204 Barcode Standards

Channel Application Identifier (AI): identifies the business induction channel from which the mailpiece originated and the location of the payment record.
Destination ZIP Code.
Julian Date: used in conjunction with the AI to identify the print date.
Mailer Identifier (MID): identifies the 6 or 9-digit MID of the mailer or mail service provider. A 6-digit MID must begin with a “0” through an “8” and a 9-digit MID must begin with a “9.”
Mod 10 Check Digit: used as the final digit in the barcode string.
Postal Code Application Identifier: identifies the presence of a routing code, when used.
Serial Number: identifies the mailpiece, the length for which is determined by the induction channel for the mailer.
Service Type Code: a 3-digit code that identifies the mail class, product and/or extra services.
Source Identifier: a 2-digit field that identifies the type of online source or platform that generated the barcode.

2.1.4 Physical Barcode Requirements

Detailed physical specifications for barcodes are provided in the resource documents and Publication 199, available on PostalPro at http://postalpro.usps.com. Physical barcode requirements are as follows:

Barcode Symbology: generally follows GS1-128 symbology.
X-Dimension: defines the width of the narrowest bar or space element within the barcode and must be between 0.013 inch and 0.021 inch. An X-dimension of 0.015 – 0.018 is preferred.
Barcode Length: the overall length is a function of the number of characters encoded and the X-Dimension used.
Barcode Height: unless allowed by exception, the minimum height must be at least 0.75 inch.
Minimum Horizontal Barcode Quiet/Clear Zone: must measure at least ten (10) times the X-Dimension to the left and right of the barcode. A clear zone of at least 0.25 inch is recommended.
Minimum Vertical Barcode Quiet/Clear Zone: a clear zone of at least 0.125 inch must be maintained directly above and below the barcode.
Human-Readable Representation of Barcode Data and Service Banner: text must be printed in accordance with Exhibit 2.1.4 and as follows:

Human-readable text cannot extend beyond the length of the identification bars.
Service Banners must include the human-readable text “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” (or “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING NUMBER”) for mailpieces requiring a signature at delivery and ``USPS TRACKING #” (or “USPS TRACKING NUMBER”) for all other mailpieces. Service Banner text shown in Exhibit 2.1.4 is an example. See Publication 199 for additional information.

Identification Bars: are horizontal black lines that extend at least the total combined width of the barcode and the minimum horizontal clearance to the left and right of the barcode, and may extend beyond this measurement to the width of the label are printed in accordance with Exhibit 2.1.4.

Exhibit 2.1.4 Barcode Specifications

2.1.5 Print Quality Requirements

Detailed specifications for measuring print quality are defined in the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Specification and Publication 199.

Print quality requirements are as follows:

Reflectance: barcodes must be printed on substrate (e.g. shipping label) of uniform color and must meet requirements for reflectance as measured on a USPS-specified reflectance meter or barcode verifier.
Symbol Contrast: when measured in accordance with the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Specification, must be greater than 40 percent.
Barcode Quality: barcodes in each mailing must be 70% grade A or B with the remaining not below a grade C.

2.1.6 Quality Assurance

Mailers must perform routine inspections and testing of labels and barcodes to ensure quality

2.1.7 Electronic File

All mailers generating Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) must transmit piece-level information to USPS in an approved electronic file format (except for mailers generating barcodes for use on return services products, such as uninsured USPS Returns service packages). Specifications for electronic files are provided in Publication 199, available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. Electronic files must include the following elements:

Header Record: provides summary information regarding the entity transmitting the file and the nature of the mailing.
Detail Record 1: defines the class and service type of the item, fees and postage, destination ZIP Code and information related to containerization.
Detail Record 2: provides detail on special products (e.g. Priority Mail Express).
Version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping services manifest files, including each destination delivery address or ZIP + 4 Code. Shipping Services file manifests or other approved electronic documentation must include the destination delivery address (that has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point) or delivery point validation (DPV) 11-digit ZIP Code for each record in the file.
Electronic shipping manifest files, or approved alternative electronic documentation, must include data identifying the mailing agent and mail owner, as applicable.

2.1.8 Compliance Quality Thresholds

All mailers who enter commercial parcels must meet the established thresholds for IMpb Compliance Quality outlined in Exhibit 2.1.8 to avoid an IMpb noncompliance fee. Failure to meet any compliance quality threshold in Exhibit 2.1.8 will result in the assessment of the IMpb Noncompliance Fee. For details, see Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems, available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Exhibit 2.1.8 IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds

