This Overview contains fundamental information on what IMb services offer and require, Intelligent Mail

barcodes and their benefits, the two service level options being offered, how to get started with IMb

services and where to find additional resources to help you.

This Overview contains the following sections:

IMb services offer mailers the Postal Service’s next-generation mail delivery information processing. IMb

services are built around barcode formats to be used on mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks) and

containers (pallets, et al.). As explained in detail over the next several pages, these Intelligent Mail

barcodes carry more information and enable more services than the barcodes used today.

The chart below outlines the progress dates for the IMb service options.

November 29, 2009 • Began discounts for Full-Service option

May 2011 • POSTNET barcode eliminated for automation prices

• PLANET Code eliminated

• Transition to Intelligent Mail barcode complete

Over the years, the Postal Service has continuously worked to develop new technology and drive

information on mailpieces for sorting by automation equipment. The POSTNET barcode uses a series of

half- and full-height bars to represent the ZIP Code, a check-digit, and framing bars at the beginning and

end of the barcode. The length of the POSTNET barcode can vary depending on the length of the routing

code present (5, 9 or 11 digits).

In the 1990s, the USPS created Confirm service – a subscription-based service to allow mailers to track

their mailpieces through the postal system. The Confirm program requires the use of a second, separate

barcode for routing purposes on tray/sack labels.

As the next step in the evolution of the USPS automation initiative, the Postal Service has introduced a

formats into one and can be used to uniquely identify:

Intelligent Mail barcodes are information-rich. For example, the POSTNET barcode only includes delivery

point routing information. As explained in more detail below, the Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces

holds significantly more data and includes additional fields that can allow mailers to uniquely identify each

mailpiece in a mailing. Intelligent Mail barcodes facilitate feedback about the mailpiece, allow for USPS

service performance measurement, and make it possible to use the mail in a much smarter way.

The Postal Service offers two IMb service options for mailers: Basic and Full-Service. The requirements

and benefits of each are outlined below.

IMb on mailpiece Required – does not

need to be unique

Required - Unique

IMb tray barcode on labels Optional Required - Unique

IMb container barcode on placards Optional Required - Unique

Electronic documentation Optional Required

Start-the-Clock NA Available

Full-Service ACS (address change information) NA Available

Under the Basic option, a maximum 31-digit IMb comprising the Barcode ID, Service Type Identifier,

Mailer ID, Serial Number and Routing Code will be required on all letters and flats.

The Basic option does not require the use of IMb tray labels or container placards. Use of these formats

is optional. When used, a Mailer ID (MID) is required, but the Serial Number does not have to be unique.

There are several requirements a mailer must meet in order to comply with the Full-Service option:

1. Unique Mailpiece Barcodes. A maximum 31-digit IMb (described in detail below) consists of 65 bars

and five fields: Barcode ID, Service Type Identifier (STID), Mailer ID, Serial Number and Routing

Code. A Full-Service IMb is required on letters and flats. The barcode must be unique for a period of

45 days based on the postage statement mailing date provided by the mailer in the CSM file in

Mail.dat, the Postage Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage statement mailing date

in Postal Wizard. The combination of the Mailer ID and the Serial Number determines uniqueness

within the class of mail indicated by the STID.

2. Unique Tray Barcodes. A 24-digit IMb tray barcode is required on all letter trays, flat trays and sacks.

This barcode consists of six fields: routing information (destination ZIP Code), Content Identifier

Number (CIN), Processing Code, Mailer ID, unique serial number, and the Label type. The barcode

must be unique for a period of 45 days based on the postage statement mailing date provided by the

mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat, the Postage Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage

statement mailing date in Postal Wizard. The entire 24 digits are used to determine uniqueness.

3. Unique Container Barcodes. A 21-digit Intelligent Mail container barcode is required on all pallets,

days based on the postage statement mailing date provided by the mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat,

the Postage Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage statement mailing date in Postal

Wizard. The entire 21 digits are used to determine uniqueness.

4. Electronic Documentation (eDoc). Mailers are required to submit their postage statements and

methods: Mail.dat, Mail.XML, or Postal Wizard.

5. FAST (Facility Access and Shipment Tracking). Mailers are required to schedule appointments using

the FAST system for drop-ship mailings and all mailer-transported, origin-entered mail verified at a

detached mail unit (DMU).

6. Barcode uniqueness is an important aspect of the Full-Service option; however, there are two

exceptions to the unique serial number requirement for Full-Service letters and flats mailpieces. Both

exceptions exist for mailings under 10,000 pieces that either:

With Postal Service approval, mailings that qualify for one of these exceptions may be permitted to

use the same number on all mailpieces, although that number cannot be reused for a period of 45

days from the postage statement mailing date provided by the mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat, the

Postage Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage statement mailing date in Postal

Wizard.

