Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator

What is an Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator?

An Intelligent Mail barcode is a 65-bar code used by the United States Postal Service to track and sort mail. The code has four main parts: the routing Zip code, the delivery point, the barcode identifier, and the check digit. The intelligent mail barcode generator is an API (application programming interface) that creates these codes.

This API can be used by businesses or individuals who need to send large amounts of mail. The generator makes it easy to create and print out the codes, which can then be affixed to envelopes or packages. The USPS uses intelligent mail barcodes to track items through the postal system and speed up delivery. By using this system, businesses and individuals can save time and money on their mailing costs.

Types of Intelligent Mail Barcodes

There are two types of intelligent mail barcodes (IMBs): basic and full-service. Basic IMBs contain tracking information, while full-service IMBs include mailing data such as postage amount and destination ZIP code. Full-service IMBs offer the most benefits for businesses, as they can provide detailed tracking information and help automate the mailing process.

USPS IMB Components

The IMB consists of four components: the routing code, address information, tracking information, and optional extras.

1. Routing Code: Comprises 21 bars and identifies the USPS facility where the mail piece will be processed.
2. Address Information: Is made up of 31 bars and encodes the delivery point ZIP Code and other data such as plus-4 codes, urbanization names, and carrier route codes.
3. Tracking Information: Comprises 13 bars and contains data such as the date and time of mailing, origin ZIP Code, and unique serial numbers.
4. Optional Extras: Are made up of 1 bar and can be used to encode things like special services, intelligent mail features, and return information.

Why Use an Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator?

There are many reasons why a business might want to use an Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) generator. Primarily, IMBs are used for tracking purposes. The barcodes can track individual pieces of mail as they make their way through the USPS system. This is especially useful for businesses that send out a lot of mailings, such as marketing materials or invoices.

Another reason to use an IMB generator is for address verification. By including an IMB on your mail pieces, you can be sure that the USPS will be able to deliver them to the correct address. This can save a lot of time and hassle down the line.

Overall, using an IMB generator can save businesses time and money. By tracking their mailings and ensuring that they are being delivered to the correct address, businesses can avoid a lot of potential problems.

Barcode Fun Facts The first barcode ever scanned was on a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum in June 1974. This was the same year Wrigley’s raised the price of its gum from $0.05 to $0.10-0.15 per pack.

IM Barcodes are Perfect For

What Does Our PAV API Do?

Postal Address Verification (PAV) standardizes, corrects, and verifies addresses for deliverability before mail and packages are sent out.

PAV also appends the required ZIP+4 code to your data and returns an IM barcode key, giving you the ability to easily and quickly generate Intelligent Mail barcodes.

What are the components of an Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator?

An Intelligent Mail barcode generator is a tool that allows you to create and print barcodes for use with the United States Postal Service’s Intelligent Mail system. This system uses barcodes to track and manage mail pieces throughout the postal network.

There are four main components of an Intelligent Mail barcode generator:

1. The data source. This is the information that will be encoded in the barcode. It can come from various sources, including address databases, customer files, or even hand-written addresses.
2. The barcode symbology. This is the type of barcode used to encode the data. The USPS supports several symbology’s, including Code 128 and Interleaved 2 of 5.
3. The printing system. This is the system used to print the barcodes onto the mail pieces. It can be a desktop printer, a commercial printing press, or even a handheld labeler.
4. The verification system. This is a system that can be used to check the accuracy of the barcodes that have been printed. It can be as simple as a handheld scanner or as sophisticated as a full-fledged barcode reader/verifier.