Compliance Categories	Compliance Codes	Validations	Compliance Thresholds
Address Quality: Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11-Digit DPV.	AQ	Must include a full, valid destination delivery address that has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point in the file as follows: • Valid secondary address information. • Match between address to ZIP +4 Codes. • Include street number. • Valid primary street number. • Customers using eVS must provide the address information before the Arrival at Unit (07) Event Scan and non-eVS customers at the time of mailing.	90
Manifest Quality (Shipping Services file): Checks for a timely manifest file that passes four critical validation criteria.	MQ	• Entry facility must match between scan and manifest. • Valid PO of Account ZIP Code (where account is held for payment). • Valid method of payment (Permit, Federal Agency, PC Postage, Smart Meter, Other Meter, or Stamps). • Valid payment account number.	94
Barcode Quality: Checks the barcode in the manifest that passes three critical validations.	BQ	• Valid and Certified Mailer ID in the label that is in Program Registration/Online Enrollment. • IMpb must be unique for 120 days. • The IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit Service Type Code that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package and the electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) in the Shipping Services File.	98

2.1.9Alternate Approval

Labels not meeting IMpb specifications or other label element standards, but still able to demonstrate acceptable functionality within USPS processes, may be allowed using an alternative approval process authorized by the vice president, Enterprise Analytics. (See 608.8.1 for contact information.)

2.2 Other Package Barcodes

2.2.1 Basic Standards for Postal Routing Barcodes

A separate postal routing barcode may be used on parcels to provide routing information, when used in conjunction with an IMpb. Each parcel must bear a properly prepared GS1-128 barcode symbology as described in 2.2.2 that accurately represents the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery address. For information on barcode placement for parcels, see 202.6.0.

2.2.2 Basic Elements of Postal Routing Barcodes

GS1-Code128 postal routing barcode data elements include:

Barcode Type. GS1-128 is the only acceptable barcode and must be printed within Subset C.
Start Code. Postal routing barcodes must start with a Symbol Start Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.
Function One (FNC1). The FNC1 numeric character for GS1-128 follows the symbol start character, is part of the symbology overhead, and is not shown in the human-readable text.
Application Identifier (AI). The AI for a postal routing barcode is “420” for domestic mail and is not shown in the human-readable text.
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.
Check Digit. A check digit must be added at the end of the sequence of numbers to validate the authenticity of the number. GS1-128 postal routing barcodes must utilize a MOD 103 check digit, which is not shown in the human-readable text.
Stop Code. The GS1-128 postal routing barcode must end with a Symbol Stop Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.

Exhibit 2.2.2 Postal Routing GS1-128 Barcode Format

2.2.3 Use With USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation

Eligible machinable parcels may bear a USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation barcode using one of the following options:

The Single Concatenated Barcode (see Exhibit 2.2.3a). Mailers may place a single concatenated barcode that combines the postal routing information and USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation information. Single concatenated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503 for USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation, and in Publication 199. If a parcel bears a single concatenated barcode, then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.

Exhibit 2.2.3a Confirmation Services Concatenated GS1-128 Barcode Format

Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 2.2.2 and a USPS Tracking barcode or Signature Confirmation barcode described in 503 and in Publication 199 on the same parcel.

Exhibit 2.2.3b Confirmation Services GS1-128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode

2.2.4 Use With Confirmation Services and Insurance (Integrated Barcode)

To eliminate the need to place one barcode for USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation and another barcode for insurance, parcels must bear a single integrated barcode, with the correct 3-digit service type code, that combines USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation and insurance using one of the following options:

Single Concatenated Integrated Barcode that combines postal routing information and postal insurance (503.4.0) with USPS Tracking service or Signature Confirmation service. Single concatenated integrated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503 for USPS Tracking and Signature Confirmation, and Publication 199. 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.
Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 2.2.2 and an integrated barcode that combines insurance as described in 2.2.4a on the same parcel with USPS Tracking in 503.7.0 or Signature Confirmation in 503.8.0. The integrated barcode option allows electronic mailers to combine multiple extra services into a single barcode on their packages.

2.2.5 Dimensions

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.

2.2.6 Location

See 202.6.1 for barcode location standards.

2.2.7 Clear Zone

The barcode must be located as specified in 202.6.2. 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.

2.2.8 Reflectance

Barcodes must be printed on substrate (e.g. shipping label) of uniform color and must meet requirements for reflectance as measured on a USPS-specified reflectance meter or barcode verifier.

2.2.9 Quality

All barcodes in each mailing must measure American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade C or above. 70% must be grade A or B with the remaining not below a grade C.

2.2.10 Human-Readable Information

The human-readable information on the barcode must conform to one of the following options:

For postal routing barcodes printed under 2.2.2, 2.2.3b, and 2.2.4b, 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 2.2.2). 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.
For barcodes printed under 2.2.3b or 2.2.4b the human-readable information for the concatenated or concatenated/integrated barcode must suppress the application identifiers (AI) 420 and routing ZIP Code from the human-readable text. The respective Tracking Application Identifier 92, 93, 94, or 95 must be included in the human-readable text.

2.2.11 Service Banner Text

Except with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, and Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services, mailers preparing extra service barcodes under 2.2 must use a “USPS TRACKING #” human-readable service banner text above the barcode on packages not requiring a signature at delivery, or a “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” service banner text above the barcode on packages where a signature is required at delivery.

