A guide to intelligent mail

Intelligent Mail (IM) is a system used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to track and manage mail and packages. It uses a unique barcode, known as the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), to identify and track mailpieces. Here is a comprehensive guide to Intelligent Mail:

What is Intelligent Mail?

Intelligent Mail is a system that uses a unique barcode to identify and track mailpieces. It was introduced by the USPS in 2009 to improve the tracking and delivery of mail and packages.

How does Intelligent Mail work?

Here's how Intelligent Mail works:

  1. IMb Barcode: The IMb barcode is a unique 65-character barcode that is printed on the mailpiece. It contains information such as the sender's and recipient's addresses, the mailpiece's weight, and the postage paid.
  2. Scanning: When a mailpiece is processed at a USPS facility, the IMb barcode is scanned. This allows the USPS to track the mailpiece and update its location in real-time.
  3. Tracking: The IMb barcode allows the USPS to track the mailpiece throughout its journey, from the point of origin to the point of delivery.
  4. Delivery Confirmation: The IMb barcode also provides delivery confirmation, which allows the sender to track the mailpiece and confirm delivery.

Benefits of Intelligent Mail

Intelligent Mail offers several benefits, including:

  1. Improved Tracking: Intelligent Mail provides real-time tracking and updates, allowing senders to track their mailpieces and confirm delivery.
  2. Increased Efficiency: Intelligent Mail streamlines the mail processing and delivery process, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
  3. Cost Savings: Intelligent Mail can help reduce costs by providing more accurate tracking and reducing the need for manual processing.
  4. Enhanced Customer Service: Intelligent Mail provides customers with more accurate and timely information about their mailpieces, improving customer satisfaction.

How to Use Intelligent Mail

To use Intelligent Mail, you'll need to:

  1. Obtain an IMb: You can obtain an IMb by purchasing a postage permit from the USPS or by using a postage meter that is certified for Intelligent Mail.
  2. Print the IMb: Print the IMb barcode on your mailpiece using a printer that is certified for Intelligent Mail.
  3. Affix the IMb: Affix the IMb barcode to the mailpiece, making sure it is clearly visible and not covered by any other markings.
  4. Mail the IMb: Mail the IMb-bearing mailpiece to the USPS, making sure to follow all applicable USPS regulations and guidelines.

Intelligent Mail for Businesses

Intelligent Mail can be particularly beneficial for businesses that send large volumes of mail or packages. Here are some ways businesses can use Intelligent Mail:

  1. Track and Manage Mail: Use Intelligent Mail to track and manage your mailpieces, including tracking delivery and confirming receipt.
  2. Improve Customer Service: Use Intelligent Mail to provide customers with real-time updates on their mailpieces, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  3. Reduce Costs: Use Intelligent Mail to reduce costs by streamlining the mail processing and delivery process.
  4. Enhance Supply Chain Visibility: Use Intelligent Mail to gain visibility into your supply chain, allowing you to track and manage your mailpieces more effectively.

Intelligent Mail for E-commerce

Intelligent Mail can be particularly beneficial for e-commerce businesses that ship large volumes of packages. Here are some ways e-commerce businesses can use Intelligent Mail:

  1. Track and Manage Shipments: Use Intelligent Mail to track and manage your shipments, including tracking delivery and confirming receipt.
  2. Improve Customer Experience: Use Intelligent Mail to provide customers with real-time updates on their shipments, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  3. Reduce Costs: Use Intelligent Mail to reduce costs by streamlining the shipping and delivery process.
  4. Enhance Supply Chain Visibility: Use Intelligent Mail to gain visibility into your supply chain, allowing you to track and manage your shipments more effectively.

Conclusion

Intelligent Mail is a powerful tool that can help businesses and individuals track and manage their mailpieces more effectively. By understanding how Intelligent Mail works and how to use it, you can improve your mail tracking and delivery experience, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.