Intelligent Mail® Barcodes: On March 2, 2012 the POSTNET™ Barcode Discontinuation proposed rule was posted on the Federal Register website. The proposed rule includes the basis for discontinuing use of POSTNET™ barcodes and allowing only Intelligent Mail® barcodes (IMb™) for automation price eligibility by January 2013. The Postal Service™ understands that many mailers currently use POSTNET barcodes and they are committed to providing information to and working with individual mailers and software providers to ensure that the use of an Intelligent Mail barcode is achievable for all mailing customers.
The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) is available on Postal Explorer http://pe.usps.com.
DMM Advisory: To subscribe to the DMM Advisory, send an e-mail to dmmadvisory@usps.com. Indicate “subscribe” in the subject line.
Envelope Reminders:
- The permit number in the Legend Box must be consistent with the +4.
- The permit number in the Legend Box must be correct and consistent with the Post Office listed.
- The address format should be all caps, no punctuation except for hyphen between the zip and the +4.
- The permit holder/company name should be directly above the address.
- Attentions line(s) should be above the permit holder/company name.
- Spell out the whole city name, i.e: MINNEAPOLIS and SAINT PAUL.
- The +4 on the mail piece should be consistent with its mail type designation.
- Use the IMb (Intelligent Mail barcode).
- The barcode must be consistent with the printed address.
- The permit holder name and/or address must the same as the mail piece is printed for. You will need a letter of authorization from the permit holder (on their official letterhead) authorizing the printed company name and address to use their Business Reply Permit. Be sure to include the BRM permit number in the letter. You will also need a copy of the cash register receipt showing the fees are paid for the current annual period.
- For more detailed information, check out: http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub28/pub28.pdf