Under the Full-Service option, mail owners may use their own 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID and unique serial

numbers for mailpieces or they may allow mail preparers to provide the Mailer ID and manage

uniqueness. We encourage mail owners to use their own Mailer IDs in the Intelligent Mail barcode.

The IMb for mailpieces includes the same routing information as the POSTNET barcode, but with four

new data fields added. These additional fields enable a mailer to combine several pieces of text-based

information into one barcode line.

In the diagram below you will see how the IMb is more compact and has all the necessary information in

one line providing for a much cleaner looking mailpiece with more ’real estate’ available for mail owners to

use as they see fit. The mailpiece on the right uses the IMb to combine data from five sources on the left:

The placement of these barcodes is different for letters and flats.

Letters typically have the barcode in either the address block or the lower right corner (the barcode clear

zone.) When placed in the address block, the IMb can be above or below the address. In those instances

where there is more than one barcode, the one in the lower right corner takes precedence. If two

barcodes are present, only one barcode’s data is utilized by the Postal Service.

Flats can only have one barcode on the piece, since the entire surface is considered one read area.

Barcodes on flat-size mailpieces must be at least 1/8” from the edge. It is recommended that the barcode

be at least 1" from the edge, as edges tend to bend.

Note: There should not be a PLANET Code and an IMb on a mailpiece as the processing systems would

ignore the PLANET Code.

Note on printing the barcode in the clear zone: An IMb printed in the barcode clear zone must have a

delivery point Routing Code or the USPS may affix a LMLM (Letter Mail Labeling Machine) label in order

to apply a delivery point barcode.

The IMb is taller and longer than the POSTNET barcode. The length is 3 bars, or approximately 1/8",

longer than the POSTNET.

While the height of the barcode is taller than the POSTNET, the spacing above and below the IMb

barcode may be less. Therefore, the overall height is similar to the POSTNET barcode.

JOHN E POTTER

POSTMASTER GENERAL &

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

U S POSTAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS

475 L’ENFANT PLAZA SW

WASHINGTON DC 20260-0010

Richard J Daigle

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-0846

Delivery Point

POSTNET™ Barcode

JOHN E POTTER

POSTMASTER GENERAL &

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

U S POSTAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS

475 L’ENFANT PLAZA SW

WASHINGTON DC 20260-0010

Richard J Daigle

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-0846

Check the spacing and placement of the current POSTNET barcode to ensure that the IMb will fit in the

same location, while maintaining the minimum 1/8" clear space to the left and right of the barcode.

For window envelopes, perform the tap test to ensure that the barcode is clearly visible, with correct clear

spacing, during any insert shift.

The IMb for mailpieces is a maximum 31-character data string that converts into 65 bars of 4 different

heights. Unlike the POSTNET barcode, the IMb always has 65 bars, regardless of Routing Code length,

and does not require a check-digit or framing bars. The data string contains a 20-character Tracking

Code (the first four fields) and a maximum 11-character Routing Code.

mailpiece. Currently, this information may be printed on a mailpiece in human-readable form

using the optional endorsement line (OEL).

level of each piece.

class of mail, and additional services requested, if any.

that identifies a specific agent in the mailing supply chain. Mail owners and mail preparers will be

assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer IDs based upon their annual mail volume as verified by the

Postal Service.

establishing their location (Customer Registration ID – CRID) and applying for their MID.

responsible for helping customers acquire their Mailer ID.

option mailings, the serial number has no requirement for uniqueness. In qualified Full-Service

mailings, the combination of the serial number and MID must be unique within the class of mail

defined in the STID and remain so for a period of 45 days based on the postage statement

mailing date provided by the mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat, the Postage Statement Create

Request in Mail.XML, or the postage statement mailing date in Postal Wizard.

POSTNET barcode. It may contain the 11-digit delivery point barcode data, the 9-digit ZIP+4

code data, the 5-digit ZIP Code data, or no data. It may not be padded with blanks or any other

characters. Delivery point information is required for automation prices (i.e., Basic and Full-

Service).

All fields must be populated with the appropriate data. Mailers cannot zero fill the:

The Basic option does not require unique barcodes so a mailer who chooses the Basic option may

encode the Serial Numbers with any number. Following are some examples:

Choosing the Basic option will ensure compliance with automation requirements effective with the

retirement of the POSTNET barcode in May 2011. It can also provide mailers with a transition path to the

Full-Service option.

