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1.0 Standardized Documentation for First‑Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Flat‑Size Bound Printed Matter
2.0 Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE)
3.0 Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)
4.0 Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats
5.0 Barcoding Standards for Parcels
6.0 Barcoding Standards for Container Labels
7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines (OEL)
8.0 Carrier Route Information Lines
For First‑Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, and flat‑size Bound Printed Matter, documentation must be produced by software certified under the Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) program or the Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC) program, appropriate for the accompanying class of mail and rate claimed, or the documentation must be prepared as standardized documentation according to this section. Standardized documentation contains the elements described in 1.2 through 1.5, as applicable. Documentation produced by PAVE‑certified or MAC‑certified software is considered standardized documentation. [P012.2.1]
For First‑Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, and flat‑size Bound Printed Matter, standardized documentation includes:
a. A heading identifying the listing as a "USPS Qualification Report" appearing at the top of each page. The heading must contain these elements:
1. For First‑Class Mail and Standard Mail, the name of the mailer and the mailing, a mailing identification code corresponding to the postage statement, the date (e.g., the date when the list was processed or the documentation was produced), the class of mail, and either the DMM standard under which the mail was prepared (e.g., 245.5.0 for letters, 345.5.0 for flats, and 445.5.0 for parcels or 234.4.0 and 235.6.0 for First‑Class Letters, and 244.4.0 and 245.7.0 for Standard Mail Letters) or the type of rates claimed.
2. For Periodicals, each publication title and publication number corresponding to the postage statement and entry office, the date (e.g., the date when the list was processed or the documentation was produced), the class of mail, and either the DMM standard under which the mail was prepared (e.g., 707.22.0, Preparation of Presorted Periodicals, 707.23.0, Preparation of Carrier Route Periodicals, or 707.24.0, Preparation of Letter‑Size Automation Periodicals) or the type of rates claimed. For publications that are combined or copalletized and represented on the same documentation, all publication titles and publication numbers are required to be listed in the header only on the first page.
b. Sequential page numbers in the body of the listing.
c. For mail in trays or sacks, the body of the listing reporting these required elements:
2. Tray/sack destination ZIP Code (use destination on top line of tray/sack label except that, for 3‑digit carrier routes trays, list the individual 5‑digit ZIP Codes contained in each tray).
3. Depending on mail preparation: (a) group destination for automation letter mail (number of pieces) for each carrier route in carrier routes trays (First‑Class Mail and Standard Mail) including the 5‑digit ZIP Code and carrier route for pieces in 3‑digit carrier routes trays; for each 5‑digit ZIP Code in 5‑digit scheme trays; for each 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix in 3‑digit scheme trays; for each 3‑digit or 3‑digit scheme in AADC trays; and for each AADC in mixed AADC trays; or (b) bundle level and bundle destination for automation flats, regular nonautomation presort mail, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail (use the presort destination as described in Mail Preparation standards for each class of mail); or (c) group destination for automation flats prepared under the tray‑based option for each 3‑digit in ADC trays and for each ADC in mixed ADC trays; or (d) group destination for each 5‑digit ZIP Code in 5‑digit scheme bundles and each 3‑digit ZIP Code in 3‑digit scheme bundles (Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flats).
4. Separate columns for each rate reported in the mailing, with pieces reported in the appropriate column, and a running total of pieces mailed that is continuous for each mailing (group information either in ZIP Code order and by sortation level or by sortation level and within each sortation level, by ZIP Code; report trays and sacks on pallets by pallet level and destination; include all information required in 1.2c. for mail in trays or sacks). Pieces prepared in 5‑digit scheme bundles (Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flats) must be listed by individual 5‑digit ZIP Code within the 5‑digit scheme bundle. Pieces prepared in 3‑digit scheme bundles (Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flats) must be listed by individual 3‑digit ZIP Code within the 3‑digit scheme bundle. Document SCF or BMC pallets created as a result of bundle reallocation under 705.8.11 or 705.8.12 on the USPS Qualification Report by designating the protected pallet with an identifier of "PSCF" (for an SCF pallet) or "PBMC" (for a BMC pallet). These identifiers are required only on the USPS Qualification Report; they are not required on pallet labels or on any other mailing documentation.
5. A running total of pieces mailed that is continuous for each mailing.
6. The tray identification number and tray size (1‑foot or 2‑foot) if available for letter mail in trays. The tray identification number is optional for tray‑based automation flats.
7. Separate columns for each rate reported in the mailing, with pieces reported in the appropriate column (group information either in ZIP Code order and by sortation level or by sortation level and within each sortation level, by ZIP Code).
8. For all nonautomation rate Periodicals mailings that contain firm bundles, include a separate "Copies" column showing the number of copies for each bundle sortation level and destination. If mailings do not include firm bundles, a "Copies" column is optional because the number of copies equals the number of pieces reported. Copies included in firm bundles may be listed with other pieces to the same presort level destination with the number of copies and number of pieces reported as one line item entry, or firm bundles may be listed as separate line items under the "Group Destination" column followed by "F" (e.g., "C001F" or "12345F"), with the number of pieces reported in the "Rate" column. When firm bundles are reported separately in the "Group Destination" column, pieces for the same presort destination must be reported immediately before or after the firm bundles (e.g., one firm bundle for "C001" followed by five other pieces for "C001" that constitute a bundle of six pieces for the carrier route rate).
9. For all Periodicals mailings, include a separate "Zone" column. If all copies for a specific tray destination (automation letters only), group destination, or bundle destination are subject to the same zone rate or entry discount, show the applicable zone or destination entry discount for those copies using the zone abbreviations in 1.7.3. If copies for a bundle destination or pieces for a tray destination (automation letters only) are for multiple zones, show all zones included (e.g., "3/4/6") or show "Mixed" (or the authorized abbreviation "M") in the "Zone" column. Report foreign copies separately.
d. For bundles on pallets, the body of the listing reporting these required elements:
2. Pallet destination ZIP Code (use destination on top line of pallet label).
3. For each bundle, the sortation level and number of pieces claimed at each rate.
4. Separate columns for each rate reported in the mailing, with pieces reported in the appropriate column, and a running total of pieces mailed that is continuous for each mailing (group information either in ZIP Code order and by sortation level or by sortation level and within each sortation level, by ZIP Code; report trays and sacks on pallets by pallet level and destination; include all information required in 1.2c. for mail in trays or sacks). Document SCF or BMC pallets created as a result of bundle reallocation under 705.8.11 or 705.8.12 on the USPS Qualification Report by designating the protected pallet with an identifier of "PSCF" (for a SCF pallet) or "PBMC" (for a BMC pallet). These identifiers are required to appear only on the USPS Qualification Report; they are not required to appear on pallet labels or on any other mailing documentation.
5. For mailings prepared as bundles on pallets under 705.12.0 and 705.13.0, a separate 5% threshold summary must appear beneath the pallet rate summary for the last physical pallet of each logical merged 5‑digit scheme pallet and logical merged 5‑digit pallet as provided in 705.12.1, 705.12.2, 705.13.1, or 705.13.2, as applicable.
6. For all Periodicals mailings, include a separate "Zone" column. If all copies for a specific bundle destination are subject to the same zone rate or entry discount, show the applicable zone or destination entry discount for those copies using the zone abbreviations in 707.17.6.3. If copies for a bundle destination are for multiple zones, show all zones included (e.g., "3/4/6") or show "Mixed" (or the authorized abbreviation "M") in the "Zone" column. Report foreign copies separately.
