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The Intelligent Mail Barcode Is Coming!

Return to News Items February 11, 2008
 

Though not mandatory in discount mailings until 2009, the mailing industry is gearing up for the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB).

The IMB is a more descriptive name for the barcode that used to be called the "4-State Barcode." Probably too many people wondered which four states the Post Office was talking about. This barcode has the ability to sort and track letters and flats, to track individual mailpieces, and provide the mailer with multiple services - all from a single barcode.

The IMB contains the following elements:

  1. The Barcode Identifier, used to encode the presort identification we currently have in the Optional Endorsement Line
  2. A Service Type Identifier used to specify a special service (like Confirm or Address Change Service)
  3. The Mailer ID, which is assigned by the USPS and used to uniquely identify the mailer
  4. A Serial Number, used to identify the mailpiece
  5. The Routing Code, which can contain a ZIP code, ZIP+4 code or a ZIP+4 code with delivery point information.

Post Haste Mailing Services will be converting to the IMB in the middle of this year. If you have any questions about this new barcode, or any advantages to you, please let us know. We'll be happy to list a questions-and-answers page on this website.

 
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