Intelligent Mail^® Barcodes (IMb™)

Intelligent Mail^® is the technology platform for the next generation of mailing services. An Intelligent Mail^® barcode (IMb™) consists of 65 bars generated from an algorithm starting with 31 digits. The 31 digits come from 5 data fields. The last 11 digits contain the Routing Code and this is the information contained in the POSTNET™ barcode (POSTNET™ barcodes will no longer be eligible for automation discounts come January 2013). The remaining 20 digits contain the other four data fields and give the IMb its uniqueness and tracking power.

Effective January 2013 the United States Postal Service (USPS) will require an Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb™) to claim automation discounts on all letters and flats. In fact, a ruling was posted on March 2, 2012 discontinuing POSTNET™ barcodes from automation eligibility. Intelligent Mail® barcodes, basic or full service, will be the only barcodes eligible for automation pricing as of January 2013.

The IMb™ requirements apply to the following types of mail:

• First-Class Mail® letters and flats
• Standard Mail® letters and flats
• Periodical letters and flats
• Bound Printed Matter flats
• Reply Mail–Qualified Business Reply mail (QBRM) and Permit Reply mail (PRM) only.

Benefits of the IMb

• Lets mailers consolidate information and create much “cleaner” mailpieces with more space available for other messages and graphics.
• Increases the amount of information contained on individual mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks), and containers. This information can be used to request services and add visibility (tracking data) to mailpieces to enhance mail value.
• There can be less postage costs and more services than POSTNET™ barcodes. One of the benefits of the Full-Service Option is Free ACS (Address Change Service).

You can learn about other types of barcodes here: Linear Barcodes