Barcode ID Must still be populated with Flat OEL

information Software

Service Type ID Dependent on class of mail and

services requested Mailer, modified by software

Mailer ID Assigned by USPS Mail Owner or Mail Preparer

Serial Number Must be numeric

May be static or variable Mail Owner or Mail Preparer

Routing Code ZIP+4 Delivery Point, ZIP+4, ZIP Code

or nothing – may not be padded

software

All fields must be populated with the appropriate data. Mailers cannot zero fill the:

The Mailer ID and Serial Number, within the class of mail identified in the STID, determine uniqueness.

Barcode ID Must still be populated with Flat OEL

information Software

Service Type ID Dependent on class of mail, services

requested, and IMb option Mailer, modified by software

Mailer ID Assigned by USPS

Serial Number Must be variable

Routing Code ZIP+4 Delivery Point, ZIP+4, ZIP Code

or nothing – may not be padded

software

A Customer Registration ID (CRID) is up to a 15-digit unique number that is created by the Customer

our customers by location.

A CRID connects company information by physical address across multiple Postal Service applications.

A CRID is associated to every customer regardless of having a permit number or a Mailer ID.

Additionally, a CRID is associated with any other type of account that is established with the Postal

Service.

If a customer has multiple locations, a separate CRID will be assigned to each location. CRIDs can be

used instead of Mailer IDs in the Mail.dat files to help identify either the Mail Preparer or the Mail Owner.

A CRID may be assigned to a customer who does not have or does not need a Mailer ID.

A CRID cannot be substituted for a MID in the actual IMb.

CRIDs are treated by the Postal Service like account numbers and are considered confidential

information.

The Mailer ID is a field within the suite of Intelligent Mail barcodes that is used to identify mail owners

and/or mail preparers. The IDs are assigned by the USPS to each mail owner and/or mail preparer or

other service providers that request them.

The MID is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the Postal Service based primarily on validated historic

mail volume

– A 6-digit MID may be issued based on annual volume of 10 million pieces

– A single 9-digit MID may be issued regardless of annual volume

pieces

Mailers can have more than one MID based on mail volume. Mailers using the Basic option are not

required to keep the IMb unique and therefore may not require multiple MIDs. Mailers using Full-Service

need to plan on managing uniqueness based on the assignment of the MID and Serial Number within

class of mail.

If the mailer chooses to use Basic option and Address Change Service (ACS) or OneCode Confirm,

additional MIDs may be needed to manage specific data from those mailings. Mailers may want to

identify each mailpiece for these programs. This is done with a combination of the MID and Serial

Number.

Under the Full-Service option, mailers will be required to apply unique IMb tray barcodes on tray and sack

labels. Uniquely identifying each tray or sack with this barcode will allow them to be tracked as they are

processed through the mailstream.

In order to meet the requirements for Full-Service mailings, mailers will be required to uniquely number

each tray or sack in a mailing by using one of the two IMb tray label formats:

a. Transitional 10/24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label

b. Pure 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label

c. Also for use with the Basic option, but mailers are not required to uniquely number each

tray or sack.

Data Fields in the Pure 24-digit IMb Tray Barcode

The IMb tray barcode is a 24-digit data string that contains six fields (defined below). This barcode must

remain unique for a period of 45 days based on the postage statement mailing date provided by the

mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat, the Postage Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage

statement mailing date in Postal Wizard..

of the mail in the tray or sack. A table of valid CINs can be found in the Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM).

the mailing supply chain. Mail owners and mail preparers will be assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer

IDs based upon their annual mail volume as verified by the Postal Service.

qualifier for systems to properly recognize the data within the barcode and has two acceptable

values:

Under the Full-Service option, mailers must apply unique IMb container barcodes on placards affixed to

pallets, APCs, pallet boxes, and other rolling stock.

Mailers can choose between two sizes of IMb container labels for the Full-Service option: 4” by 7” or 8”

by 11”. The difference between these two placards is the 8” by 11” label includes a much larger space for

the mailer area.

Regardless of which size you choose, at least two copies of the label must be affixed to adjacent sides on

the outside of the shrinkwrap or container. Placards must be affixed by self-adhesive or other adhesive

means that will not obscure any required element of the placard and remain secure throughout

transportation and USPS processing.

The IMb container barcode is a 21-digit data string that converts into GS1-128 barcode symbology, and

contains four fields (defined below). This barcode must remain unique for a period of 45 days based on

the postage statement mailing date provided by the mailer in the CSM file in Mail.dat, the Postage

Statement Create Request in Mail.XML, or the postage statement mailing date in Postal Wizard.

the mailing supply chain. Mail owners and mail preparers will be assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer

IDs based upon their annual mail volume as verified by the Postal Service.

