DMM Revision: New Intelligent Mail Barcoded Tray Label and Container Placard Standards

Effective October 9, 2008, the Postal Service™ is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Ser­vice, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) 235.4, 245.4, 335.4, 345.4, 365.4, 705.8, and 708.6 to provide optional standards for the use of Intelligent Mail^® tray labels and Intelligent Mail container placards. These new standards are available to mailers who wish to transition, in advance of the May 2009 effective date, towards the full-service option of the Postal Service’s Intelligent Mail technology. This technology allows unique identification of letters and flats at their acceptance point and within USPS^® pro­cessing.

Initially, the Intelligent Mail tray label will be available for use in the form of the 10/24 transitional Intelligent Mail tray label, which contains a traditional 10-digit barcode in addi­tion to a 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray barcode. The Intelli­gent Mail tray label individually identifies mail owners or mailing agents through an assigned Mailer ID, uniquely identifies each tray or sack, and provides routing and con­tent information. Intelligent Mail tray labels are designed to be read by automated mail processing equipment and will provide visibility within our processing environment. We will replace the 10/24 transitional format with the 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label as systems and other conditions allow. The 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label is scheduled to be available for mailer use in April of 2009.

Mailers may also begin using pallet and other container placards (formally known as pallet labels) that include Intel­ligent Mail container barcodes. These placards utilize a Mailer ID and a unique container identifier to provide visibil­ity within our processing and transportation systems. Plac­ards bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes may be placed on each pallet, container, or rolling stock item, which enable USPS employees to scan the barcodes at the point of induction.

Mailers using Intelligent Mail container barcodes on pal­let placards must place two placards on each pallet, on adjacent sides. Mailers must affix the placards on the outside of the plastic wrap by a self-adhesive or other adhesive means that will not obscure any required element of the placard and will assure they remain secure through­out USPS processing. Mailers using other USPS-approved containers must place one placard in the designated area.

Design requirements for the standard 8-inch by 11-inch Intelligent Mail container placard include designating the top half of the label for exclusive USPS-defined informa­tion, a specified location for placement of the Intelligent Mail container barcode, and the placement of a “USPS SCAN REQUIRED” endorsement to further enhance scan­ning visibility.

Alternatively, mailers may apply pallet placards pre­pared in an optional smaller format, measuring no less than 4 inches high by 7 inches long, and including a restricted mailer/acceptance unit area. The mailer/acceptance unit area can accommodate no more than one line of text, must contain print no larger than 12 points, must be restricted to the bottom line of the placard, and must be approved by the business mail entry unit (BMEU) servicing the mailer for acceptance and verification.

Standards for Intelligent Mail barcodes were published in the Federal Register final rule dated August 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 163, pages 49333– 49348) and may be viewed on the Postal Explorer^® website at http://pe.usps.com. This revision will introduce some of DMM changes described in the August 21, 2008, Federal Regis­ter, as optional standards, in advance of the May 2009 effective date.

We encourage mailers to use these new Intelligent Mail options as appropriate.

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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200 Commercial Letters and Cards

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230 First-Class Mail

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235 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Tray Labels 4.1 Basic Standards

Tray labels are subject to these basic standards:

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[Revise 4.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels by add­ing a new item d as follows:]

d. Intelligent Mail tray labels are subject to the stan­dards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifications posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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240 Standard Mail

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245 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Tray Labels 4.1 Basic Standards

Tray labels are subject to these basic standards:

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[Revise 4.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels by add­ing a new item d as follows:]

d. Intelligent Mail tray labels are subject to the stan­dards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifications posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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300 Commercial Flats

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330 First-Class Mail

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335 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Tray Labels 4.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 4.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels as follows:]

Tray labels must contain all required elements applicable to the class and price category of the mailing. Labels must be legible (barcoded, machine printed labels recommended). Tray labels for automation mailings are subject to 4.9 and 708.6.2, Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels. Intelligent Mail tray labels are subject to the standards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifica­tions posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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340 Standard Mail

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345 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Sack and Tray Labels 4.1 Basic Standards

Sack and tray labels are subject to the following:

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[Revise 4.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels by add­ing a new item g as follows:]

g. Intelligent Mail tray labels, used on sacks or trays, are subject to the standards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifications posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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360 Bound Printed Matter

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365 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Sack Labels 4.1 Basic Standards

Sack labels are subject to the following:

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[Revise 4.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels by add­ing a new item f as follows:]

f. Intelligent Mail tray labels, used on sacks, are subject to the standards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifications posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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700 Special Standards

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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

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8.0 Preparing Pallets

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[Revise the title of 705.8.6 as follows:]

8.6 Pallet Placards 8.6.1 Placement

[Revise 8.6.1 by adding a new second sentence as follows:]

***It is recommended that pallets prepared through plant-load or drop-shipment agreements be placed on transpor­tation so that a pallet placard on each pallet faces toward the rear of the vehicle.

