Intelligent Mail Barcode

What is the Intelligent Mail® barcode?

 

The Intelligent Mail® barcode is the latest barcode technology available through the USPS.

 

It combines the data of the existing POSTNET™ and the PLANET Code® barcodes as well as other data into a single barcode.

 

The Mailworks was the first letter shop in the greater Capital District area of New York to implement this new technology. We apply the Intelligent Mail barcode to discount letters and flats to provide our customers with tracking, address change services, better deliverability, and greater visibility in the postal mail stream.

 

This increases postal operation efficiencies and sets higher USPS service standards for business mailers. We are happy to make the Intelligent Mail barcode available for use by our customers.

 

Starting in the fall of 2009 additional postal discounts will be available through the use of the Intelligent Mail barcode. In 2011 the IMB will be required for all automation discounts.

 

How is the Intelligent Mail® barcode used to track my direct mail piece?

 

Mailers identify their letter and flat direct mail pieces through unique information applied within the barcode. As mailpieces are processed on USPS sorting equipment, records are created containing the barcode digits, processing facility, operation number, and processing date and time. These records are electronically available through your service provider (in this case The Mailworks).

 

The Mailworks will assign you a user id and password that will allow you to go online and track the deliverabilty of your mailpieces. This is all made possible by the use of the Intelligent Mail Barcode.