2.2.12 Technical Specifications

Postal routing codes must meet the technical specifications in the GS1-128 Application Identifier Standard, which can be obtained from Uniform Code Council Inc. (see 608.8.0), and the barcode characteristics in 2.0.

2.2.13 Substrate Material

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.

3.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Labels

3.1 General

3.1.1 Tray and Sack Labels

Intelligent Mail tray labels are the USPS-approved method to encode routing, content, origin, and mailer information on trays and sacks. Intelligent Mail tray labels are designed for optimum use with Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and have the capacity to provide unique identification throughout postal processing, but are required for use on all trays and sacks in presorted mailings.

3.1.2 Container Labels

Mailer-generated container labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes identify the mail owner or agent and uniquely identify the unit (pallet, container, or rolling stock). Intelligent Mail container labels are designed for use with Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and Intelligent Mail tray labels.

Intelligent Mail container labels are not required for small mailings of USPS Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter letters and flats when entered at a BMEU, if the mailing is less than 500 pounds of bundles or sacks, and fewer than 72 linear feet of trays.
Intelligent Mail container labels are not required when entering mail at a co-located BMEU within the service area where mail is entered, if the mailing consists of 100 but less than 250 pounds of bundles or sacks, and at least 12 but fewer than 35 linear feet of trays.

3.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

3.2.1 Use

Exhibit 3.2.1 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded tray or sack labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:

Mailers must use the appropriate size label for the sack or tray, see 3.3 for Intelligent Mail tray and sack label standards.
Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 3.0, and tray labels must be non-adhesive.
All information on barcoded labels must be machine-printed. Alterations to preprinted barcoded labels (e.g., handwritten changes) may not be made.
Barcoded labels must be inserted completely into the label holder on the tray or sack to prevent their loss during transport and processing.

Exhibit 3.2.1 Required Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

PRICE OR TYPE	PROCESSING CATEGORY
First-Class Mail	First-Class Mail
Automation price	Letter-size, flat-size
Cobundled and cotrayed under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0	Flat-size
Periodicals	Periodicals
Automation price	Letter-size, flat-size
Cobundled and cosacked under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0	Flat-size
USPS Marketing Mail	USPS Marketing Mail
Automation price	Letter-size, flat-size
Enhanced Carrier Route high-density and saturation letter prices	Letter-size (barcoded labels not required for letter-size pieces with simplified addresses or paid at nonletter prices)
Cobundled and cosacked under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0	Flat-size
Automation, Presorted, and Enhanced Carrier Route in letter trays under 245.3.0	Flat-size
Automation and Presorted in letter trays cotrayed under 705.9.0 using 245.3.0 option	Flat-size
Bound Printed Matter	Bound Printed Matter
Barcoded	Flat-size

3.2.2 Line 1 (Destination Line)

The destination line must meet these standards:

Placement. The destination line must be the top line of the label. An exception is that one line of extraneous information may appear above the destination line on tray and sack labels as provided in 3.3.2, and 3.3.3f. The destination line must be completely visible when placed in the label holder. 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.
Information. The destination line must contain only the information required by the standards for the class, processing category, sortation level of the tray or sack, and the prices claimed. This information is contained in the labeling lists for all sortation and price levels except trays and sacks to carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, merged 5-digit, and 5-digit 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.
[7-14-24] Overseas Military Mail. The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and its 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 Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator (IMBG), available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information when ordering and printing tray and sack labels.

3.2.3 Line 2 (Content Line)

The content line must meet these standards:

General. The content line must appear directly below the destination line as shown in 3.2.2b or 3.2.2c. 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. The appropriate content identifier number (CIN) in 3.2.4 that corresponds to that content line must be used in the barcode.
Periodicals. Except as provided in 705.8.16 for copalletized mailings and in 207.27.2 for combined mailings, Periodicals publications must use one of the following for Line 2 class information:

“PER.”
“NEWS” if published weekly or more often or if authorized newspaper treatment as of March 1, 1984.

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.

3.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

[7-14-24] The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and its 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 Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator (IMBG), available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information when ordering and printing tray and sack labels. See Exhibit 3.2.4.