8.6.2 Specifications

[Revise 8.6.2 to reference Intelligent Mail container plac­ards as follows:]

Pallet placards must be pink for Periodicals and white for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Package Services, and Parcel Select. Pallet placards must measure at least 8 inches by 11 inches, except that pallet or other USPS container placards bearing Intelligent Mail container bar­codes may measure no less than 4 inches by 7 inches when prepared under 708.6.6.6. Placards bearing Intelli­gent Mail container barcodes must meet the standards for Intelligent Mail container placards in DMM 708.6.6 and at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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707 Periodicals

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21 Tray and Sack Labels 21.1 Basic Standards 21.1.1 General

Sack and tray labels are subject to the following:

[Revise 21.1.1 to reference Intelligent Mail tray labels by adding a new item g as follows:]

g. Intelligent Mail tray labels, used on sacks or trays, are subject to the standards in 708.6.5, Intelligent Mail Tray Labels, and to the specifications posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

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708 Technical Specifications

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[Revise the title of 708.6 to reflect new container placard options as follows:]

6.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Placards

[Renumber current 6.1 through 6.3 as new 6.2 through 6.4.]

[Add new 6.1 as follows:]

6.1 General 6.1.1 Tray and Sack Labels

Intelligent Mail tray labels (see 6.5), barcoded 2-inch tray and sack labels, and barcoded 1-inch sack labels are the USPS-approved methods to encode routing, content, ori­gin, and mailer information on trays and sacks. Intelligent Mail tray labels are designed for use with Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and have the capacity to provide unique identification throughout postal processing.

6.1.2 Container Placards

Mailer-generated container placards bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes identify the mail owner or agent and uniquely identify the unit (pallet, container, or rolling stock). Intelligent Mail container placards are designed for use with Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and Intelligent Mail tray labels.

[Revise the title of renumbered 6.2 as follows:]

6.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

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[Revise title of renumbered Exhibit 6.2.1 as follows:]

Exhibit 6.2.1 Required Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

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[Add new 6.5 as follows:]

6.5 Intelligent Mail Tray Labels 6.5.1 Definition

Intelligent Mail tray labels are 2-inch labels used on trays and sacks to provide unique identification within postal processing. To facilitate the transition from 10-digit tray and sack labels to 24-digit barcoded Intelligent Mail tray labels, a transitional label has been developed that includes a 10-digit barcode using the AIM/USS-I 2/5 sym­bology, in addition to a 24-digit barcode using International Symbology Specification Code 128 subset C symbology (see Exhibit 6.5.1). Intelligent Mail tray labels feature a human-readable field designed to indicate the carrier route for carrier route mailings, display an “AUTO” indicator text for automation mailings, or remain blank for nonautomation mailings. Mailers using Intelligent Mail tray labels must print labels in the transitional format. Detailed specifications for the tray label and barcode formats are at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

Exhibit 6.5.1 10/24 Transitional Intelligent Mail Tray Label

6.5.2 Transitional Intelligent Mail Tray Label Format

The general format for Intelligent Mail tray labels are as follows:

a. Printer line.

b. Tray or sack presort destination (postal destination name).

c. Content description, as listed in Exhibit 6.2.4.

d. Office of mailing or mailer information.

e. Destination ZIP Code.

f. Carrier route or “AUTO” designation field.

g. Mailer ID.

h. 24-digit ISS code 128 subset C barcode numeric line.

i. 10-digit AIM/USS-I 2/5 barcode numeric line.

j. Mailer’s area (for mailer-generated information).

6.5.3 Barcode Format

The barcode format is dependent on the Mailer ID assigned by the USPS. Upon request by the mailer, the USPS assigns a 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID based on the demon­strated mail volume of the mailer. Intelligent Mail tray bar­codes contain the following elements:

a. Destination ZIP Code.

b. Content identifier number (CIN), as listed in Exhibit 6.2.4.

c. Processing code, identifying the system or facility generating the label.

d. Mailer ID.

e. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each tray or sack.

f. Label type, a default digit.

6.5.4 Unique Serial Number

The Intelligent Mail tray barcode can encode a unique iden­tifier for each tray and sack.

6.5.5 Quality Assurance Provisions

Mailers printing Intelligent Mail tray labels are responsible for the inspection and testing of the labels prior to submis­sion to USPS and for maintaining the overall quality of the labels produced. Inspection and testing of Intelligent Mail tray labels should be performed periodically. Mailers and label vendors are encouraged to submit samples to the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) in Memphis for certification (see 608.8.0 for address).

[Add new 6.6 as follows:]

6.6 Intelligent Mail Container Placards (Labels) 6.6.1 Definition

Mailer-generated container placards bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes identify pallets and other rolling stock, such as all-purpose containers. Intelligent Mail con­tainer barcodes uniquely identify each container and may be scanned at induction points. Detailed specifications for Intelligent Mail container barcodes and placards are avail­able at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

6.6.2 Intelligent Mail Container Placard Configurations

Intelligent Mail container placards may be produced in two configurations:

a. Affixed placard measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches. Placards must be affixed to the outside of any shrinkwrap or plastic by a self-adhesive or other adhesive means that will not obscure any required element of the placard, and remain secure through­out USPS processing. See 6.6.3 for specifications.

b. Optional affixed placard measuring at least 4 inches by 7 inches. Placards may be prepared in the alter­nate format (see 6.6.6) affixed to the outside of any shrinkwrap or plastic by a self-adhesive or other adhesive means that will not obscure any required element of the placard and remain secure throughout USPS processing. This optional configuration per­mits a restricted mailer/acceptance unit area that cannot exceed one line of text. Mailers wishing to include additional information other than that approved for use in the defined “mailer/acceptance unit area” of the placard must use a placard with a minimum size of 8 inches by 11 inches under 6.6.3.

