204 Barcode Standards

Overview

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

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

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

1.1 General

An Intelligent Mail barcode is a USPS-developed method to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode other tracking information.

1.2 Intelligent Mail Barcodes

1.2.1 General

An Intelligent Mail barcode is the USPS-developed barcode that mailers use to encode routing and tracking information on mail that can be read by automated mail processing equipment to sort mail and to provide tracking information to the mailers. An Intelligent Mail barcode consists of 65 vertical bars, each representing one of four possible states: full bar, ascender, tracker, and descender. These 65 bars encode a string of 31 digits, divided into two parts: a 20-digit tracking code and an 11-digit routing code (when required). The 11-digit routing code may contain a ZIP Code, a ZIP+4 code, or a delivery point code, unless required to contain a certain level of code in specific applications; no correction digit is needed within an Intelligent Mail barcode. Mailers may use Intelligent Mail barcodes as follows:

1. When used on letters for automation-price eligibility purposes, the routing code must contain a delivery point code that accurately matches the delivery address.
2. When used on flat-size pieces for automation-price eligibility purposes, the barcode must contain a delivery point routing code that accurately matches the delivery address. When flat-size pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode for automation price eligibility, the barcode on a piece that contains an optional endorsement line (OEL) must contain OEL coding that includes information in Exhibit 203.7.1.1 corresponding to the correct sortation level of each bundle. When automation-priced flat-size pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode that contains OEL coding information corresponding to the correct sortation, an OEL is also required on the piece. See the Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical Resource Guide available on PostalPro at http://postalpro.usps.com/ for more information on incorporating OELs in Intelligent Mail barcodes.
3. Reply mail pieces using origin Informed Visibility do not require a Mailer ID (MID) to be encoded into the Mailer Identifier field. All other mailpieces, including QBRM letters and PRM pieces, bearing Intelligent Mail barcodes must include the MID in the Mailer Identifier field. Additional information on Informed Visibility is available under 507.10.0. Mailers printing the Intelligent Mail barcode solely for automation price eligibility can contact the PostalOne! Help Desk at 1-800-522-9085 to obtain a MID.

1.2.2 Specifications

Complete specifications for Intelligent Mail barcodes are defined in the Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical Resource Guide available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. This publication also provides details on how to encode the routing code and tracking code into an Intelligent Mail barcode, barcode dimensions and spacing, clear zone, skew and rotation tolerance, and print characteristics. The assignment of a Barcode Identifier, Service Type Identifier, and Mailer ID are described by the respective publications for each extra service. These publications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

1.3 Reflectance

1.3.1 Background Reflectance

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:

1. The barcode clear zone of a card-size or a letter-size piece barcoded in the lower right corner.
2. 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.

1.3.2 Print Reflectance Difference

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.)

1.3.3 Opacity

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 print contrast ratio (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.

1.3.4 Dark Fibers and Background Patterns

Dark fibers or background patterns 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:

1. 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 prices or at Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density prices.
2. The area of the address block or the area of the mailpiece where the barcode appears on a flat-size piece in an automation mailing.

1.4 Skew and Baseline Shift

1.4.1 Card-Size and Letter-Size Pieces

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.

1.4.2 Flat-Size Pieces and USPS Marketing Mail Parcels

The maximum rotational skew (slant or tilt of the individual barcode bars) for barcodes 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 202.5.0. For information on barcode placement on parcels, see 202.6.0.

1.5 Barcode Software and Hardware Certification

1.5.1 Purpose

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 prices 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.

1.5.2 Testing Arrangements

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).

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra-Service Barcodes

[1-19-25]

2.1 Barcodes

2.1.1 Definition

The following types of barcodes are defined, respectively, as follows:

1. Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb): An IMpb is the USPS-developed barcode that can be read by automated parcel-processing equipment and scanning devices and consists of a data string that generally follows the GS1-128 specification. The following also apply:
1. These barcodes include a variable-length format that is determined by the elements selected by the mailer, and supplies tracking and routing data for packages and extra service applications.
2. IMpbs must be used on all commercial packages, and on other mailpieces of customers requesting extra services.
2. Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb): An IMmb is a supplemental GS1-DataMatrix (2D) barcode, which is intended to improve package visibility. The IMmb contains the same data as the IMpb barcode, using a space-efficient barcode symbology.