Exhibit 3.2.4 [1-21-24]3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

CLASS AND MAILING	CIN	HUMAN-READABLE CONTENT LINE
PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE
Dropship, all container levels	143	EXPRESS DROPSHIP
Priority Mail Open and Distribute
Dropship, all container levels	165	PMOD
Letters, all classes	029	PMOD LTRS
Flats, all classes	030	PMOD FLTS
Parcels, all classes	025	PMOD PARCELS
All Other Classes, Parcels
DDU parcels	031	PMOD PARCELS DDU
SCF parcels	032	PMOD PARCELS SCF
ADC parcels	033	PMOD PARCELS ADC
ASF/NDC irregular parcels	034	PMOD IRREG NDC
ASF/NDC machinable parcels	035	PMOD MACH NDC
First-Class Mail
FCM Letters — Automation
5-digit scheme trays	241	FCM LTR BC 5D SCHEME
5-digit trays	242	FCM LTR 5D BC
AADC trays	245	FCM LTR AADC BC
mixed AADC trays	246	FCM LTR BC WKG
FCM Letters — Nonautomation Machinable
AADC trays	258	FCM LTR AADC MACH
mixed AADC trays	260	FCM LTR MACH WKG
FCM Letters — Presorted Nonmachinable
5-digit trays	267	FCM LTR 5D MANUAL
3-digit trays	269	FCM LTR 3D MANUAL
ADC trays	270	FCM LTR ADC MANUAL
mixed ADC trays	268	FCM LTR MANUAL WKG
FCM Letters — Single-Piece
single-piece trays	260	FCM SNGLP LTRS WKG
FCM Flats — Automation
5-digit trays	272	FCM FLTS 5D BC
3-digit trays	273	FCM FLTS 3D BC
ADC trays	274	FCM FLTS ADC BC
mixed ADC trays	275	FCM FLTS BC WKG
FCM Flats — Presorted
5-digit trays	278	FCM FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit trays	279	FCM FLTS 3D NON BC
ADC trays	280	FCM FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC trays	282	FCM FLTS NON BC WKG
FCM Flats — Co-trayed Automation and Presorted
5-digit trays	221	FCM FLTS 5D BC/NBC
3-digit trays	222	FCM FLTS 3D BC/NBC
ADC trays	231	FCM FLTS ADC BC/NBC
mixed ADC trays	232	FCM FLTS BC/NBC WKG
FCM Flats — Single-Piece
single-piece trays	282	FCM SNGLP FLTS WKG
Periodicals (PER)
PER Letters — Carrier Route
saturation price trays	369	PER LTRS WSS¹
high density price trays	370	PER LTRS WSH¹
basic price trays	366	PER LTRS CR¹
5-digit carrier routes trays	367	PER LTRS CR-RTS
3-digit carrier routes trays	368	PER LTRS 3D CR-RTS
PER Letters — Barcoded (Automation)
5-digit scheme trays	341	PER LTRS BC 5D SCHEME
5-digit trays	342	PER LTRS 5D BC
3-digit scheme trays	343	PER LTRS BC SCHEME²
3-digit trays	344	PER LTRS 3D BC
AADC trays	345	PER LTRS AADC BC
mixed AADC trays	346	PER LTRS BC WKG
PER Letters — Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)
5-digit trays	350	PER LTRS 5D NON BC
3-digit trays	353	PER LTRS 3D NON BC
ADC trays	356	PER LTRS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC trays	359	PER LTRS NON BC WKG
PER Flats — Carrier Route
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — saturation	387	PER FLTS WSS¹
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — high density	388	PER FLTS WSH¹
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — basic	385	PER FLTS CR¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays	386	PER FLTS 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays	371	PER FLTS CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes flat trays	351	PER FLTS 3D CR-RTS
PER Flats — Barcoded
5-digit flat trays	372	PER FLTS 5D BC
5-digit scheme flat trays	372	PER FLTS 5D SCH BC
3-digit flat trays	373	PER FLTS 3D BC
SCF flat trays	377	PER FLTS SCF BC
ADC flat trays	374	PER FLTS ADC BC
mixed ADC flat trays	375	PER FLTS BC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	381	PER FLTS WKG W FCM
PER Flats — Nonbarcoded
5-digit scheme flat trays	378	PER FLT 5D SCH NON BC
5-digit flat trays	378	PER FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit flat trays	379	PER FLTS 3D NON BC
SCF flat trays	384	PER FLTS SCF NON BC
ADC flat trays	380	PER FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC flat trays	382	PER FLTS NON BC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	381	PER FLTS WKG W FCM
PER Flats — Cotrayed Barcoded and Nonbarcoded
5-digit scheme flat trays	321	PER FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC
5-digit flat trays	321	PER FLTS 5D BC/NBC
3-digit flat trays	322	PER FLTS 3D BC/NBC
SCF flat trays	329	PER FLTS SCF BC/NBC
ADC flat trays	331	PER FLTS ADC BC/NBC
mixed ADC flat trays	332	PER FLTS BC/NBC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	381	PER FLTS WKG W FCM
PER Flats — Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and Nonbarcoded