Under the Full-Service option, electronic documentation must be used to transmit data files for generating

“nesting relationship” or how mailpieces are linked to trays or sacks, and to containers (if applicable), and

are required to match the preparation of the mail to qualify for the Full-Service option. The electronic

documentation must provide the data that identifies:

tray or sack.

sacks, or mailpieces in/on the container.

This electronic mailing information is used for:

The Postal Service will use the electronically generated postage statements and supporting

documentation to simplify mail verification, acceptance, and induction. By submitting documents

electronically, mailers will not have to create paper-based forms and will use technology to manage their

mailing data.

In our ongoing efforts to improve customer service and postage statement processing, the Postal Service

will continue to improve efficiencies of Business Mail Acceptance processes. Starting March 15, 2010, the

Full-Service mailing. Mailers must allow sufficient time for this process. Those unfamiliar with eDoc

The following options are available for submitting electronic postage statements and documentation:

Postal Wizard enables electronic submission of postage statements, which would meet the requirement

for Full-Service mailings of less than 10,000 letters and flats pieces that do not require accompanying

documentation, such as permit imprint mailings of identical-weight pieces separated by price category or

mailings with the correct postage affixed to each piece. Mailers may not submit a Postal Wizard

electronic postage statement to a Detached Mail Unit.

For mailings that do not require presort documentation, you will only need to report the serial number

range used in the IMb for mailpieces listed in your electronic postage statement.

Mail.dat and Mail.XML are specifications owned by the International Digital Enterprise Alliance

(IDEAlliance). This mailer organization facilitates data communication for appointments, qualification

reports, postage, piece information, data distribution, and other supporting business functions between

members of the mailing industry and then from the industry to the Postal Service. Contact them directly

Mailers who are beginning to use Mail.dat or Mail.XML must plan time to learn about these specifications,

specifically regarding the installation and implementation of software needed to generate, edit and update

these files. This is an important part of a timeline and should be one of the first items completed. Check

with your presort software provider for information on generating, editing and updating the Mail.dat or

Mail.XML files.

Mail.dat is presented as a database consisting of files linked by key fields. There are 21 files, each with its

own record type, from which recipients can extract any set of data serving their purpose. Mail.dat

provides information efficiently and effectively.

Mail.dat is a relational database of 21 "connected" files describing each characteristic that can exist within

a mailing. As a relational database, not all 21 files are required. There is a core set of nine required files,

with another file specifically created for IMb services. The focus of Mail.dat has been, and will continue to

be, the full description of a mailing job and related data.

Mail.dat version 9.1 supports IMb Full-Service option. Mailers must complete the Test Environment for

Mailers (TEM) with the Postal Service as part of the authorization process for participating in electronic

documentation.

Oriented Architecture (SOA) that is conversational in nature and platform independent. Its core focus is

the communication between industry members and from the industry to the USPS.

Mail.XML includes advanced functions such as payment; automated verification; enabling first, second,

and third party communication and incorporating presort planning, printing, and distribution processes.

Additionally, Mail.XML supports container-based scheduling, pick up and drop-off business processes, as

well as identifying different business entities responsible for performing different services such as quality

of mailing, address correction, and delivery confirmation on a mailing.

As required today, most mailers will use the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system to

schedule appointments for dropship mailings, except for mailings entered at a Destination Delivery Unit

(DDU). Additionally, FAST will be used to create an appointment for origin-entered mail, regardless of

class, that is verified at the DMU and is transported by the mailer, or as defined in a Customer Supplier

Agreement (CSA).

Transaction Messaging specifications.

FAST appointments will continue to be required for dropshipments to applicable Destination Network

Distribution Center (DNDC), Destination Area Distribution Center (DADC), or Destination Sectional Center

Facility (DSCF) locations for Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services mailings. Use of FAST

enables the USPS to validate appointments and provide information to mailers regarding receipt of

mailings.

The IMb offers much more than a POSTNET barcode. When using the IMb on your mailpieces, mailers

can consolidate a lot of the information that is currently printed on the pieces, thereby creating a much

“cleaner” look with more free space available. When taking advantage of the full suite of Intelligent Mail

barcodes, mailers can increase the amount of information that can be stored and associated with

individual mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks), and containers. This information can be used to

request services and add visibility (tracking information) to your mailpiece to enhance the value of mail.

The Postal Service will also provide feedback about the quality of addresses to help reduce

undeliverable-as-addressed mail and its associated costs.