7. At the end of the listing, a summary report of the total number of pieces claimed at each postage rate on the pallet by postage payment method, and the total number of pieces and the total weight of the mail on the pallet.
e. At the end of the documentation, a summary report of the total number of pieces mailed at each postage rate for each mailing reported on the listing by postage payment method (and by entry point for drop shipment mailings) and the total number of pieces in each mailing. This information must correspond to the information reported on the postage statement(s) for the pieces reported. For Periodicals, include a summary of the total number of copies for each zone, including In‑County, delivery unit, SCF, and ADC rates. A separate summary report is not required if a PAVE‑certified postage statement facsimile(s) generated by the presort software used to prepare the standardized documentation is presented for each mailing. Additional data must be provided if necessary to calculate the amount of postage for the mailing (or additional postage due, or postage to be refunded) if nonidentical‑weight pieces that do not bear the correct postage at the rate for which they qualify are included in the mailing, or if different rates of postage are affixed to pieces in the mailing. [P012.2.2]
The actual name of the rate level (or corresponding abbreviation) is used for column headings required by 1.2, Format and Content, and shown below:
a. Automation First‑Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail:
b. Presorted First‑Class Mail, nonautomation presorted Periodicals, and Standard Mail:
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Presorted [First-Class Mail letters/cards, flats, and parcels] | |
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c. Carrier route Periodicals and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail:
The actual sortation level (or corresponding abbreviation) is used for the bundle, tray, sack, or pallet levels required by 1.2 and shown below:
For combined or copalletized mailings of Periodicals and Standard Mail prepared under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0, the listing must show this additional information:
a. For mailings that require a separate postage statement, a column that further identifies the contents of all trays/bundles by product or edition code. The applicable rates for each product or edition must be shown in the correct "Rate" column and must be summarized for each tray, sack, or pallet and for the entire mailing. For Periodicals, when copies of multiple editions or publications are combined in a firm bundle claimed as one piece, report "0" in the "Product/Edition Code" column for all but one edition or publication contained in the firm bundle, report "1" in the appropriate associated "Piece Rate" column for that edition or publication, and report "0" in the "Piece Rate" column for the other editions or publications contained in the firm bundle.
b. For large‑volume mailing jobs reported on a single listing, the mailer may provide abbreviated documentation that shows full bundle detail for the first 20 pallets/sacks and every twentieth pallet/sack after that if the mailer keeps full bundle detail (by product or edition code and rate) for the entire mailing job for 90 days and can provide it to the USPS on request within 3 working days. Abbreviated documentation must include the rate summary by product or edition for each pallet/sack, including those for which full detail bundle listings are not reported. [P012.2.5]
Standardized documentation may include additional information about the pieces mailed (such as individual tray or sack total piece counts, optional identification codes, bundle weights) if this information does not conflict with the information required under 1.2 through 1.5. [P012.2.6]
The publisher must be able to present documentation to support the actual number of copies of each edition of an issue, by entry point, mailed to each zone, at DDU, DSCF, DADC, and In‑County rates. This listing is separate from the standardized documentation required under 1.0 to support presort. This listing may be submitted with each mailing, or, as an alternative, a publisher may keep records supporting zone and destination entry information reported on the postage statement for each mailing. Records must be kept for 2 months after the mailing date. A publisher must be able to submit detailed zone listings for specific mailings when requested in advance by the USPS. [P012.3.1]
Report the number of copies mailed to each 3‑digit ZIP Code area at applicable zone rates using one of the following formats:
a. Report copies by 3‑digit ZIP Code, listed in ascending numeric order, for all ZIP Codes in the mailing. The listing must include the following columns: 3‑digit ZIP Code, zone, and number of copies (for the zone). Include a summary of the number of copies at each zone rate at the end of the report. A 3‑digit ZIP Code may appear more than once if there are copies at different zone rates for that ZIP Code (e.g., In‑County and outside‑county rate copies within the same 3‑digit ZIP Code area).
b. Report copies by zone (In‑County DDU, In‑County others, Outside‑County DDU, Outside‑County DSCF, and Outside‑County DADC) and by 3‑digit ZIP Code, listed in ascending numeric order, for each zone. For each zone, the listing must include the following columns: 3‑digit ZIP Code and number of copies (for each zone) in the mailing. Include a summary of the total number of copies for each zone at the end of each zone listing. A 3‑digit ZIP Code may appear under more than one zone if there are copies at different zone rates for that ZIP Code (e.g., In‑County and outside‑county rate copies within the same 3‑digit ZIP Code area). [P012.3.2]
Use the actual rate name or the authorized zone abbreviation in the listings in 1.0 and 707.17.6.2:
The Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) program is a process to evaluate presort software and determine its accuracy in sorting address files under DMM standards. PAVE is available only to software and hardware manufacturers (i.e., companies that develop presort software or manufacture presorting equipment). PAVE certification does not guarantee acceptance of customer mail prepared with PAVE‑validated hardware/software. [M011.2.1]
PAVE evaluates the accuracy of presort products by providing test address files to vendors. Vendors process the test file(s) through their presort software or hardware and return the resulting postage statement facsimile(s) and other presort documentation to the USPS National Customer Support Center (NCSC) for evaluation of the answers. Each test file is evaluated for its accuracy of presort, compliance with current DMM standards, accuracy of sack/tray/pallet tag labels, and general acceptability of computer‑generated facsimiles of postage statements and other presort documentation. If the answers are accurate, the vendor's presort product is validated for a 12‑month period or until the end of the current annual period. [M011.2.2]
For information on participation in PAVE, presort product developers may request the PAVE Program Technical Guide from the NCSC by calling 1‑800‑238‑3150. Participants may use the PAVE form included in that guide to order PAVE test files. [M011.2.3]
The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) improves the accuracy of delivery point codes, ZIP+4 codes, 5‑digit ZIP Codes, and carrier route codes on mailpieces. CASS provides a common platform to measure the quality of address matching software and to diagnose and correct software problems. [A950.1.1]
Any mailing claimed at an automation rate must be produced from address lists properly matched and coded with CASS‑certified address matching methods listed below. A mailer using multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs) to print delivery point barcodes on mailpieces (or for flats, ZIP+4 barcodes) must also obtain CASS certification (including Multiline Accuracy Support System (MASS)) for the address matching software used on the MLOCRs. [A950.1.2]
[02-03-05] Delivery point or ZIP+4 coding may be obtained by using the National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOALink); CASS‑certified DPC address matching software; CASS‑certified Z4CHANGE process; or Delivery Sequence File, Second Generation (DSF2) process. [A950.1.3]
Any user of address matching software that applies ZIP+4 codes to address lists to obtain an automation rate must use address matching software that is CASS‑certified. Address matching software used to ZIP+4 code address records must, as part of its process, return a standardized address to ensure that the ZIP+4 code or mailer‑applied barcode represents the proper depth of code available. The original input address submitted for coding may also be returned. The CASS‑certified address matching software must be used according to specific parameter settings (configurations) as described below. [A950.2.1]
All address lists used to produce mailings for automation rates must be matched and ZIP+4 coded with current CASS‑certified software in line with the configuration standards shown below. Summary output reports or computer‑generated facsimile Forms 3553 must contain information about the configuration used when processing the address list on the CASS‑certified address matching software. [A950.2.2]
These are permissible configurations for address matching software:
a. Vendor‑Supplied Software With Vendor CASS‑certified Software Configurations. The software vendor is CASS‑certified for specific configurations. The user is using that software as prescribed by the vendor and with the CASS‑certified configurations obtained by the vendor.
b. Vendor‑Supplied Software With User CASS‑certified Software Configurations. The software user is using vendor‑supplied software in a configuration not CASS‑certified by the vendor but by the user.
c. User‑Developed Software for Which User Obtained CASS Certification. The software user obtained individual user CASS certification for self‑developed software and is using it as certified. [A950.2.3]
When used for ZIP+4 or delivery point barcoding, the address matching software and coding methods must have a valid CASS certification and use the current USPS ZIP+4 Product updated to include all applicable change transaction files. [A950.2.4]
Unless Z4CHANGE is used, all automation and carrier route mailings bearing addresses coded by any AIS product must be coded with current CASS‑certified software and the current USPS database. Coding must be done within 90 days before the mailing date for all carrier route mailings and within 180 days before the mailing date for all non‑carrier route automation rate mailings. All AIS products may be used immediately on release. New product releases must be included in address matching systems no later than 45 days after the release date. The overlap in dates for product use allows mailers adequate time to install the new data files and test their systems. Mailers are expected to update their systems with the latest data files as soon as practicable and need not wait until the "last permissible use" date. The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that this standard has been met when the corresponding mail is presented to the USPS. The "current USPS database" product cycle is defined by the following matrix.