merged 5-digit sacks or flat trays	339	PER FLTS CR/5D
merged 5-digit scheme sacks or flat trays	349	PER FLTS CR/5D SCH
merged 3-digit flat trays	352	PER FLTS CR/5D/3D
PER Irregular Parcels — Merged Carrier Route and Presorted
merged 5-digit sacks	340	PER IRREG CR/5D
merged 3-digit sacks	354	PER IRREG CR/5D/3D
merged 5-digit scheme sacks	365	PER IRREG CR/5D SCH
PER Irregular Parcels — Carrier Route
saturation price sacks	397	PER IRREG WSS¹
high density price sacks	398	PER IRREG WSH¹
basic price sacks	395	PER IRREG CR¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks	396	PER IRREG 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks	399	PER IRREG CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes sacks	355	PER IRREG 3D CR-RTS
PER Irregular Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	389	PER IRREG 5D
3-digit sacks	390	PER IRREG 3D
SCF sacks	394	PER IRREG SCF
ADC sacks or trays	391	PER IRREG ADC
mixed ADC sacks or trays	392	PER IRREG WKG
origin mixed ADC sacks or trays	363	PER IRREG WKG W FCM
Periodicals (News)
NEWS Letters — Carrier Route
saturation price trays	469	NEWS LTRS WSS¹
high density price trays	470	NEWS LTRS WSH¹
basic price trays	466	NEWS LTRS CR¹
5-digit carrier routes trays	467	NEWS LTRS CR-RTS
3-digit carrier routes trays	468	NEWS LTRS 3D CR-RTS
NEWS Letters — Barcoded (Automation)
5-digit scheme trays	441	NEWS LTR BC 5D SCHEME
5-digit trays	442	NEWS LTRS 5D BC
3-digit scheme trays	443	NEWS LTRS BC SCHEME²
3-digit trays	444	NEWS LTRS 3D BC
AADC trays	445	NEWS LTRS AADC BC
mixed AADC trays	446	NEWS LTRS BC WKG
NEWS Letters — Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)
5-digit trays	450	NEWS LTRS 5D NON BC
3-digit trays	453	NEWS LTRS 3D NON BC
ADC trays	456	NEWS LTRS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC trays	459	NEWS LTRS NON BC WKG
NEWS Flats — Carrier Route
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — saturation	487	NEWS FLTS WSS¹
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — high density	488	NEWS FLTS WSH¹
car. rt. sacks or flat trays — basic	485	NEWS FLTS CR¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays	486	NEWS FLTS 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays	471	NEWS FLTS CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes flat trays	451	NEWS FLTS 3D CR-RTS
NEWS Flats — Barcoded
5-digit flat trays	472	NEWS FLTS 5D BC
5-digit scheme flat trays	472	NEWS FLTS 5D SCH BC
3-digit flat trays	473	NEWS FLTS 3D BC
SCF flat trays	477	NEWS FLTS SCF BC
ADC flat trays	474	NEWS FLTS ADC BC
mixed ADC flat trays	475	NEWS FLTS BC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	481	NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM
NEWS Flats — Nonbarcoded
5-digit scheme flat trays	478	NEWS FLT 5D SCH NON BC
5-digit flat trays	478	NEWS FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit flat trays	479	NEWS FLTS 3D NON BC
SCF flat trays	484	NEWS FLTS SCF NON BC
ADC flat trays	480	NEWS FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC flat trays	482	NEWS FLTS NON BC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	481	NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM
NEWS Flats — Cotrayed Barcoded and Nonbarcoded
5-digit scheme flat trays	421	NEWS FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC
5-digit flat trays	421	NEWS FLTS 5D BC/NBC
3-digit flat trays	422	NEWS FLTS 3D BC/NBC
SCF and origin/entry SCF flat trays	429	NEWS FLTS SCF BC/NBC
ADC flat trays	431	NEWS FLTS ADC BC/NBC
mixed ADC flat trays	432	NEWS FLTS BC/NBC WKG
origin mixed ADC flat trays	481	NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM
NEWS Flats — Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and Nonbarcoded
merged 5-digit	439	NEWS FLTS CR/5D
merged 5-digit scheme	449	NEWS FLTS CR/5D SCH
merged 3-digit flat trays	452	NEWS FLTS CR/5D/3D
NEWS Irregular Parcels — Merged Carrier Route and Presorted
merged 5-digit	440	NEWS IRREG CR/5D
merged 5-digit scheme	465	NEWS IRREG CR/5D SCH
merged 3-digit sacks	454	NEWS IRREG CR/5D/3D
NEWS Irregular Parcels — Carrier Route
saturation price sacks	497	NEWS IRREG WSS¹
high density price sacks	498	NEWS IRREG WSH¹
basic price sacks	495	NEWS IRREG CR¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks	496	NEWS IRREG 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks	499	NEWS IRREG CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes sacks	455	NEWS IRREG 3D CR-RTS