Additionally, there will be monetary benefits to using the IMb. Both POSTNET barcodes and the IMb

Basic option qualify for automation prices. The IMb Full-Service option provides the following additional

benefits on qualifying mail:

possession of mailings, and

qualified letters and flats that do not have the most current address or that are undeliverable for

other reasons, when those pieces are endorsed as specified for Full-Service ACS.

30 days from the first notification.

notification.

Now that you have a basic understanding of IMb services and options, requirements and benefits, it’s

time to get started on your own implementation plans for IMb services. While the following is not

necessarily the exact sequence you should follow, nor is it an exhaustive list of questions that should be

answered or decisions that should be made, it will get you started.

Just a few of the questions you may want to ask are:

consider and start to plan the following:

resources. These resources are discussed more in depth in the resource section.

mailer must logon as an existing user or register as a new user to gain access to the

For mailers who cannot obtain the desired number or type of Mailer ID(s) through the

Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or the Mailpiece Design Analyst for processing.

label barcode you will need to do the following.

Further information regarding these elements can be found in the materials listed in the Resource

section.

process. There are different requirements and uses for Basic and Full-Service options.

not required)

advantage of?

to your customers as value-added services?

Appendix A for all the information necessary to make decisions on what

services/options/constraints will affect your mailing.

implementation of IMb services, mailers have to change Service Type Identifiers to correctly

identify the IMb services you are requesting.

these options for their customers; however, mail owners have a choice. Does it make good

economic sense to switch from POSTNET barcodes now or plan a longer implementation

strategy? USPS will not require the use of an IMb until May 2011, so there is time to plan a

smooth transition.

The USPS provides a number of technical and non-technical guides and specifications, informative

documents and presentations, and other helpful tools to make it easier for you to take full advantage of

For those new to IMb services, there are several guides, specifications and manuals that will get you

started and give a broad overview of the fundamentals of the program. Following is a list of primary

sources of information.

No Address Corrections 300 310 260 270

Manual Corrections * 700 040 036 041

Traditional ACS – ASR * 080 140 081 141

Traditional ACS – ASR Opt 2 * 080 140 081 141

Traditional ACS – CSR * 082 240 083 241

Traditional ACS – CSR Opt 2 * 082 240 083 241

OneCode ACS – ASR 080 140

OneCode ACS – ASR Option 2 080 140

OneCode ACS – CSR 082 240

OneCode ACS – CSR Option 2 082 240

Full-Service ACS – ASR 081 141

Full-Service ACS – ASR Opt 2 081 141

Full-Service ACS – CSR 083 241

Full-Service ACS – CSR Opt 2 083 241

domestic mail services, descriptions of the mail classes and special services and conditions

governing their uses, and standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation. Domestic mail is

classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors.

and electronic documentation and identifies the data that will be provided at no additional charge

for Full-Service option compliance. In addition, the Guide also describes what will be available in

The purpose of this guide is to provide information regarding IMb Full-Service option reports and

populate your Mail.dat 09.1 files to comply with the requirements for the Full-Service option. This

technical specification explains the eDoc, postage, and induction requirements on how to use

found at

FAST appointment scheduling, Full-Service data distribution [change of address (COA), nixie,

Start-the-Clock, and container visibility induction scans], eDoc postage and electronic induction

There are several technical documents that will help you create the Intelligent Mail barcodes for

mailpieces, trays and sacks and containers.

To create and print the IMb for mailpieces, obtain and use:

environments using numerous operating systems and printing architectures. These resources are

To help you with encoding and decoding Intelligent Mail barcodes, the USPS offers an on-line IMb

Mailers planning to take advantage of the Full-Service option are encouraged to contact the National

Customer Support Center (NCSC), Barcode Certification Department to certify their IMb tray labels.

Participants may contact the NCSC, Barcode Certification Department by calling 1-877-640-0724, option

then complete and submit PS Form 5113, Barcode Certification Customer Application. Mailers are

encouraged to work with their Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA).

labels, there is no ordering system – so for now, mailers must print their own or work with a third-party

vendor.

The Checklist shows how to start participating in electronic documentation (eDoc), Basic and Full-Service.

Note that a mailer can participate in eDoc with or without IMb service. Use of electronic documentation is

optional for the IMb Basic Service; required for IMb Full-Service.

In addition to the guides and specifications listed above, you can also get help from USPS IMb service

experts.

To find your local Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager, go to:

To find your local Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA), go to:

more information on the Confirm service, please call the Confirm Customer Help Desk at 800-238-3150,

Learn how the process works, the features available, and mailer requirements to receive electronic address

Downloadable OneCode ACS application and fulfillment access forms.

For more information on traditional or OneCode ACS, please contact the ACS Department at the NCSC

via email at acs@usps.gov or by phone at 877-640-0724.