6.6.3 Intelligent Mail Container Placard Format

In addition to the general requirements for pallet placards in 705.8.6, Intelligent Mail container placards (see Exhibit 6.6.3) must retain the top one-half of the placard for USPS-required elements. The USPS banner, identification bars, and human-readable text are required elements related to the Intelligent Mail container barcode and will serve as a guide to distinguish the barcode from the other information on the container placard. Required elements include:

a. USPS Banner. “USPS SCAN REQUIRED” must be printed in all uppercase letters centered above the barcode and embedded within the upper identifica­tion bar. Clear zone and font size are as follows:

1. A clear zone of at least 0.125 inch, but no more than 0.5 inch, must be maintained between the bottom edge of the text and the top of the barcode.

2. The banner must be printed in a boldface sans-serif font of at least 14-point type.

b. Identification Bars. Horizontal black bars of at least 0.10 inch thick must be printed above and below the barcode. At a minimum, the bars must extend the length of the barcode. Clear zone and other require­ments are as follows:

1. The upper bar must be printed at least 0.125 inch above the top edge of the barcode.

2. The upper bar must have a void in the middle sufficient to insert the USPS banner without any element being obscured.

3. The lower bar must be printed at least 0.125 inch below the human-readable representation of the barcode string.

c. Human-Readable Representation of Barcode Data. The human-readable representation of barcode data (text) must be printed in a boldface sans-serif font of at least 12-point type. The text must not exceed the length of the barcode and must be separated by a data field. Two blank character spaces must be left between each field. The text must be centered at least 0.125 inch, but no more than 0.25 inch, below the barcode.

d. Barcode Location. The barcode, along with the cor­responding USPS banner and identification bars, must be printed on the front side of the pallet plac­ard. When the identification bars extend beyond the length of the barcode, the barcode must be horizon­tally centered.

e. Minimum size. The minimum size of this placard is 8 inches high by 11 inches long. See additional speci­fications at http://ribbs.usps.gov. Mailers using larger placards must ensure the barcode conforms to the published specification and the human-readable content is provided as illustrated in Exhibit 6.6.3 and as published on the RIBBS website.

Exhibit 6.6.3 Intelligent Mail Container Placard

6.6.4 Barcode Format

Intelligent Mail container barcodes are 21 characters in length and contain a USPS-assigned Mailer ID. The format depends on the Mailer ID assigned. Intelligent Mail con­tainer barcodes contain the following elements:

a. Application identifier, identifying the source of the barcode.

b. Type indicator, identifying internal or external label generation.

c. Mailer ID.

d. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each container.

6.6.5 Placard Requirements

Mailers using placards bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes must:

a. Place two placards on pallets, one on each adjacent side, on the outside of shrinkwrap or plastic. Plac­ards must be affixed by self-adhesive or other adhe­sive means that will not obscure any required element of the placard and remain secure throughout USPS processing.

b. Place one placard in the designated area on other USPS containers.

6.6.6 Optional Smaller Placard Format

Mailers may prepare placards bearing Intelligent Mail con­tainer barcodes (see Exhibit 6.6.6) in a smaller alternate for­mat and must affix the placards to the outside of any shrinkwrap or plastic as follows:

a. Placards must include the required elements described in 705.8.6.

b. Placards include a restricted mailer/acceptance unit area that cannot exceed one line of text, must contain print no larger than 12 points, and must be restricted to the bottom line of the placard (below the lower barcode identification bar).

c. All text placed in the mailer/acceptance unit area must be approved by the business mail entry unit (BMEU) servicing the mailer for acceptance and verification.

d. Mailers wishing to include additional information other than that approved for use in the defined “mailer/acceptance unit area” must use the larger size placard specified in 6.6.3.

e. Placards must be securely affixed on two adjacent sides on the outside of the shrinkwrap or plastic of pallets.

f. Placards must measure no less than 4 inches high by 7 inches long.

g. Placards containing Intelligent Mail container bar­codes must meet the specifications for placards posted at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

Exhibit 6.6.6 Intelligent Mail Container Placard — Optional Format With Restricted Mailer Area

6.6.7 Unique Serial Number

The Intelligent Mail container barcode can encode a unique identifier for each container.

6.6.8 Quality Assurance Provisions

Mailers printing Intelligent Mail container placards are responsible for the inspection and testing of the placards prior to submission to the USPS and for maintaining the overall quality of the placards they produce. Inspection and testing of Intelligent Mail container placards should be per­formed periodically. Mailers are encouraged to work with their local mailpiece design analyst to validate the accuracy and quality of their placards.

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the DMM and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer^® at http://pe.usps.com.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing, 10-9-08