NEWS Irregular Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	489	NEWS IRREG 5D
3-digit sacks	490	NEWS IRREG 3D
SCF sacks	494	NEWS IRREG SCF
ADC sacks or trays	491	NEWS IRREG ADC
mixed ADC sacks or trays	492	NEWS IRREG WKG
origin mixed ADC sacks or trays	463	NEWS IRREG WKG W FCM
USPS MARKETING MAIL
ECR Letters — Barcoded
saturation price (including Plus One)	557	MKT LTR BC WSS¹
high density or high density plus price (including Plus One)	557	MKT LTR BC WSH¹
basic price	557	MKT LTR BC LOT¹
5-digit carrier routes trays	564	MKT LTR 5D CR-RT BC
3-digit carrier routes trays	565	MKT LTR 3D CR-RT BC
ECR Letters — Nonautomation (Machinable)
saturation price	569	MKT LTR MACH WSS¹
high density or high density plus price	569	MKT LTR MACH WSH¹
basic price	569	MKT LTR MACH LOT¹
5-digit carrier routes trays	567	MKT LTR 5D CR-RT MACH
3-digit carrier routes trays	568	MKT LTR 3D CR-RT MACH
ECR Letters — Nonautomation (Nonmachinable)
saturation price	608	MKT LTR MAN WSS¹
high density or high density plus price	608	MKT LTR MAN WSH¹
basic price	608	MKT LTR MAN LOT¹
5-digit carrier routes trays	609	MKT LTR 5D CR-RT MAN
3-digit carrier routes trays	611	MKT LTR 3D CR-RT MAN
MKT Letters — Automation
5-digit scheme trays	541	MKT LTR BC 5D SCHEME
5-digit trays	542	MKT LTR 5D BC
AADC trays	545	MKT LTR AADC BC
mixed AADC trays	546	MKT LTR BC WKG
MKT Letters — Nonautomation Machinable
AADC trays	558	MKT LTR AADC MACH
mixed AADC trays	560	MKT LTR MACH WKG
MKT Letters — Presorted Nonmachinable
5-digit trays	604	MKT LTR 5D MANUAL
3-digit trays	606	MKT LTR 3D MANUAL
ADC trays	607	MKT LTR ADC MANUAL
mixed ADC trays	605	MKT LTR MANUAL WKG
MKT Letters — Residual Pieces Subject to FCM Single-Piece Prices
residual trays	560	MKT LTRS WKG
Enhanced Carrier Route Flats — Nonautomation
saturation price sacks or flat trays	587	MKT FLTS ECRWSS¹
high density or high density plus price sacks or flat trays	588	MKT FLTS ECRWSH¹
basic price sacks or flat trays	589	MKT FLTS ECRLOT¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays	586	MKT FLTS CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays	529	MKT FLTS CR-RTS SCH
MKT Flats — Cotrayed Automation and Nonautomation
5-digit scheme flat trays	521	MKT FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC
5-digit flat trays	521	MKT FLTS 5D BC/NBC
3-digit and origin/entry 3-digit flat trays	522	MKT FLTS 3D BC/NBC
ADC flat trays	531	MKT FLTS ADC BC/NBC
mixed ADC flat trays	532	MKT FLTS BC/NBC WKG
MKT Flats — Merged Carrier Route, Automation, and Presorted
merged 5-digit	539	MKT FLTS CR/5D
merged 5-digit scheme	549	MKT FLTS CR/5D SCH
MKT Flats — Automation
5-digit flat trays	572	MKT FLTS 5D BC
5-digit scheme flat trays	572	MKT FLTS 5D SCH BC
3-digit flat trays	573	MKT FLTS 3D BC
ADC flat trays	574	MKT FLTS ADC BC
mixed ADC flat trays	575	MKT FLTS BC WKG
MKT Flats — Nonautomation
5-digit scheme flat trays	578	MKT FLT 5D SCH NON BC
5-digit flat trays	578	MKT FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit flat trays	579	MKT FLTS 3D NON BC
ADC flat trays	580	MKT FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC flat trays	582	MKT FLTS NON BC WKG
MKT Flats — Residual Pieces Subject to FCM Single-Piece Prices
residual flat trays	582	MKT FLTS WKG
Customized MarketMail (CMM)
CMM letter trays	206	DEL LTR MKT CMM MAN
CMM flat trays	207	DEL FLTS MKT CMM MAN
CMM sacks	205	DEL MKT CMM MAN
ECR Marketing Parcels
saturation price sacks	599	MKT MKTG WSS¹
high density price sacks	600	MKT MKTG WSH¹
basic price sacks	601	MKT MKTG LOT¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks	598	MKT MKTG CR-RTS
MKT Marketing Parcels less than 6 oz. and Irregular Parcels
5-digit scheme sacks	590	MKT IRREG 5D SCH
5-digit sacks	590	MKT IRREG 5D
SCF sacks	596	MKT IRREG SCF
ASF sacks	571	MKT IRREG ASF
NDC sacks	570	MKT IRREG NDC
mixed NDC sacks	594	MKT IRREG WKG
MKT Marketing Parcels 6 oz. or more and Machinable Parcels
5-digit sacks	670	MKT MACH 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	670	MKT MACH 5D SCH
ASF sacks	672	MKT MACH ASF
NDC sacks	673	MKT MACH NDC
mixed NDC sacks	674	MKT MACH WKG
MKT Machinable and Irregular Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	603	MKT MACH-IRREG 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	603	MKT MACH-IRREG 5D SCH