When using Z4CHANGE to match and code address lists for automation rate mailings:
a. The entire address list must first be matched and ZIP+4 coded with current CASS‑certified software and the current USPS ZIP+4 Product.
b. Every 60 days after the first matching, the address list must be processed through Z4CHANGE using USPS‑certified software to identify changed records since the last update.
c. The changed records identified through the Z4CHANGE processing must then be matched and coded using current CASS‑certified address matching software and the current ZIP+4 Product.
d. The entire address list must be rematched and ZIP+4 coded every 3 years using current CASS‑certified software and the current USPS ZIP+4 Product. [A950.3.2]
For this section, mailing list or address list is the group of names and addresses to which mailpieces in the corresponding mailing are addressed. Whether the addresses used in a mailing are obtained from a single list or from two or more lists (whole lists or extracts of those lists), each list used to produce a mailing claimed at an automation rate must meet the standards in 3.0. [A950.4.0]
Unless excepted by standard, the mailer must complete a Form 3553 for each mailing claimed at all automation rates and all carrier route rates. A computer‑generated facsimile may be used if it contains the required data elements in a format similar to the USPS form. The data recorded on Form 3553 must refer only to the address list used to produce the mailing with which it is presented. The postage statement must be annotated in the block(s) provided to reflect the date when address matching and coding were performed. When a mailing is produced using multiple lists, the mailer must show the earliest (oldest) date of address matching and coding (shown on Form 3553, section B2). The mailer certifies compliance with this standard when signing the corresponding postage statement. [A950.5.1]
Form 3553 and other documentation must be retained by the mailer or the mailer's agent for 1 year from the date of mailing and be made available to the USPS on 24‑hour notice. [A950.5.2]
The data recorded on Form 3553 is taken from the summary output report generated by the computer process by which address lists are matched and ZIP+4 coded using CASS‑certified software. The summary output information may also be generated as a facsimile Form 3553. Form 3553 may show summary output information for a single address list or consolidate summary output information from multiple address lists combined to produce a single mailing. Figures on Form 3553 are not required to match total mailpiece figures on the corresponding postage statement. [A950.5.3]
Summary output reports or computer‑generated Forms 3553 must contain this information:
a. CASS‑certified company name as it appears on the CASS certificate; name and software version that received CASS certification; and the software configuration used when processing the address list.
b. Name of the list processor using the CASS‑certified software to match and code the address list, the date the address list was processed, the date of the USPS database used to code the address list, the address list name or identification number, the total number of address records on the list submitted for coding, the total number of address records successfully coded to the appropriate depth of code, and the valid dates for the records successfully coded. [A950.5.4]
When a mailing is produced using all or part of a single address list, the mailer must retain one Form 3553 and other required documentation reflecting the summary output information for the entire list, as obtained when the list was coded. When the same address list is used for other mailings within 180 days of the date it was matched and coded, a copy of the Form 3553 must be retained with the documentation for each mailing. [A950.5.5]
When a mailing is produced using multiple address lists, the mailer must retain a consolidated Form 3553 summarizing the individual summary output and/or facsimile Forms 3553 for each list used (and other required documentation). As an alternative, the mailer may combine the addresses selected from the multiple lists into a single new list, reprocess the addresses using CASS‑certified address matching software, and retain one Form 3553 for the summary output generated by that process. [A950.5.6]
If the name of the CASS‑certified company entered on Form 3553 does not appear on the list published by the USPS, a copy of the CASS certificate for the software used also must be retained by the mailer with the documentation. [A950.5.7]
To obtain information on standards and arrange for testing of carrier route, ZIP+4, or delivery point address matching software, contact the National Customer Support Center by calling 1‑800‑238‑3150, or by writing to CASS/ZIP+4 Matching, National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address). [A950.6.1]
The CASS certification process is a two‑stage procedure. Stage I is a test file with answers supplied on request to customers wanting to certify an address matching software product. The Stage I file contains fabricated sample addresses from address ranges across the country with missing or incorrect address elements. The correct answers supplied on this Stage I test file allow self‑assessment of address matching software/hardware accuracy so that software/hardware vendors or users can predetermine product readiness for the actual test. [A950.6.2]
The Stage II file is the actual test without answers. This test measures the accuracy of address matching software/hardware. Similar to the Stage I file, the Stage II file contains fabricated sample addresses from address ranges across the country with missing or incorrect address elements that the address matching software must correct. Software vendors or users process the Stage II file against their address matching products, appending the correct or missing information in each address record. After completing the test, the vendor or user returns the Stage II file to the USPS for analysis, scoring, and, if qualified, certification. For multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs) and encoding stations, CASS certification is obtained by barcoding sample mailpieces in a test deck. After completing the test, the vendor or user returns the test deck to the USPS for analysis, scoring, and, if qualified, certification. [A950.6.3]
a. Delivery point code address matching software/hardware must correctly ZIP+4 code the addresses in the Stage II file or test deck with 98% accuracy and must correctly append the additional two digits of the delivery point code (plus a check digit) to the Stage II file or test deck with 100% accuracy.
b. A 2‑digit utility (separate or stand‑alone address matching software that appends only the correct 2‑digit DP9019C information) must use the standardized address information returned by DPC address matching software when determining the correct delivery point code. A 2‑digit utility must assign the 2‑digit delivery point code (plus a check digit) to the addresses in the Stage II file with 100% accuracy.
c. Address matching software used to assign 5‑digit ZIP Codes and carrier route codes must assign the appropriate codes to the Stage II file with 98% accuracy. [A950.6.4]
The USPS sends written notice informing the customer of the results of the analysis and the product certification status. Follow‑up notification is mailed to remind previously certified vendors and users of the next certification. [A950.6.5]
POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) is the USPS‑developed barcode method to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. A POSTNET barcode can represent a 5‑digit ZIP Code (32 bars), a 9‑digit ZIP+4 code (52 bars), or an 11‑digit delivery point code (62 bars). The information content of the barcode is based on the combination of tall (full) bars and short (half) bars. A tall bar represents "1," and a short bar represents "0." When separated into groups of five, these bars sequentially represent each of the digits of the ZIP Code (or ZIP+4 code or delivery point code) for the delivery address, plus an additional digit designated as the correction digit. The correction digit is derived from adding the numbers in the ZIP Code (or ZIP+4 or delivery point code) and determining which single‑digit number must be added to that sum to make the total a multiple of 10. The first and last bars of the barcode are frame bars and must always be full bars. [C840.1.1]
A 5‑digit barcode is a single field of 32 bars consisting of a frame bar, a series of 25 bars that represent the correct 5‑digit ZIP Code for the address on the piece, 5 bars that represent the correction digit, and a final frame bar. [C840.1.2]
A ZIP+4 barcode is a single field of 52 bars consisting of a frame bar, a series of 45 bars that represent the correct ZIP+4 code for the address on the piece, 5 bars that represent the correction digit, and a final frame bar. [C840.1.3]
A delivery point barcode (DPBC) is formed by adding 10 bars (representing two additional digits) to the ZIP+4 barcode. The correct DPBC must be derived from a CASS‑certified delivery point code address matching process. To obtain information on the rules for delivery point code calculation, contact the National Customer Support Center by calling (toll‑free) 1‑800‑642‑2914, or by writing to CASS/ZIP+4 Matching, National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address). The following unique codes are also valid DPBCs:
a. For a firm (unique) 5‑digit ZIP Code, the correct DPBC represents the 5‑digit ZIP Code: either the USPS‑assigned ‑0001 or (if the customer assigns four‑digit add‑ons to internal separations) the correct four digits applicable to the point of delivery, followed by the last two digits of the primary street number, post office box number, or rural/highway contract route box number derived from the standardized address returned by the CASS‑certified ZIP+4 or delivery point code address matching process.
b. For an individual (unique) ZIP+4 code assigned to a business customer, the correct DPBC represents the ZIP+4 code followed by the last two digits of the primary street number derived from the standardized address returned by the CASS‑certified ZIP+4 or delivery point address matching process. [C840.1.4]
Barcodes are subject to these standards for bar dimensions and spacing. Extraneous ink or ink voids must not cause any bar to fail to meet these standards:
a. A full bar must be 0.125 ±0.010 inch high.
b. A half bar must be 0.050 ±0.010 inch high.
