The POSTNET Barcode is Retiring!
The Postal Service has announced the retirement of the POSTNET barcode for automation price eligibility effective January 28, 2013.
In order to receive automation rate discounts form the US Postal Service, your companies mailings of postcards, letter- and flat-size mailpieces will need to have an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb). Your Permit Reply Mail and Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) will also be required to have an Intelligent Mail bar-code.
The Postal Service understands that many commercial mailers currently use POSTNET bar-codes and has been working with the mailing industry, including the software providers to ensure a smooth transition to the use of the Intelligent Mail bar-code.
US Mailing House has been using the intelligent mail bar-code technology for over 4 years. Intelligent mail bar-codes are a great way for you to save money on your postage costs and speed up your delivery times. Automation rates apply to single mailings of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail. The Intelligent Mail Bar-code can be used on automation rate First Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals and bound printed matter.
All US Mailing House customers will continue to benefit from automation prices and the faster, more efficient delivery that comes with automation compatibility The Full-Service option will provide you with the lowest automation discount prices, free address correction for Full-Service mail pieces and visibility into your mailing.
To learn more about the Intelligent Mail bar-code, click here to review the Intelligent Mail Guide to Letters and Flats as well as the many other resource guides available. Or you may contact one of our US Mailing House postal regulation experts. Our mailing consultants will provide you with assistance and respond to any questions you may have about postal automation, regulations or direct mail in general.