Package Services
Carrier Route BPM — Flats
carrier route sacks	657	PSVC FLTS CR¹
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks	659	PSVC FLTS CR-RTS SCH
5-digit carrier routes sacks	658	PSVC FLTS CR-RTS
Presorted BPM — Flats
5-digit scheme sacks	649	PSVC FLTS 5D SCH NON BC
5-digit sacks	649	PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit sacks	650	PSVC FLTS 3D NON BC
SCF sacks	654	PSVC FLTS SCF NON BC
ADC sacks	651	PSVC FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC sacks	653	PSVC FLTS NON BC WKG
Presorted BPM — Automation Flats
5-digit sacks	635	PSVC FLTS 5D BC
5-digit scheme sacks	635	PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC
3-digit sacks	636	PSVC FLTS 3D BC
SCF sacks	637	PSVC FLTS SCF BC
ADC sacks	638	PSVC FLTS ADC BC
mixed ADC sacks	639	PSVC FLTS BC WKG
BPM Flats — Cosacked Barcoded and Presorted
5-digit scheme sacks	648	PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC/NBC
5-digit sacks	648	PSVC FLTS 5D BC/NBC
3-digit sacks	661	PSVC FLTS 3D BC/NBC
SCF sacks	667	PSVC FLTS SCF BC/NBC
ADC sacks	668	PSVC FLTS ADC BC/NBC
mixed ADC sacks	669	PSVC FLTS BC/NBC WKG
Carrier Route BPM — Irregular Parcels
carrier route sacks	697	PSVC IRREG CR¹
5-digit carrier routes sacks	698	PSVC IRREG CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rt. sacks	698	PSVC IRREG CR-RTS SCH
Presorted BPM — Irregular Parcels
5-digit sacks	690	PSVC IRREG 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	690	PSVC IRREG 5D SCH
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC IRREG 3D
SCF sacks	696	PSVC IRREG SCF
ADC sacks	692	PSVC IRREG ADC
mixed ADC sacks	694	PSVC IRREG WKG
Carrier Route BPM — Machinable Parcels
carrier route sacks	687	PSVC MACH CR¹
Presorted BPM — Machinable Parcels
5-digit sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D SCH
ASF sacks	682	PSVC MACH ASF
NDC sacks	683	PSVC MACH NDC
mixed NDC sacks	684	PSVC MACH WKG
Media Mail and LIbrary Mail Flats — Presorted
5-digit sacks	649	PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC
3-digit sacks	650	PSVC FLTS 3D NON BC
ADC sacks	651	PSVC FLTS ADC NON BC
mixed ADC sacks	653	PSVC FLTS NON BC WKG
Media Mail and LIbrary Mail Irregular Parcels — Presorted
5-digit scheme sacks	690	PSVC IRREG 5D SCH
5-digit sacks	690	PSVC IRREG 5D
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC IRREG 3D
ADC sacks	692	PSVC IRREG ADC
mixed ADC sacks	694	PSVC IRREG WKG
Media Mail and Library Mail Machinable Parcels — Presorted
5-digit scheme sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D SCH
5-digit sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D
3-digit sacks	682	PSVC MACH ASF
ADC sacks	683	PSVC MACH NDC
mixed ADC sacks	684	PSVC MACH WKG
Parcel Select
Parcel Select Machinable Parcels
5-digit sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	680	PSVC MACH 5D SCH
SCF sacks	686	PSVC MACH SCF
ASF sacks	682	PSVC MACH ASF
NDC sacks	683	PSVC MACH NDC
mixed NDC sacks	684	PSVC MACH WKG
Parcel Select DSCF and DDU Prices
5-digit sacks	688	PSVC PARCELS 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	688	PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH
Parcel Select — Irregular (Nonmachinable) Parcels
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC IRREG 3D
Combined Package Services and Parcel Select Parcels
5-digit sacks	688	PSVC PARCELS 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	688	PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH
Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing Machinable Parcels
5-digit sacks	660	MKT/PSVC MACH 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	660	MKT/PSVC MACH 5D SCH
ASF sacks	662	MKT/PSVC MACH ASF
NDC sacks	663	MKT/PSVC MACH NDC
mixed NDC sacks	664	MKT/PSVC MACH WKG
Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing—All Parcels
5-digit sacks	603	MKT/PSVC PARCELS 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	603	MKT/PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH
Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing—Irregular Parcels 2 up to 6 oz (APPS-machinable)
3-digit sacks	501	MKT/PSVC 3D
ADC sacks	502	MKT/PSVC ADC
Mixed ADC sacks	506	MKT/PSVC WKG
Combined PSVC & MKT—Irregular Parcels less than 2 oz, and tubes and rolls (not APPS-machinable)
3-digit sacks	591	MKT/PSVC IRREG 3D
ADC sacks	592	MKT/PSVC IRREG ADC
Mixed ADC sacks	594	MKT/PSVC IRREG WKG