c. All bars must be 0.020 ±0.005 inch wide.
d. Measured over any 1/2 inch, horizontal spacing of the bars must be 22 ±2 bars per inch, and pitch (a bar and a space) must average at least 0.0416 inch but no more than 0.05 inch. The clear vertical space between bars must not be less than 0.012 inch or more than 0.04 inch. [C840.4.0]
A background reflectance of at least 50% in the red portion and 45% in the green portion of the optical spectrum must be produced in the following locations when measured with a USPS or USPS‑licensed envelope reflectance meter:
a. The barcode clear zone of a card‑size or a letter‑size piece barcoded in the lower right corner.
b. The area surrounding the barcode (within 1/8 inch of the leftmost and rightmost bars and 1/25 inch above and below the barcode) of a card‑size, letter‑size, or flat‑size piece barcoded in the address block and of a flat‑size piece barcoded elsewhere. [C840.5.1]
A print reflectance difference (PRD) of at least 30% in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum is required between the background material of the mailpiece and the barcode, when measured with a USPS or USPS‑licensed envelope reflectance meter. (PRD equals the reflectance of the background minus the reflectance of the ink.) [C840.5.2]
The material on which the barcode appears must have enough opacity to prevent printing from "showing through" to the extent that it interferes with postal equipment that reads the barcode. The PCR of print (other than the barcode) that shows through the barcode clear zone or the barcode area in the address block must not exceed 15% when measured in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum. [C840.5.3]
Dark fibers or background patterns (e.g., checks) that produce a print contrast ratio of more than 15% when measured in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum are prohibited in these locations:
a. The area of the address block or the barcode clear zone where the barcode appears on a card‑size or a letter‑size piece mailed at automation rates or at Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density rates.
b. The area of the address block or the area of the mailpiece where the barcode appears on a flat‑size piece in an automation rate mailing. [C840.5.4]
For a barcode on a card‑size or a letter‑size piece, the combined effects of positional skew (slant or tilt of the entire barcode baseline) and rotational skew (slant or tilt of the individual barcode bars) must be limited to a maximum rotation of the bars of ±5 degrees from a perpendicular to the bottom edge of the piece. The individual bars of a barcode must not shift (be vertically offset) more than 0.015 inch from the average baseline of the barcode. For information on barcode placement for card‑size and letter‑size pieces, see 202.5.0. [C840.6.1]
For a barcode on a flat‑size piece, the maximum rotational skew (slant or tilt of the individual barcode bars) is ±10 degrees from a perpendicular to the baseline of the barcode; there is no positional skew requirement. The individual bars of a barcode must not shift (be vertically offset) more than 0.015 inch from the average baseline of the barcode. For information on barcode placement for flat‑size pieces, see 302.4.0. [C840.6.2]
To help mailers evaluate the quality of their equipment producing barcodes, the USPS offers optional testing and certification to manufacturers of barcoding software and hardware. Certified barcoding equipment ensures that the equipment can produce dimensionally correct barcodes meeting postal specifications. Certification does not ensure that barcodes produced from that equipment can meet the requirements for automation rates because many other variables in barcode production (e.g., ink color and quality, paper color and contrast, equipment operation and maintenance) affect the quality of the barcodes printed on mailpieces. [C840.10.1]
Manufacturers who want their products tested and mailers who want information on available certified products should contact the National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address). [C840.10.2]
The postal routing barcode discount applies to machinable parcels that meet the eligibility requirements in 443.5.5 for Standard Mail, 453.3.1 for Parcel Post, 463.4.1 for Bound Printed Matter, 473.3.4 for Media Mail, or 483.3.4 for Library Mail. To be eligible for the barcode discount, each machinable parcel (see 401.1.5) must bear a properly prepared UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology as described in 5.3 that accurately represents the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery address. For information on barcode placement for parcels, see 402.4.0. [C850.1.1]
UCC/EAN Code128 postal routing barcode data elements (see Exhibit 1.2) include:
a. Barcode Type. UCC/EAN Code 128 is the only acceptable barcode and must be printed within Subset C.
b. Start Code. Postal routing barcodes must start with a Symbol Start Code, which is not shown in the human‑readable text.
c. Function One (FNC1). The FNC1 numeric character for UCC/EAN Code 128 follows the symbol start character, is part of the symbology overhead, and is not shown in the human‑readable text.
d. Application Identifier (AI). The AI for a postal routing barcode is "420" for domestic mail and is not shown in the human‑readable text.
e. ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code. Postal routing barcodes must include the 5‑digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the address. Only the 5‑digit ZIP Code appears in the human‑readable text.
f. Check Digit. A check digit must be added at the end of the sequence of numbers to validate the authenticity of the number. UCC/EAN Code 128 postal routing barcodes must utilize a MOD 103 check digit, which is not shown in the human‑readable text.
g. Stop Code. The UCC/EAN Code 128 postal routing barcode must end with a Symbol Stop Code, which is not shown in the human‑readable text. [C850.1.2]
Exhibit 5.2 Postal Routing UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format 
Eligible machinable parcels may qualify for the barcode discount and bear a Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation barcode using one of the following options:
a. The Single Concatenated Barcode (see Exhibit 5.3a). Mailers may place a single concatenated barcode that combines the postal routing information and Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation information. Single concatenated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503.9.0 for Delivery Confirmation service, 503.10.0 for Signature Confirmation service, and Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. If a parcel bears a single concatenated barcode, then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.
b. Separate Barcodes (see Exhibit 5.3b). Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 5.2 and a Delivery Confirmation barcode described in 503.9.0 or a Signature Confirmation barcode described in 503.10.0 (and Publication 91) on the same parcel.
To eliminate the need to place one barcode for Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation and another barcode for insurance, eligible machinable parcels may qualify for the barcode discount by placing a single integrated barcode that combines Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation and insurance using one of the following options:
a. Single Concatenated Integrated Barcode. Mailers may place a single concatenated integrated barcode that combines postal routing information and postal insurance (see 503.9.0) with Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service. The single concatenated integrated barcode option allows electronic option mailers to combine multiple special services into a single barcode on their packages. Single concatenated integrated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503.9.0 for Delivery Confirmation service, 503.10.0 for Signature Confirmation service, and Publication 91. If a parcel bears a single concatenated integrated barcode then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.
b. Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 5.2 and an integrated barcode that combines insurance as described in 5.4a. on the same parcel with Delivery Confirmation in 503.9.0 or Signature Confirmation in 503.10.0. The integrated barcode option allows electronic mailers to combine multiple special services into a single barcode on their packages. [C850.1.4]
The preferred range of widths of narrow bars and spaces is 0.015 inch to 0.017 inch. The width of the narrow bars or spaces must be at least 0.013 inch but no more than 0.021 inch. All bars must be at least 0.75 inch high. [C850.2.1]
The address and barcode must be placed squarely onto the largest surface area of the parcel, except when its shape and contents requires specific orientation for stability during processing; then the address and barcode(s) must be placed on the top. The address and barcode label(s) must not overlap any side of the parcel or other label. The barcode should be placed immediately adjacent to the delivery address and at least 1 inch from the edge of the parcel. The delivery address and barcode may be printed on an attachment or enclosure in a window envelope affixed to the parcel, subject to the reflectance standards in 4.3. The barcode may be placed on a separate label or in an alternate location on the address label, subject to the clearance standards in 5.7. Barcodes that are not placed immediately adjacent to the delivery address must not encroach the return address, postage, applicable markings, endorsements, and extra service labels. [C850.3.0]
The barcode must be located as specified in 5.6. No printing may appear in an area 1/8 inch above and below the barcode. A minimum clear (quiet) zone equal to 10 times the average measured narrow element (bars or space) width must be maintained to the left and right of the barcode. [C850.2.2]
When measured in the red spectral range between 630 nanometers and 675 nanometers, the minimum white bar (space) reflectance (Rs) must be greater than 50%, and the maximum bar reflectance (Rb) must be less than 25%. The minimum print reflectance difference (Rs‑Rb) is 40%. Reflectance must be measured with a USPS‑specified reflectance meter or barcode verifier. [C850.2.3]
All barcodes in each mailing must measure American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade C or above. ANSI grade barcodes D or F are unacceptable. It is strongly recommended that all printing processes be tested to ensure that they meet specification requirements. Information concerning ANSI guidelines X3.182‑1990 may be obtained from the American National Standards Institute (see 608.8.0). [C850.2.4]
The human‑readable information on the barcode must conform to one of the following options:
a. For postal routing barcodes printed under 5.2, 5.3b., and 5.4b., if the postal routing barcode is printed on a separate label, the human‑readable equivalent of the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code encoded in the barcode preceded by the word "ZIP" must be printed between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch below the barcode in 10‑point or larger bold sans‑serif type. Alternatively, the word "ZIP" may be placed no less than 10 times the average narrow bar or space element width and no more than 1/2 inch to the left of the barcode, in 10‑point or larger bold sans‑serif type (see Exhibit 5.2). While not recommended, if the postal routing barcode is printed on the delivery address label and is in close proximity to the address, the human‑readable equivalent of the ZIP Code (and the word "ZIP") may be omitted.
