How to read intelligent mail barcode

The Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) is a unique barcode used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to track and manage mail pieces. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to read an Intelligent Mail Barcode:

What is an Intelligent Mail Barcode?

The Intelligent Mail Barcode is a 65-character barcode that contains information about the mail piece, such as:

  1. Mailer ID (unique identifier for the mailer)
  2. Mail Piece Sequence Number (unique identifier for the mail piece)
  3. Service Type (e.g., First-Class, Priority Mail, etc.)
  4. Delivery Point Sequence Number (unique identifier for the delivery point)
  5. Postnet Barcode (a barcode that helps the USPS sort and deliver mail)

How to Read an Intelligent Mail Barcode

To read an Intelligent Mail Barcode, you'll need to follow these steps:

  1. Locate the barcode: The Intelligent Mail Barcode is usually printed in the top-right corner of the mail piece, near the return address.
  2. Identify the barcode type: The Intelligent Mail Barcode is a 65-character barcode that starts with the characters "01" or "02". If it starts with "01", it's a OneCode barcode. If it starts with "02", it's a OneCode Solution barcode.
  3. Decode the barcode: Use a barcode scanner or a software program that can read the Intelligent Mail Barcode. You can also use online tools or apps to decode the barcode.
  4. Extract the information: Once the barcode is decoded, you'll see the following information:
    • Mailer ID (unique identifier for the mailer)
    • Mail Piece Sequence Number (unique identifier for the mail piece)
    • Service Type (e.g., First-Class, Priority Mail, etc.)
    • Delivery Point Sequence Number (unique identifier for the delivery point)
    • Postnet Barcode (a barcode that helps the USPS sort and deliver mail)
  5. Verify the information: Check the information extracted from the barcode to ensure it matches the mail piece's details.

Tools and Software to Read Intelligent Mail Barcodes

You can use the following tools and software to read Intelligent Mail Barcodes:

  1. Barcode scanners: Many barcode scanners, such as those from Honeywell or Zebra, can read Intelligent Mail Barcodes.
  2. Software programs: Programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, or specialized barcode reading software like BarCode Reader or CodeREADr can read Intelligent Mail Barcodes.
  3. Online tools: Websites like USPS.com or online barcode readers like ScanLife or Barcode Scanner can decode Intelligent Mail Barcodes.
  4. Mobile apps: Apps like ScanLife, Barcode Scanner, or USPS Mobile can read Intelligent Mail Barcodes using your smartphone's camera.

Remember to always verify the information extracted from the barcode to ensure accuracy and compliance with USPS regulations.