2.1.2 Specification Resources

Detailed specifications on an IMpb and IMmb are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com as follows:

1. Publication 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems.
2. Parcel Labeling Guide.
3. Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Technical Specifications.
4. Intelligent Mail Matrix Barcode Technical Specifications.

2.1.3 Barcode Location

See 202.6.1 for barcode-location standards.

2.1.4 Quality Assurance

Mailers must routinely inspect and test labels and barcodes to ensure quality.

2.1.5 Electronic File

All mailers generating an IMpb and IMmb 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).

2.1.6 Compliance-Quality Thresholds

All mailers who enter commercial parcels into the Postal Service network must meet the established thresholds for compliance quality outlined in Exhibit 2.1.6 to avoid paying the Package-Quality-Noncompliance Fee. Failure to meet any compliance-quality threshold in Exhibit 2.1.6 will result in the Postal Service charging the mailer the Package-Quality-Noncompliance Fee.

Exhibit 2.1.6 Compliance-Quality Thresholds

Note: See Publication 199 for a list of validations for each compliance category (AQ, MQ, BQ).

 

Compliance Categories	Compliance Codes	Compliance Thresholds
Address Quality: Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11-digit DPV or passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199.	AQ	90
Manifest Quality (Shipping-Services file): Checks for a timely manifest file that passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199.	MQ	94
Barcode Quality: Checks the barcode in the manifest that passes the critical validation criteria in Pub 199.	BQ	98

2.1.7Alternate Approval

[1-19-25] 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, Applied Engineering. (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:

1. Barcode Type. GS1-128 is the only acceptable barcode and must be printed within Subset C.
2. Start Code. Postal routing barcodes must start with a Symbol Start Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.
3. 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.
4. Application Identifier (AI). The AI for a postal routing barcode is “420” for domestic mail and is not shown in the human-readable text.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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:

1. 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

2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Mailers must use the appropriate size label for the sack or tray, see 3.3 for Intelligent Mail tray and sack label standards.
2. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 3.0, and tray labels must be non-adhesive.
3. All information on barcoded labels must be machine-printed. Alterations to preprinted barcoded labels (e.g., handwritten changes) may not be made.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:
1. “PER.”
2. “NEWS” if published weekly or more often or if authorized newspaper treatment as of March 1, 1984.
3. 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

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 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 nonstandard parcels	034	PMOD NONSTD 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 Nonstandard Parcels — Merged Carrier Route and Presorted
merged 5-digit sacks	340	PER NONSTD CR/5D
merged 3-digit sacks	354	PER NONSTD CR/5D/3D
merged 5-digit scheme sacks	365	PER NONSTD CR/5D SCH
PER Nonstandard Parcels — Carrier Route
saturation price sacks	397	PER NONSTD WSS1
high density price sacks	398	PER NONSTD WSH1
basic price sacks	395	PER NONSTD CR1
5-digit carrier routes sacks	396	PER NONSTD 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks	399	PER NONSTD CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes sacks	355	PER NONSTD 3D CR-RTS
PER Nonstandard Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	389	PER NONSTD 5D
3-digit sacks	390	PER NONSTD 3D
SCF sacks	394	PER NONSTD SCF
ADC sacks or trays	391	PER NONSTD ADC
mixed ADC sacks or trays	392	PER NONSTD WKG
origin mixed ADC sacks or trays	363	PER NONSTD 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 Nonstandard Parcels — Merged Carrier Route and Presorted
merged 5-digit	440	NEWS NONSTD CR/5D
merged 5-digit scheme	465	NEWS NONSTD CR/5D SCH
merged 3-digit sacks	454	NEWS NONSTD CR/5D/3D
NEWS Nonstandard Parcels — Carrier Route
saturation price sacks	497	NEWS NONSTD WSS1
high density price sacks	498	NEWS NONSTD WSH1
basic price sacks	495	NEWS NONSTD CR1
5-digit carrier routes sacks	496	NEWS NONSTD 5D CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks	499	NEWS NONSTD CR-RTS SCH
3-digit carrier routes sacks	455	NEWS NONSTD 3D CR-RTS
NEWS Nonstandard Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	489	NEWS NONSTD 5D
3-digit sacks	490	NEWS NONSTD 3D
SCF sacks	494	NEWS NONSTD SCF
ADC sacks or trays	491	NEWS NONSTD ADC
mixed ADC sacks or trays	492	NEWS NONSTD WKG
origin mixed ADC sacks or trays	463	NEWS NONSTD 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 (Nonstandard) and Nonprofit Nonstandard-Priced Parcels
5-digit scheme sacks	590	MKT NONSTD 5D SCH
5-digit sacks	590	MKT NONSTD 5D
SCF sacks	596	MKT NONSTD SCF
ASF sacks	571	MKT NONSTD ASF
NDC sacks	570	MKT NONSTD NDC
mixed NDC sacks	594	MKT NONSTD WKG
MKT Marketing Parcels (Machinable) and Nonprofit Machinable Priced 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 Nonstandard Parcels — Presorted
5-digit sacks	603	MKT MACH-NONSTD 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	603	MKT MACH-NONSTD 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 — Nonstandard Parcels
carrier route sacks	697	PSVC NONSTD CR1
5-digit carrier routes sacks	698	PSVC NONSTD CR-RTS
5-digit scheme car. rt. sacks	698	PSVC NONSTD CR-RTS SCH
Presorted BPM — Nonstandard Parcels
5-digit sacks	690	PSVC NONSTD 5D
5-digit scheme sacks	690	PSVC NONSTD 5D SCH
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC NONSTD 3D
SCF sacks	696	PSVC NONSTD SCF
ADC sacks	692	PSVC NONSTD ADC
mixed ADC sacks	694	PSVC NONSTD 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 Nonstandard Parcels — Presorted
5-digit scheme sacks	690	PSVC NONSTD 5D SCH
5-digit sacks	690	PSVC NONSTD 5D
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC NONSTD 3D
ADC sacks	692	PSVC NONSTD ADC
mixed ADC sacks	694	PSVC NONSTD 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 — Nonstandard Parcels
3-digit sacks	691	PSVC NONSTD 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—Nonstandard 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— Nonstandard Parcels Cylindrical Tubes and Rolls
3-digit sacks	591	MKT/PSVC NONSTD 3D
ADC sacks	592	MKT/PSVC NONSTD ADC
Mixed ADC sacks	594	MKT/PSVC NONSTD 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:

1. 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.
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:

1. Printer Line.
2. Tray or Sack Destination (Postal destination name).
3. Content Identifier Number (CIN) description (tray or sack content).
4. Office of mailing or mailer information.
5. Destination ZIP Code (the ZIP Code of the trays’ or sacks’ final destination).
6. Carrier Route information.
7. Mailer ID (unique identifier of the mailer).
8. 24-digit, ISS Code 128 subset C barcode numeric line.
9. 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:

1. Destination ZIP Code.
2. Content Identifier Number (CIN), as listed in Exhibit 3.2.4.
3. Processing code, identifying the system or facility generating the label.
4. Mailer ID.
5. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each tray or sack.
6. 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:

1. Affixed label measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches. See 3.4.3 for label specifications and 3.4.5 label placement.
2. 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:

1. USPS Banner. “USPS SCAN REQUIRED” must be printed in all uppercase letters centered above the barcode and embedded within the upper identification bar. Clear zone and font size are as follows:
1. A clear zone of at least 0.125 inch, but no more than 0.5 inch, must be maintained between the bottom edge of the text and the top of the barcode.
2. The banner must be printed in a boldface sans-serif font of at least 14-point type.
2. Identification Bars. Horizontal black bars of at least 0.10 inch thick must be printed above and below the barcode. At a minimum, the bars must extend the length of the barcode. Clear zone and other requirements are as follows:
1. The upper bar must be printed at least 0.125 inch above the top edge of the barcode.
2. The upper bar must have a void in the middle sufficient to insert the USPS banner without any element being obscured.
3. The lower bar must be printed at least 0.125 inch below the human-readable representation of the barcode string.
3. Human-Readable Representation of Barcode Data. The human-readable representation of barcode data (text) must be printed in a boldface sans-serif font of at least 12-point type. The text must not exceed the length of the barcode and must be separated by data field. Two blank character spaces must be left between each field. The text must be centered at least 0.125 inch, but no more than 0.25 inch, below the barcode.
4. Barcode Location. The barcode, along with the corresponding USPS banner and identification bars, must be printed on the front side of the pallet label. When the identification bars extend beyond the length of the barcode, the barcode must be horizontally centered.
5. Minimum size. The minimum size of this label is 8 inches high by 11 inches long. See additional specifications at postalpro.usps.gov. Mailers using larger labels must ensure the barcode conforms to the published specification and the human-readable content is provided as illustrated in Exhibit 3.4.3 and as published on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Exhibit 3.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Label

3.4.4 Barcode Format

Intelligent Mail container barcodes are 21 characters in length and contain a USPS-assigned Mailer ID. The format depends on the Mailer ID assigned. Intelligent Mail container barcodes contain the following elements:

1. Application identifier, identifying the source of the barcode.
2. Type indicator, identifying internal or external label generation.
3. Mailer ID.
4. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each container.