b. For barcodes printed under 5.3b. or 5.4b. the human‑readable information for the concatenated or concatenated/integrated barcode must include as text the application identifiers (AI) 420 and 91 and the full tracking identification number. When the AI 420 and ZIP Code information is used, it must be parsed separately from the main body of text. The first group will contain the 420 AI, space, 5‑digit ZIP Code, space, +4 code (if used), space, with the remaining human‑readable text parsed in groups of four with the remaining digits grouped at the end (e.g., 420 22021 9122 1234 5678 9123 4567 83). [C850.2.5]
Postal routing codes must meet the technical specifications in the UCC/EAN‑128 Application Identifier Standard, which can be obtained from Uniform Code Council Inc. (see 608.8.0), and the barcode characteristics in 5.0. [C850.2.6]
Barcodes must be printed on substrate material that preserves the optical specification as described in the AIM‑USA Uniform Symbology Specification documents. Typically, white label stock commonly used for barcode generation is suitable, providing it is not glossy (causing mirror‑like, specular reflection) or prone to smearing or smudging. [C850.2.7]
Exhibit 6.1.1 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded tray or sack labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:
a. Barcoded tray labels and sack labels must not be interchanged. Tray labels must be used only for trays, and sack labels must be used only for sacks.
b. Mailer‑produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 6.0.
c. All information on barcoded labels must be machine‑printed. Alterations to preprinted barcoded labels (e.g., handwritten changes) may not be made.
d. Barcoded labels must be inserted completely into the label holder on the tray or sack to prevent their loss during transport and processing. [M032.1.1]
Exhibit 6.1.1 Required Barcoded Container Labels
|
Enhanced Carrier Route high-density and saturation letter rates |
Letter-size (barcoded labels not required for letter-size pieces at nonletter rates) |
|---|---|
|
Automation, Presorted, and Enhanced Carrier Route in letter trays under 345.3.0 | |
|
Automation and Presorted in letter trays cotrayed under 705.9.0 using 345.3.0 option | |
The destination line must meet these standards:
a. Placement.The destination line must be the top line of the label, placed in the position shown in Exhibit 6.1.2a Barcoded Tray Labels or Exhibit 6.1.2b Barcoded Sack Labels (above the barcode on tray labels and to the right of the barcode on sack labels). An exception is that one line of extraneous information may appear above the destination line on tray and sack labels as provided in 6.2.2, Printed Human‑Readable Lines, and 6.2.2f. The destination line must be completely visible when placed in the label holder. This visibility is ensured if the destination line is no less than 1/8 (0.125) inch below the top of the label when the label is cut and prepared.
b. Information. The destination line must contain only the information required by the applicable standards for the class, processing category, sortation level of the tray or sack, and the rates claimed. This information is contained in module L labeling lists for all sortation and rate levels except trays and sacks to carrier route, 5‑digit carrier routes, merged 5‑digit, and 5‑digit destinations, and except for automation letter trays to 5‑digit scheme destinations. For the destination line of carrier route, 5‑digit carrier routes, merged 5‑digit, and 5‑digit trays and sacks, the city, two‑letter state abbreviation, and 5‑digit ZIP Code of the destination 5‑digit ZIP Code area must be shown. For 5‑digit scheme trays, the city, two‑letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code for the destination scheme must be obtained from the City State Product. The destination line may contain abbreviated city and state information if such abbreviations are those in the City State Product or in Publication 65, National Five‑Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory.
c. Overseas Military Mail. The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and barcode numeric line on barcoded tray or sack labels. The required second line of information that corresponds to the CIN must appear on the human‑readable content line of the label. The human‑readable content line is automatically printed when labels are obtained through the PASSPORT system or ordered on Form 1578‑B for printing at the Label Printing Center in Topeka, Kansas. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information as required in modules L and M when ordering and printing tray and sack labels. Any mailer using PASSPORT to order labels must also add the appropriate additional information to the human‑readable content line for those content lines marked with a footnote. [M032.1.2]
The content line must meet these standards:
a. General. The content line must appear directly below the destination line as shown in Exhibit 6.1.2a Barcoded Tray Labels or Exhibit 6.1.2b Barcoded Sack Labels. This line must show the class, processing category, and the sortation level of the tray or sack as required by the applicable standards for the mailing in module M. The appropriate content identifier number (CIN) in 6.1.4 that corresponds to that content line must be used in the barcode.
b. Periodicals. Except as provided in 705.8.15 for copalletized mailings and in 707.26.2 for combined mailings, Periodicals publications must use one of the following for Line 2 class information:
2. "NEWS" if published weekly or more often or if authorized newspaper treatment as of March 1, 1984.
c. Additional Information. For 3‑digit scheme trays as specified by the labeling list, the content line for some destinations must be followed by the letter "A," "B," or "C," which is not required to be right‑justified. For carrier route trays and sacks, the content information must be followed by a one‑letter carrier route type description followed by a space and a 3‑digit route number for the route to which the tray is destined. [M032.1.3]
The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and barcode numeric line on barcoded tray or sack labels. The required second line of information that corresponds to the CIN must appear on the human‑readable content line of the label. The human‑readable content line is automatically printed when labels are obtained through the PASSPORT system or ordered on Form 1578‑B for printing at the Label Printing Center in Topeka, Kansas. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information as required in modules L and M when ordering and printing tray and sack labels. Any mailer using PASSPORT to order labels must also add the appropriate additional information to the human‑readable content line for those content lines marked with a footnote. See Exhibit 6.1.4 3‑Digit Content Identifier Numbers.
The origin line must appear below the content line in a location appropriate for a tray or sack as shown in Exhibit 6.1.2a Barcoded Tray Labels or Exhibit 6.1.2b Barcoded Sack Labels. This line must show the city and state of the entry post office or the mailer's name and the city and state of the mailer's location. It is recommended that the mailer's name also appear with the city and state of the entry post office. The origin line may contain abbreviated city and state information if such abbreviations are those in the USPS City State Product or in Publication 65, National Five‑Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory. A mailer code assigned by the USPS or such words as "Mailer," "From" (or "FR"), or "Entered at" may appear before the required information on this line. [M032.1.4]
A barcoded tray label must meet these specifications:
a. Color: white or manila for First‑Class Mail and Standard Mail; pink for Periodicals.
b. Reflectance: minimum reflectance requirements in 6.2.4i.
c. Perforations: perforations are not permitted through the barcode and barcode quiet zone on labels.
d. Weight: minimum 70‑pound paper stock (500 sheets, 24 by 36 inches).
e. Height: 1.860 inches minimum; 2.015 inches maximum.
f. Length: 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.
g. Thickness: 0.005 inch minimum. [M032.2.1]
The printed human‑readable text lines must meet these specifications:
a. General. The human‑readable lines must be printed in uppercase letters, with no run‑on letters or numerals. The letters and numerals in the destination, content, and origin lines must be easy to read. The character spacing can be proportional with respect to the type font used.
b. Destination Line (Line 1). The printed destination line must have a minimum character height of 0.120 inch and a maximum character density of 17 characters per inch. The corresponding ZIP Code must have a minimum character height of 0.190 inch and a maximum character density of 10 characters per inch. The destination line must accommodate at least 21 characters for the destination city and state and any required prefixes, and 5 characters for the ZIP Code. Only the correct 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix is to be printed when the required labeling for a tray includes only a 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix for Line 1 (i.e., trailing zeros are not permitted).
