Intelligent Mail barcode

A possible Intelligent Mail Barcode for the Wikimedia Foundation address

The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) is a 65-bar barcode for use on mail in the United States.[1] The term "Intelligent Mail" refers to services offered by the United States Postal Service for domestic mail delivery. The IM barcode is intended to provide greater information and functionality than its predecessors POSTNET and PLANET. An Intelligent Mail barcode has also been referred to as a One Code Solution and a 4-State Customer Barcode, abbreviated 4CB, 4-CB or USPS4CB. The complete specification can be found in USPS Document USPS-B-3200.[2] It effectively incorporates the routing ZIP Code and tracking information included in previously used postal barcode standards.

The barcode is applied by the sender; the Postal Service required use of the Intelligent Mail barcode to qualify for automation prices beginning January 28, 2013.[3] Use of the barcode provides increased overall efficiency, including improved deliverability, and new services.

  1. ^ "steps-to-creating-intelligent-mail-barcode.pdf" (PDF). United States Postal Service usps.com. Retrieved 2021-08-20.
  2. ^ "Intelligent Mail Barcode 4-State Specification (Rev H)" (PDF). United States Postal Service. April 20, 2015. p. 1. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  3. ^ "Intelligent Mail Services Latest News". United States Postal Service. September 21, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-07-30. Retrieved 2012-09-27. The Intelligent Mail barcode, formerly referred to as the 4-State Customer barcode, is a new Postal Service barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. The Postal Service is promoting use of the Intelligent Mail barcode because it expands the ability to track individual mailpieces and provides customers with greater visibility into the mailstream.