Frequently Asked Questions about the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB): A Printer’s Perspective

What is the Intelligent Mail Barcode?
The IMB is a new Postal Service barcode used to sort and track letters and flats; it expands the ability to track individual mailpieces and provides customers with greater visibility in the mailstream than the current POSTNET barcode.

When will the IMB be a requirement by the USPS?
Some printers and mailers have already started to implement use of the IMB, but it will not be mandated until May 2011.

Are there different types of the IMB?
Absolutely.

Basic Service: The Basic Service IMB is just like the existing POSTNET barcode, which is simply used for sorting mail.

Full Service: The Full Service IMB will include services such as tracking, free Address Change Service and Start the Clock.

What are the placement requirements for IMB?
The Intelligent Mail Barcode will be printed in the same place as the POSTNET barcode. On flats, the Intelligent Mail barcode can be placed anywhere on the address side as long as it is at least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece.

Will I receive any sort of discount for applying the IMB to my mailpiece?
Beginning already in November 2009, mailers will start to receive a $1.00/M discount for electing to use the Full Service IMB on their printed pieces. By May 2011, those not printing the Basic or Full Service IMB will not receive automation discounts from the USPS.

Are printers ready to start applying the IMB?
Major printers and mailers started testing the IMB when it was first announced. Arandell started to apply the Basic Service IMB on some of its saddle stitching equipment in August 2009 and will continue to add the capability to all of its binding and mailing lines going forward. We’ll be ready to provide the Full Service option when USPS the discount becomes available in November.

How can printers ensure that they are applying a readable barcode?
The USPS tolerance expectations for the IMB are strict and if printers don’t meet those expectations, the USPS could immediately assess the mail owner (catalogers, retailers, publishers, direct mailers, etc.) for additional postage. The current compliance requirement is 70%, which means that 30% of your Full Service mailpieces could have non-readable Intelligent Mail Barcodes, but still pass USPS acceptance requirements. Do you want to take that risk, though? NO! If I were in a print buyer’s shoes, I would make sure that my printer/mailer of choice can ensure a high readability compliance. At this point in time, Arandell is being proactive by installing IMB evaluation systems on all of its production lines to ensure the IMB will exceed the USPS expectations. We are currently complying at 100%. I would not accept anything less.

Why is the USPS implementing the IMB?
The IMB is intended to benefit you just as much as it will benefit the USPS.

The IMB:

• provides more information than the POSTNET, but consumes no additional space on the mailpiece;
• allows for better marketing decision-making by encoding more detailed information about mailings;
• necessitates the printing of only one barcode on any mailpiece;
• gives mailers who utilize the Full Service option the ability to participate in multiple USPS service programs at no additional cost.

This is a very high-level FAQ about the IMB but hopefully it has you thinking about how this implementation will affect your company. For more technical information, you can click here or contact our Postal Affairs, reps, Don Landis and Susan Pinter at 800-558-8724 to answer any questions you may have.

• Tags:
• catalog mail
• postage savings
• USPS
• USPS IMB
• USPS regulations

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