3.4.5 Label Requirements

Mailers may use labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes only under the following conditions:

1. Two labels must be affixed to each pallet as specified under 705.8.6.1.
2. One label must be placed in the designated area on other USPS containers.
3. Labels affixed to pallets containing Periodicals mail must be pink, except under 3.4.5d or 3.4.5e.
4. Labels prepared in the optional smaller format under 3.4.6 may be white, but must include a vertical pink 1/2-inch wide identification bar along the left-hand side of the label, unless prepared under 3.4.5e.
5. Labels containing Periodicals may be all white when used in conjunction with a pink designator label meeting the following criteria:
1. Designator labels must be printed in landscape orientation and, except for the defined mailer-use area, must not include any print or graphics, other than the required markings in 3.4.5e2 and 3.4.5e3. Mailers may place extraneous information, meeting the criteria in 705.8.6.8, only in the mailer-use area of the label.
2. The mailer-use area consists of the bottom 3 inches of designator labels measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches, and the bottom 1 inch of designator labels measuring less than 8 inches by 11 inches. Mailers must define the mailer-use area by placing a horizontal black line of at least 0.10 inch in thickness, extending the width of the label, and must include “MAILER-USE ONLY” text printed in all uppercase letters centered and embedded within the horizontal black line. This text must be printed using boldface sans-serif font and must be in at least 14-point type.
3. Designator labels must meet or exceed both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the accompanying Intelligent Mail container label and must bear only a “PERIODICALS” or “NEWS” marking at least 1/2-inch high (or at least 48-point type).
4. Designator labels may be affixed on the outside of, or be placed beneath, any shrinkwrap or plastic, but must be immediately adjacent to the Intelligent Mail container label.
5. When using this option, each Intelligent Mail container label must be accompanied by an adjacent designator label.

3.4.6 Optional Smaller Label Format

Mailers may prepare labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes (see Exhibit 3.4.6) in a smaller alternate format as follows:

1. Labels must include the required elements described in 705.8.6.
2. Labels must measure no less than 4 inches high by 7 inches long.
3. Labels prepared in the minimum size of 4 inches high by 7 inches long may include a restricted mailer/acceptance unit area that cannot exceed one line of text or contain print no larger than 12 point. Text in the restricted mailer/acceptance unit area must be restricted to the bottom line of the label (below the lower barcode identification bar).
4. Intelligent Mail container labels prepared in the optional smaller format, but measuring more than 4 inches high by 7 inches long in both (or either) dimensions, must preserve the top 3.75 inches of the label, or the area including and above the lower barcode identification bar (whichever is greater), for USPS-required elements. The remainder of the label is available for restricted mailer/acceptance unit use. Text in the restricted mailer/acceptance unit area, when used, must contain print no larger than 12 point.
5. All text placed in the mailer/acceptance unit area must be approved by the business mail entry unit (BMEU) servicing the mailer for acceptance and verification, except as allowed under 705.8.6.6a. or 705.8.6.6b. for optional placement of required origin office/mailer location information. Mailers wishing to include information other than that approved or allowed for use in this area must use the larger size label specified in 3.4.3.
6. Two labels must be affixed to each pallet as specified under 705.8.6.1.
7. Labels containing Intelligent Mail container barcodes must meet the specifications for labels posted at http://postalpro.usps.gov.

Exhibit 3.4.6 Intelligent Mail Container Label—Optional Format with Restricted Mailer Area

3.4.7 Unique Barcode Requirement

The Intelligent Mail container barcode can encode a unique identifier for each container. Mailers must ensure that serial numbers in barcodes remain unique for 45 days.

3.4.8 Quality Assurance Provisions

Mailers printing Intelligent Mail container labels are responsible for the inspection and testing of the labels prior to submission to the USPS and for maintaining the overall quality of the labels they produce. Inspection and testing of Intelligent Mail container labels should be performed periodically. Mailers are encouraged to work with their local mailpiece design analyst to validate the accuracy and quality of their labels.