Mail indicia

Mail indicia is a term used in the postal industry to refer to the information printed on an envelope or package that allows the postal service to process and deliver the mail. The term "indicia" comes from the Latin word "indicium," which means "a sign or mark."

In the United States, mail indicia typically includes the following information:

  1. Postage: The amount of postage paid for the mailpiece.
  2. Mailing date: The date the mailpiece was mailed.
  3. Return address: The address of the sender.
  4. Destination address: The address of the intended recipient.
  5. Barcode: A unique identifier that allows the postal service to track the mailpiece.

Mail indicia can be printed using a variety of methods, including:

  1. Postage stamps: Traditional adhesive stamps that are affixed to the envelope or package.
  2. Postage meters: Machines that print postage directly onto the mailpiece.
  3. Online postage: Electronic postage that is printed onto the mailpiece using a computer and printer.
  4. Franking machines: Machines that print postage and other indicia information onto the mailpiece.

Mail indicia serves several purposes, including:

  1. Payment of postage: The indicia indicates that the postage has been paid, which allows the postal service to process and deliver the mail.
  2. Tracking: The indicia provides a unique identifier that allows the postal service to track the mailpiece and ensure it is delivered to the correct address.
  3. Authentication: The indicia helps to authenticate the mailpiece and prevent fraud.
  4. Compliance: The indicia helps to ensure that the mailpiece complies with postal regulations and requirements.

In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) requires that mailpieces have a valid indicia in order to be processed and delivered. The USPS also provides guidelines for the format and content of mail indicia, as well as rules for the use of different types of indicia.