal Service’s Mail Evaluation Readability and Lookup Instrument (MERLIN) program is a tool that assists with the acceptance of business mail. The Intelligent Mail barcode tolerances are similar to POSTNET’s and will work with MERLIN.

Will I need to complete CASS™ or MASS™ certification again?

The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certification enables the Postal Service to evaluate the accuracy of address-matching software programs. The CASS process is applicable to mail pieces. with the Intelligent Mail barcode, but there is no need to redo this certification. The Multi-line Accuracy Support System (MASS) certification is an extension of CASS. It has an annual certification requirement and the Intelligent Mail barcode certification is now incorporated into this process.