c. Content Line (Line 2). The printed content line must have a minimum character height of 0.120 inch. The content line must accommodate at least 21 characters and have an effective font density of no greater than 17 characters per inch.
d. Origin Line (Line 3). The printed origin line must have a maximum character height of 0.085 inch and must accommodate at least 21 characters.
e. Barcode Numeric Line. The barcode numeric line must consist of a numeric representation of the information contained in the barcode as required by 6.2.4b (5‑digit ZIP Code, CIN, processing code). The printed numeric barcode line must have a maximum character height of 0.085 inch, must accommodate 10 characters, and must be placed below the barcode and lower barcode quiet zone as shown in Exhibit 6.1.2a Barcoded Tray Labels.
f. Extraneous Information Lines. Extraneous information may be printed only at the top of the label and/or at the bottom of the label. The preferred location is the bottom of the label. If placed at the bottom of the label, the information must appear only in a rectangular area that begins 1.620 inches from the top of the label and extends to the bottom of the label. Within this lower area, the information may extend 2.75 inches to the right from the left edge of the label. See Exhibit 6.2.2f. Extraneous information at the bottom of the label must appear below the barcode numeric and origin lines. There are no font restrictions for information printed in this area at the bottom of the label with one exception: if information in this area resembles a day of the week or a USPS air stop code it must be in 10‑point or smaller type. Extraneous information printed at the top of the label must have a maximum character height of 0.083 inch. Barcodes for a mailer's internal use may not be placed in extraneous information areas or anywhere else on the label, unless approved on a case‑by‑case test basis by USPS Engineering (see 608.8.0 for address). [M032.2.2]
The zebra code is a series of diagonal or vertical marks to the right of the barcode that serves as a visual indication that a tray contains automation rate mail. The diagonal or vertical marks must each be from 0.25 to 0.375 inch high, and from 0.125 to 0.25 inch wide, separated by blank spaces equal in size to the diagonal or vertical marks. The zebra code is required on tray labels in automation rate mailings; it is not required on cotrayed automation and Presorted rate mailings. The zebra code must not appear on tray labels for nonautomation rate mail. [M032.2.3]
The label barcode must meet these specifications:
a. Type of Barcode. The barcode must be an interleaved 2‑of‑5 code according to the Automatic Identification Manufacturers' Uniform Symbology Specification (AIM/USS‑I 2/5) with the exceptions noted below.
b. Information. The barcode must represent three numeric elements:
1. The 5‑digit ZIP Code destination of the tray. For a 3‑digit tray destination, the 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix is followed by two zeros.
2. The applicable 3‑digit content identifier number (CIN) for the tray as shown in 6.1.4.
3. The applicable 2‑digit USPS processing code: (a) Code "01" is used for all automation rate and machinable letter‑size pieces, for First‑Class Mail automation rate flat‑size pieces, and for First‑Class Mail cotrayed automation rate and Presorted rate flat‑size pieces. Code "01" is used also for certain Standard Mail flat‑size pieces prepared in letter trays under 345.3.0: Standard Mail automation rate flat‑size pieces and Standard Mail cotrayed automation rate and Presorted rate flat‑size pieces. (b) Code "07" is used for all other mail (e.g., manual and nonmachinable letter‑size pieces). Code "07" is also used for certain Standard Mail flat‑size pieces prepared in letter trays under 345.3.0: Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail nonautomation rate and Standard Mail Presorted rate.
c. Placement. The barcode must be on the left side of the tray label, below the destination and content lines. The top of the barcode must be not less than 0.6 inch from the top of the label. The bottom of the barcode must be no more than 1.5 inches from the top of the label. The barcode must not extend more than 2.0 inches to the right from the left edge of the label.
d. Quiet Zones. Two quiet zones (clear areas) must be maintained, one to the left and one to the right of the barcode, each measuring at least 10 times the X dimension (see 6.2.4f) and extending the full height of the barcode. Two additional quiet zones must be maintained, one above and one below the barcode for its full width, each measuring at least 0.070 inch. The quiet zones must meet the space reflectance specification in 6.2.4i.
e. Height. The height of the barcode must be from 0.65 to 0.75 inch.
f. X Dimension. The width of the narrow bar element and narrow space element is defined as the X dimension. It must be selected as a single dimension and it must be uniform within the barcode. The minimum X dimension or narrow element width is 0.012 inch and the maximum is 0.016 inch. The optimum X dimension or narrow bar/space width is 0.015 inch.
g. Wide‑to‑Narrow Bar Ratio. The wide‑to‑narrow ratio for bars and spaces within the barcode must be between 3 to 1 and 2.3 to 1 and uniform within the barcode. The optimum ratio is 3 to 1.
h. Printing Tolerances. The maximum irregularity in the edge straightness of any bar element is 0.3 times the X dimension. The printing tolerance for any (narrow or wide) bar or space is +0.004 inch and is not cumulative. Example 1: If an X dimension of 0.015 inch is selected, each individual narrow bar or narrow space element on the printing of the barcode must not be less than 0.011 inch or more than 0.019 inch. Example 2: If the wide bar/space dimension of 0.045 inch is selected, each individual wide bar or space must not be less than 0.041 inch or more than 0.049 inch.
i. Reflectance. When measured at 633 nanometers, bar reflectance must be less than 30% and space reflectance must be more than 40%. The bar‑to‑space reflectance difference must be more than 40%. [M032.2.4]
A barcoded sack label must meet these specifications:
a. Color: white or manila for First‑Class Mail and Standard Mail and Package Services; pink for Periodicals.
b. Reflectance: minimum reflectance requirements in 6.3.3i.
c. Weight: minimum 70‑pound paper stock (500 sheets, 24 by 36 inches).
d. Height: 0.937 inch minimum; 0.980 inch maximum.
e. Length: 3.250 inches minimum; 3.375 inches maximum. [M032.3.1]
The printed human‑readable text lines must meet these specifications:
a. General. The human‑readable lines must be printed in uppercase letters, with no run‑on letters or numerals. The letters and numerals in the destination, content, and origin lines must be easy to read. The character spacing can be proportional with respect to the type font used, and should not exceed 17 characters per inch. When the information cannot be shortened by acceptable postal abbreviations, it may be printed in a compressed font. The information must appear to the right of the right barcode quiet zone.
b. Destination Line (Line 1). The printed destination line must have a minimum character height of 0.083 inch. The corresponding ZIP Code must have a minimum character height of 0.111 inch. The destination line must accommodate at least 22 characters.
c. Content Line (Line 2). The printed content line must have a minimum character height of 0.083 inch. The content line must accommodate at least 21 characters.
d. Origin Line (Line 3). The printed origin line must have a minimum character height of 0.083 inch.
e. Barcode Numeric Line. A barcode numeric line is optional. If used, the numeric line must consist of a numeric representation of the eight digits of information contained in the barcode as required by 6.3.3b (5‑digit ZIP Code and CIN). The printed numeric barcode line must have a maximum character height of 0.085 inch. It must be placed a minimum of 0.070 inch below the barcode (see Exhibit 6.1.2b Barcoded Sack Labels).
f. Extraneous Information Lines. Extraneous information may be printed only to the right of the right quiet zone if it does not interfere with scanning and sorting by automated equipment. Extraneous information may be placed (1) below the origin line; (2) above the destination line; or (3) either between the content and origin lines or to the right of required information on the origin line, provided that the information does not consist of numerals that resemble a ZIP Code or 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix. It is recommended that this information be placed below the origin line. If placed above the destination line, the maximum height of the type is 0.083 inch, and it is further recommended that the information be printed in a size of type much smaller than the size used on the destination line. Extraneous information must not be placed between the destination and content lines. [M032.3.2]
The label barcode must meet these specifications:
a. Type of Barcode. The barcode must be an interleaved 2‑of‑5 code according to the Automatic Identification Manufacturers' Uniform Symbology Specification (AIM/USS‑I 2/5) with the exceptions noted below.