1. This information must be followed by a one-letter carrier route type description, followed by a 3-digit route number for the route to which the tray or sack is destined. At the mailer’s option, one space is permitted between the type description and route number.

2. This information must be followed by the appropriate scheme letter A, B, or C if applicable for the destination of the tray as indicated in L002, Column B.

3.2.5 Line 3 (Origin Line)

The origin line must appear below the content line, except as allowed under 3.3.4 and 3.2.5a and 3.2.5b. The origin 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 (city and state information may be abbreviated if such abbreviations are in the USPS City State Product). A mailer code assigned by the USPS or such words as “Mailer” or “From” may appear before the required information on this line. Mailers who choose to print destination entry office information on line 3 instead of the origin information must print the origin information as follows:

When the origin information is not printed on line 3, it must be printed right-justified in the “MAILER AREA” shown in Exhibit 3.3.2.
When the origin information is printed in the “MAILER AREA” instead of line 3, it must be directly preceded by “ORIGIN:” or “ORGN:” and it may contain, at a minimum, the mailer‘s name and ZIP Code of origin entry.

3.3 Specific Standards for Intelligent Mail Tray Labels

3.3.1 Definition

Intelligent Mail tray labels are 2-inch labels used on trays and sacks to provide unique identification within postal processing. 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels include only a 24-digit barcode printed in International Symbology Specification (ISS) Code 128 subset C symbology (see Exhibit 3.3.2). Intelligent Mail tray labels also include a human readable field designed to indicate the carrier route for carrier route mailings, display an “AUTO” indicator text for automation mailings, or remain blank for nonautomation mailings. Mailers using Intelligent Mail tray labels must print labels in the 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label format. Detailed specifications for the tray label and barcode formats are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

3.3.2 24-Digit Intelligent Mail Tray Label

Intelligent Mail tray labels, printed in the 24-digit format, can be used on all trays and sacks to uniquely identify each tray and sack in addition to each mailer or mail preparer. 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels bear a single barcode and permit an expanded mailer‘s use area (see Exhibit 3.3.2).

Exhibit 3.3.2 Intelligent Mail Tray Label

3.3.3 Intelligent Mail Tray Label Format

The core data elements for the Intelligent Mail tray label are as follows:

Printer Line.
Tray or Sack Destination (Postal destination name).
Content Identifier Number (CIN) description (tray or sack content).
Office of mailing or mailer information.
Destination ZIP Code (the ZIP Code of the trays’ or sacks’ final destination).
Carrier Route information.
Mailer ID (unique identifier of the mailer).
24-digit, ISS Code 128 subset C barcode numeric line.
Mailer area (set aside for mailer-generated human-readable information or for origin information on 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels when the mailer chooses to print destination entry office information on line 3 of the tray label).

3.3.4 Barcode Composition

The barcode composition is dependent on the Mailer ID assigned by the USPS. Upon request by the mailer, the USPS assigns a 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID based on the demonstrated mail volume of the mailer. Intelligent Mail tray barcodes contain the following elements:

Destination ZIP Code.
Content Identifier Number (CIN), as listed in Exhibit 3.2.4.
Processing code, identifying the system or facility generating the label.
Mailer ID.
Serial number, a unique number assigned to each tray or sack.
Label type, a default digit.

3.3.5 Unique Serial Number

The Intelligent Mail tray barcode can encode a unique identifier for each tray and sack. Tray or sack serial numbers associated to an individual Mailer ID cannot be duplicated within a 45-day period, regardless of the acceptance location.

3.3.6 Quality Assurance Provisions

Mailers printing Intelligent Mail tray labels are responsible for the inspection and testing of the labels prior to submission to USPS and for maintaining the overall quality of the labels produced. Inspection and testing of Intelligent Mail tray labels should be performed periodically. Mailers and label vendors are encouraged to submit samples to the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) in Memphis for certification (see 608.8.0 for address).

3.4 Intelligent Mail Container Labels

3.4.1 Definition

Mailer-generated container labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes identify pallets and other rolling stock, such as all-purpose containers. Intelligent Mail container barcodes uniquely identify each container and may be scanned at induction points. Detailed specifications for Intelligent Mail container barcodes and labels are available at http://postalpro.usps.gov.

3.4.2 Intelligent Mail Container Label Configurations

Intelligent Mail container labels must be affixed on the outside of any shrinkwrap or plastic by self-adhesive or other adhesive means. Labels may be produced in two configurations:

Affixed label measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches. See 3.4.3 for label specifications and 3.4.5 label placement.
Optional affixed label measuring at least 4 inches by 7 inches. See 3.4.6 for label specifications and 3.4.5 for label placement.

3.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Label Format

In addition to the requirements for pallet labels in 705.8.6, Intelligent Mail container labels (see Exhibit 3.4.3) must retain the top one-half of the labels for USPS-required elements, except as allowed under 705.8.6.6. The USPS banner, identification bars, and human-readable text are required elements related to the Intelligent Mail container barcode and will serve as a guide to distinguish the barcode from the other information on the container label. Required elements include: