OVERVIEW
About Intelligent Mail
Preserve postal discounts and improve mailing efficiency.
The Intelligent Mail® barcode replaces a POSTNET™, PLANET Code® and Keyline, resulting in a barcode that contains more information and requires less space on mail pieces. In May 2011, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will retire POSTNET and require the use of the Intelligent Mail barcode for automation pricing. Other advantages of the new barcode:
- Enables unique identification of up to a billion mail pieces
- Eliminates multiple barcodes and their maintenance
- Provides more detailed information about mailings
- Supports participation in USPS services such as Destination Confirm, Origin Confirm and Address Change Service
With Intelligent Mail in place, you gain access to services that improve mailing efficiency and accuracy:
- Destination Confirm – Outbound mail tracking and reporting of time and date.
- Origin Confirm – Reply mail (such as payments or products) logging at the point where the return envelope enters the USPS system, giving you visibility to payments that are en route.
- Address Change Services – Immediate access to Change of Address (COA) information, forwarded by the USPS when available. Use this address remediation service to react to address changes and update databases.
BASIC VS. FULL SERVICE
About Intelligent Mail
Preserve postal discounts and improve mailing efficiency.
Mailers need to comply with either USPS Basic or Full Service Intelligent Mail® in order to continue receiving automation rate discounts. The following table outlines a few of the differences.
| Basic Service | Full Service |
|---|---|
| Unique barcode serial number is optional. If used, it must not be reused for 45 days. | Unique barcode serial number is mandatory, and it may not be reused for 45 days. |
| Can interface with advanced Intelligent Mail Confirm and Address Change Services. Requires unique serial number. | Can interface with advanced Intelligent Mail Confirm and Address Change Services. |
| Requires a 0, 5, 9, or 11-digit ZIP code to generate the barcode. An 11-digit ZIP code, generally obtained through CASS processing, is required to retain automation rates. | Requires an 11-digit ZIP code to generate the barcode, which is generally obtained through CASS processing. |
| Intelligent Mail barcode applies to mail piece only. | Requires barcodes on the mail piece, mail trays and containers. |
| Minimum requirement to retain automation rate discounts as of May 2011. | Requires electronic manifesting and transmission to the USPS. |
| Provides an additional $3 per 1,000 first-class mail piece savings starting November 2009 and retains automation rate discounts as of May 2011. |
Contact us to learn more about Basic and Full Service Intelligent Mail implementation options.