b. Information. The barcode must represent the following information: the 5‑digit ZIP Code destination of the sack (for sacks with a 3‑digit destination, this is the 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix followed by two zeros); and the 3‑digit content identifier number (CIN) applicable to the content of the sack in Exhibit, 6.1.4 3‑Digit Content Identifier Numbers.
c. Placement. The barcode must be on the left side of the sack label.
d. Quiet Zones. Two quiet zones (clear areas) must be maintained, one to the left and one to the right of the barcode, each measuring at least 10 times the X dimension (see 3.3f) and extending the full height of the barcode. The quiet zones must meet the space reflectance specification in 6.3.3i.
e. Height. The height of the barcode must be at least 0.700 inch.
f. X Dimension. The width of the narrow bar element and narrow space element is defined as the X dimension. It must be selected as a single dimension and it must be uniform within the barcode. The minimum X dimension or narrow element width is 0.012 inch and the maximum is 0.016 inch. The optimum X dimension or narrow bar/space width is 0.015 inch.
g. Wide‑to‑Narrow Bar Ratio. The wide‑to‑narrow ratio for bars and spaces within the barcode must be between 3 to 1 and 2.3 to 1 and be uniform within the barcode. The optimum ratio is 3 to 1.
h. Printing Tolerances. The maximum irregularity in the edge straightness of any bar element is 0.3 times the X dimension. The printing tolerance for any (narrow or wide) bar or space is +0.004 inch and is not cumulative. Example 1: If an X dimension of 0.015 inch is selected, each individual narrow bar or narrow space element on the printing of the barcode must not be less than 0.011 inch or more than 0.019 inch. Example 2: If the wide bar/space dimension of 0.045 inch is selected, each individual wide bar or space must not be less than 0.041 inch or more than 0.049 inch.
i. Reflectance. When measured at 633 nanometers, bar reflectance must be less than 30% and space reflectance must be more than 40%. The bar‑to‑space reflectance difference must be more than 40%. [M032.3.3]
An optional endorsement line (OEL) may be used to label bundles instead of applying pressure-sensitive bundle labels or facing slips to the top piece of bundles. The OEL must show carrier route information or the type of bundle and ZIP Code information as shown in Exhibit 7.1.1, OEL Formats. Use of OELs on bundles is subject to the standards for the rate claimed. OELs are required with 5-digit scheme and 3-digit scheme bundles. At the mailer's option, pieces in trays of noncarrier route automation letter-size mail may bear OEL information that corresponds to the sortation level of the tray in which the pieces are placed. The ZIP Code for use on OELs must include the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix or 5-digit ZIP Code as required. [M013.1.1]
A mailer's keyline or comparable information may not be placed on the same line as the OEL or on the line above the OEL. A keyline used on valid ACS mailpieces is subject also to 7.2.4, No ACS Code in OEL. [M013.1.2]
On a firm bundle of carrier route presorted Periodicals, "FIRM" may precede "CAR‑RT SORT" in the carrier route information line under 6.0. [M013.1.3]
At the mailer's option, rate markings required by the standards for the rate claimed may be included in the OEL if the OEL appears on each piece in the mailing and if it remains a single line with the basic bundle label information (required by 7.1.1) at the right end (e.g., on a carrier route bundle of Enhanced Carrier Route Saturation Standard Mail: * * * * ECRWSS**C‑001; on an automation Standard Mail 3‑digit bundle: * * * * AUTO**3‑DIGIT 750). [M013.1.4]
The exceptional address format may appear above the OEL as specified in 602.3.0, Use of Alternative Addressing. [M013.1.5]
At the mailer's option, line‑of‑travel (LOT) information for carrier route Periodicals and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail may be included in the OEL using the applicable format in 7.1.1. All other OEL requirements apply. If there is insufficient space within the OEL to include any other information required (e.g., ACS participant code), this OEL format may not be used. [M013.1.6]
Except when an address block barcode is placed above the optional endorsement line (OEL), the appropriate presort identification must be the first line at the top of the address block or label. A mailer receiving address corrections through Address Change Service (ACS) may use the first eight positions on the left side of the OEL for the ACS participant code. [M013.2.1]
The information in the OEL must be in capital letters with letter size and line spacing no less than the size and line spacing of the largest letters or characters in the address block or any part of the address label. Letters in the endorsement line must be the same type font as those in the address block. Only capital letters of the alphabet, Arabic numerals, or asterisks may be used in the OEL. [M013.2.2]
If an Address Change Service (ACS) participant code (see 507.3.2) is used in an OEL on a label or in an address block, the delimiter symbol (#) must be in the first position at the left margin of the OEL, followed by the seven‑character USPS‑assigned ACS participant code, then one blank space. The remaining blank spaces between the left‑justified delimiter and ACS participant code and the first character of the right‑justified mail sortation information of the OEL must be filled with asterisks. [M013.2.3]
If an ACS participant code is not placed in the OEL as permitted by 507.3.2.4 or is not used at all, the OEL must be filled with asterisks from the left margin of the label or address block (as defined by the position of the first character printed at the left margin in the label or address block) up to the first character in the OEL. A keyline prepared under 7.1.2 is required on valid ACS mailpieces if an ACS participant wants to receive notification of nondelivery information under 507.1.4.1 in addition to address correction service. [M013.2.4]
Except for carrier route bundles, the OEL must include the ZIP Code information (5‑digit ZIP Code or 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix) determined by the sortation level and, when applicable, by the labeling list designated in Exhibit 7.2.5 for ADC, mixed ADC, AADC, or mixed AADC sortation levels. Carrier route OELs must show carrier route information as specified in 6.0. [M013.2.5]
Exhibit 7.2.5 OEL Labeling Lists
| Periodicals 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
L011 2 |
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L009 3 |
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|
L009 3 |
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|
L009 3 |
||
| Standard Mail 1 | ||
|
L004 2 |
||
|
L011 2 |
||
|
L011 2 |
||
|
L009 3 |
||
|
L009 3 |
||
|
L603 4 |
L604 4 |
|
| Bound Printed Matter 1 | ||
|
L009 3 |
||
|
L009 3 |
||
|
L004 2 |
||
|
L004 2 |
||
|
L004 2 |
||
Bundles for individual carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, post office box sections, or general delivery units must be prepared with facing slips under 235.2.11 for First‑Class Mail Letters, 245.2.11 for Standard Mail Letters, 345.2.12 for Standard Mail Flats, 365.2.11 for Bound Printed Matter Flats, 445.2.11 for Standard Mail Parcels, 465.2.10 for Bound Printed Matter Parcels, and 707.19.15 for Periodicals, optional endorsement lines under 7.0, or carrier route information lines under 8.2. These standards apply to automation Carrier Route First‑Class Mail, Carrier Route Periodicals, Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter mailings. Carrier route information lines may be on all pieces in a mailing, regardless of presort level. [M014.1.0]
Carrier route information consisting of a descriptive prefix (or its abbreviation), plus a route number or numeric code, must be on the top line of the address, either alone or with other information (e.g., addressee, account data). Alternatively, when permitted by standard, the carrier route information may appear with the applicable carrier route endorsement on the line above or two lines above the address if the carrier route rate marking is in the address area (see Exhibit 8.2.1). [M014.2.1]
Exhibit 8.2.1 Address Format With Carrier Route Information 
The authorized descriptive prefixes and their abbreviations are "Carrier Route" ("C"), "Rural Route" ("R"), "Highway Contract Route" ("H"), "Post Office Box Section" ("B"), and "General Delivery Unit" ("G"). [M014.2.2]
These conditions apply to the carrier route code:
a. The one‑character descriptive prefix in 8.2.2 must be followed by a 3‑digit route or post office box section number.
b. On Periodicals and Standard Mail pieces bearing a simplified address that does not include a ZIP Code, the descriptive prefix in 8.2.2 must be followed by the last two digits of the 5‑digit ZIP Code and the 3‑digit route number or post office box section number.
c. The route code required for simplified address mailings in 8.2.3b may also be used on mailings of any class that contain a ZIP Code in the address. [M014.2.3]
The following elements also are included in the carrier route information line:
a. The carrier route code must be preceded by at least two asterisks (**).
