Barcode on mail in window

You're referring to the barcode that appears on the window of a mail-in envelope!

The barcode on the window of a mail-in envelope is called a "mailing label barcode" or " Intelligent Mail barcode" (IMb). It's a unique identifier that helps the United States Postal Service (USPS) track and sort mail more efficiently.

Here's what you need to know about this barcode:

  1. Purpose: The barcode helps the USPS to quickly and accurately identify the sender, recipient, and contents of the mailpiece.
  2. Format: The barcode is a 65-character code that includes the sender's and recipient's addresses, the mailpiece's weight, and other relevant information.
  3. Placement: The barcode is typically printed on the top-right corner of the envelope's window, which is the transparent area on the envelope that allows the USPS to scan the barcode.
  4. Benefits: The barcode helps to:
    • Improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency
    • Reduce errors and misdirected mail
    • Provide real-time tracking and monitoring of mailpieces
    • Enable the USPS to generate reports and analytics on mail volume and trends
  5. Requirements: The USPS requires that mailers use the Intelligent Mail barcode on certain types of mail, including:
    • First-Class Mail
    • Priority Mail
    • Priority Mail Express
    • Parcel Select

If you're a mailer, you can generate the Intelligent Mail barcode using a barcode font or a software application that supports the USPS's barcode format.