b. At least 10 spaces must be reserved for the carrier route code if other information is included on the top line.
c. The carrier route information line may also contain the basic markings required by standard for the class of mail and rate claimed, prepared under 202 for letters, 302 for flats, and 402 for parcels.
d. The carrier route information line may also include information to identify bundles of Periodicals matter mailed at:
1. carrier route saturation rates ("SATURATION WALK‑SEQUENCED CARRIER ROUTE MAIL" or the abbreviation "CAR‑RT WSS"),
2. high density walk‑sequenced rates ("HIGH DENSITY WALK‑
SEQUENCED CARRIER ROUTE MAIL" or the abbreviation "CAR‑RT WSH"), or
3. basic carrier route rates ("CARRIER ROUTE LINE‑OF‑TRAVEL" or the abbreviation "CAR‑RT LOT"). [M014.2.4]
On a firm bundle of carrier route presorted Periodicals, "FIRM" may precede "CAR‑RT LOT" or "CAR‑RT WSH" or "CAR‑RT WSS," as applicable, in the carrier route information line. [M014.2.5]
The facing identification mark (FIM) serves to orient and separate certain types of First‑Class Mail during the facing‑canceling process. The appropriate FIM is required on all letter‑size business reply mail (BRM) under 507.8.0. The appropriate FIM also is required on letter‑size courtesy reply mail (CRM) and meter reply mail (MRM) provided as enclosures in automation rate mailings under 201.3.0. Letter‑size mail with IBI printed with nonfluorescent ink directly onto the envelope by an IBI meter or a PC postage system must use FIM D. A FIM must not be used on any other type of mail. [C100.5.1]
The FIM pattern is a nine‑bit binary code represented by vertical bars (with corresponding space element). A printed bar is considered binary 1; a nonprinted bar (placeholder), binary 0. The required FIM pattern as shown below depends on the type of mail and the presence of a POSTNET barcode as follows:
a. FIM A is used for CRM and MRM with a preprinted barcode. (FIM A binary code is 110010011.)
b. FIM B is used for BRM without a preprinted BRM ZIP+4 barcode. (FIM B binary code is 101101101.)
c. FIM C is used for BRM with a preprinted BRM ZIP+4 barcode. (FIM C binary code is 110101011.)
d. FIM D is used for letter‑size First‑Class Mail with IBI printed with nonfluorescent ink directly on the envelope. (FIM D binary code is 111010111.)
The FIM must meet these specifications:
a. A FIM clear zone to the upper right of the address side of the mailpiece must be maintained and must contain no printing other than the FIM. Exhibit 9.3 shows the FIM position and the FIM clear zone as defined by these boundaries:
1. Left: 3 inches from the right edge of the piece.
2. Right: 1‑3/4 inches from the right edge of the piece.
3. Top: top edge of the piece.
4. Bottom: 5/8 inch from the top edge of the piece.
b. The FIM bars must be 5/8 inch (±1/8 inch) high and 1/32 inch (±0.008 inch) wide and positioned as follows:
1. The right edge of the rightmost bar of the FIM must be 2 inches (±1/8 inch) from the right edge of the piece.
2. The tops of the FIM bars must be no lower than 1/8 inch from the top edge of the piece. The tops of the bars may extend over the top edge of the piece to the back (flap) of the piece if at least a 1/2‑inch bar height is maintained on the address side.
3. The bottoms of the FIM bars must touch the bottom boundary of the FIM clear zone or be no more than 1/8 inch above or below this boundary. [C100.5.3]
Extraneous ink must not cause a FIM bar to exceed the specifications in 9.3. The combined effects of positional skew (slant of the entire FIM) and rotational skew (slant of the individual FIM bars) must be limited to ±5 degrees from the perpendicular edge of the printed FIM to the top edge of the mailpiece. Mail required to bear a FIM is considered nonmailable when the FIM has insufficient ink coverage, improper measurement, or ink in the space between the bars or when the FIM is enlarged or reduced. Camera‑ready positives of FIMs, which must not be enlarged or reduced, are available at no charge from the USPS. [C100.5.4]
There must be at least a 30% print reflectance difference between the ink used for printing the FIM and the background material on which the FIM is printed in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum when measured with a USPS or USPS‑licensed envelope reflectance meter. [C100.5.5]
Postal rates for certain subclasses of mail are based on the weight of the individual piece and the distance that the piece travels from origin to destination (i.e., the number of postal zones crossed). For the administration of these postal zones, the earth is divided into units of area 30 minutes square, identical with a quarter of the area formed by the intersecting parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. Postal zones are based on the distance between these units of area. The distance is measured from the center of the unit of area containing the SCF serving the origin post office to the SCF serving the destination post office. The SCFs serving the origin and destination post offices are determined by using L005, Column B. [G030.1.1]
Zones are used to compute postage on zoned mail sent between USPS facilities, including military post offices (MPOs), as follows:
a. For the purposes of computing postal zone information, except for items 10.2b. and 10.2c., the following table applies to MPOs not listed in L005.
b. The postage rates for zoned mail transported between the United States, the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territories or possessions, including the Trust Territory of the Pacific on the one hand, and MPOs on the other, or, among the MPOs, are the applicable zone rates for mail between the place of mailing or delivery and the city of the postmaster serving the MPO concerned.
c. The postage rate for zoned mail mailed at or addressed to an MPO and transported directly to or from MPOs at Department of Defense expense, without transiting any of the 48 contiguous states (including the District of Columbia), is the applicable local zone rate. If such mail transits any area served by the USPS at USPS expense and the distance from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place of delivery is more than the local zone for such mail, postage is assessed by the distance from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place of delivery of such mail, as the case may be. The word transiting does not include en route transfers at coastal gateway cities necessary to transport military mail directly between MPOs. For example, a parcel mailed at Honolulu, HI, for direct dispatch by the Department of Defense from Honolulu to an MPO in the Pacific is subject to the local zone rate. A parcel mailed at Hilo, HI, and transported at USPS expense to Honolulu, HI, for direct dispatch at Department of Defense expense from Honolulu to an MPO in Japan is subject to zone 2 rates. [G030.1.2]
The USPS Official National Zone Chart Data Program is administered from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in Memphis, TN. Single‑page zone charts for originating mail are available at no cost from local post offices or online at http://pe.usps.com. Zone chart data for the entire nation can be purchased in print and CD‑ROM formats. For more information or to purchase zone charts, call the Zone Chart program administrator at 800‑238‑3150 or write to the NCSC (see 608.8.0 for address). [G030.1.3]
The local zone applies to mail deposited at any post office for delivery to addresses within the delivery area of that post office. For various types of post offices, the local zone applies to all mail that both originates and destinates within:
a. The 5‑digit ZIP Code area(s) assigned to the same post office.
b. Any of the 5‑digit ZIP Codes that are part of any unique 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix(es) or other separate 5‑digit ZIP Code(s), as applicable, assigned to the same post office. [G030.2.1]
Nonlocal zones are defined as follows:
a. The zone 1 rate applies to pieces not eligible for the local zone in 10.4.1 that are mailed between two post offices with the same 3‑digit ZIP Code prefix identified in L005, Column A. Zone 1 includes all units of area outside the local zone lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 50 miles from the center of the area.
b. Zone 2 includes all units of area outside zone 1 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 150 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
c. Zone 3 includes all units of area outside zone 2 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 300 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
d. Zone 4 includes all units of area outside zone 3 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 600 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
e. Zone 5 includes all units of area outside zone 4 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 1,000 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
f. Zone 6 includes all units of area outside zone 5 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 1,400 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
g. Zone 7 includes all units of area outside zone 6 lying in whole or in part within a radius of about 1,800 miles from the center of a given unit of area.
h. Zone 8 includes all units of area outside zone 7. [G030.2.2]
The sectional center facility (SCF) rate applies to mail originating and destinating within the service area of the same SCF as defined by the USPS. [G030.2.3]
The delivery unit rate applies to mail destinating within the delivery area of the delivery unit at which it is deposited by the mailer. [G030.2.4]
Exhibit 6.1.4 3‑Digit Content Identifier Numbers
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NEWS Flats — | ||
|---|---|---|
