Effective January 22, 2012, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to provide new standards for the use of Intelligent Mail® package barcodes (IMpb). Once all of these standards are fully implemented, tracking data, which includes acceptance, enroute, and delivery status data, will be available to commercial mailers who use extra services on their packages.
The Postal Service first provided notice of these new standards via an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (75 FR 56922–56923) on September 17, 2010. IMpb optional-use standards were announced in the article “DMM Revision: Optional Use of the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode” in Postal Bulletin 22297 (11-4-10, pages 4–10) and incorporated into the DMM on November 1, 2010. The Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (75 FR 23749–23755) on April 28, 2011, and the final rule in Federal Register (76 FR 59504–59512) on September 27, 2011.
Mailers using IMpb will receive piece-level visibility throughout USPS® processing and delivery operations. New IMpb enhancements include:
n Incorporation of a routing code to facilitate the processing of packages on automated sorting equipment.
n Use of a channel-specific Application Identifier (AI) that associates the barcode to the payment method, supporting revenue assurance.
n A 3-digit service type code, which will identify the mail class and extra service combination and eliminate the need for multiple barcodes on a package.
n The use of either a 6-digit or 9-digit numeric Mailer ID (MID) to accommodate all mailers.
n Inclusion of specific “mail class only” service type codes that may be used for packages without extra services.
To promote the use of IMpb or other unique tracking barcodes, effective January 22, 2012, the Postal Service will provide end-to-end tracking, including confirmation of delivery, at no additional charge, on all commercial parcels (except Standard Mail® and Package Services parcels). Merchandise Return Service (MRS) parcels and Business Reply Mail® (BRM) parcels may also qualify for end-to-end tracking, including confirmation of delivery, at no extra charge.
Also effective January 22, 2012, the Postal Service will require the use of a unique tracking barcode on all commercial parcels, except Standard Mail parcels, claiming presort or destination entry pricing; and will require all parcels shipped using PC Postage® systems to bear an IMpb and to use version 1.6 of the electronic shipping services manifest files. The PC Postage requirement does not extend to users of PC Postage stamp products. The Postal Service considers these postage imprints to be in the same category as the imprints generated by postage meter systems.
To allow commercial parcel and PC Postage mailers sufficient time to effect the necessary changes to their software and systems, the Postal Service will provide a transitional period, until July 2, 2012, during which the failure to comply with these new standards will not be penalized.
On January 7, 2013, the Postal Service finalizes the implementation by requiring an IMpb for all commercial mailpieces that include a tracking or extra services barcode and on all parcels (except Standard Mail parcels) claiming presort or destination entry pricing. The January 7, 2013, date also applies to all domestic Express Mail® pieces, except those paying postage through an Express Mail corporate account (EMCA). In addition, the Postal Service will require the use of version 1.6 electronic shipping services manifest files and require that these files include each destination ZIP + 4® code, or each destination delivery address by January 7, 2013. This new file format will also require a new version of the customer extract file.
The Postal Service recognizes that some mailers may have difficulty preparing their systems and processes in time to meet January 22, 2012, implementation (required after July 2, 2012), and further recognizes that some mailers may be unable to meet the January 7, 2013, deadline for use of IMpb and the version 1.6 electronic manifest file. Therefore the Postal Service will provide limited exceptions for those mailers who may require additional time to finalize their transition to the use of unique tracking barcodes or IMpb. Mailers requiring an exception may direct their request to vice president, Product Information, USPS Headquarters, Room 3667, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-5626.
The Postal Service will provide no charge end-to-end tracking, including confirmation of delivery, for all Parcel Select mailpieces (including the Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort category). Since all nondestination entry and nonpresorted Parcel Select mailpieces are currently required to bear barcodes, this Parcel Select category will also be required to bear a unique tracking barcode no later than July 2, 2012, and will be required to bear an IMpb and to use version 1.6 of the electronic shipping services manifest files no later than January 7, 2013.
To support future sorting efficiencies, USPS strongly encourages mailers to place a ZIP+4 code or destination address in the electronic files for each mailpiece as soon as possible. Mailers using the IMpb are also encouraged to include the additional two-digit delivery point code in the electronic file.
These new standards also require a postal routing code on all parcels and all Express Mail pieces (except for EMCA mailers), preferably as a concatenated IMpb or extra services barcode. When a concatenated IMpb or extra services barcode is not used, a separate postal routing barcode must be included in addition to the IMpb. Flat-shaped or letter-shaped Priority Mail® or Critical Mail™ pieces may use an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb™) or POSTNET™ code for the postal routing barcode. Otherwise, an IMb will not be permitted in lieu of the IMpb.
Mailers of commercial parcels, who claim presort or destination entry pricing, but who do not purchase a trackable extra service, or make use of the no-fee end-to-end tracking, must use a “mail-class only” IMpb service type code that represents the class or subclass of the mailpiece that is being shipped.
Beginning January 22, 2012, the Postal Service requires the use of new generic human-readable service banner text formats when printing an IMpb. Current standards require a different human-readable service banner text for each extra service selected by the mailer. The Postal Service will provide two generic text options for service banners, when used with an IMpb, for most of the extra services selected. Mailers must use a “USPS TRACKING #” human-readable service banner text above the barcode on packages not requiring a signature at delivery, and a “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” service banner text above the barcode on packages where a signature is required at delivery. These new service banner texts will not be used with Certified Mail®, Registered Mail™, Adult Signature service, Parcel Return Service, or Express Mail or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services. With these exceptions, mailers may also optionally use the new service banner texts in conjunction with all current USPS-approved extra services barcodes. These new texts will simplify IMpb use for mailers and will more accurately describe future processing and tracking capabilities inherent to the IMpb.
The Postal Service is also providing an exception process, for mailers of small First-Class Mail® and Standard Mail parcels lacking sufficient label space to apply an IMpb or extra services barcode meeting the 3/4-inch height requirement, to submit barcodes of at least 1/2 inch in height for USPS testing and approval. These exceptions will be administered by the National Customer Service Center (NCSC), as part of the normal barcode approval process.
For the purposes of these standards, the term “commercially shipped package” is generally used to describe all domestic mailpieces meeting parcel characteristics, all Express Mail and Priority Mail mailpieces, regardless of shape, including commercially shipped flat-rate items. It does not include EMCA pieces, Critical Mail pieces, some Priority Mail flat-size pieces prepared by high-volume mailers, or Package Service parcels mailed at USPS retail counters. The term “commercially shipped package” will also encompass Parcel Post® pieces, within the Package Services category, bearing a permit imprint.
Piece-level information will allow the Postal Service to improve its competitiveness within the commercial package shipping industry and to create a more comprehensive service performance measurement tool. Barcodes are not currently required on commercially shipped packages, except those entered under an Electronic Verification System (eVS®); and many barcodes now being used are unable to incorporate the data necessary to meet the future needs of the Postal Service. At present, commercially shipped packages can bear barcodes that are designed to provide delivery status information only, and do not always include a routing code (a barcode that represents the destination ZIP Code™). These barcodes allow limited integration of multiple extra services and have limited revenue protection capabilities, due to the absence of information associating the piece with its specific payment method.
The IMpb provides unique piece-level data to enable the Postal Service to increase efficiency, enhance package visibility and tracking capabilities, and provide a means to measure service performance. The IMpb is a width-modulated barcode containing up to 34 digits, which generally follows the specifications of the GS1-128 symbology. GS1-128 barcodes are a special type of Code 128 barcodes that make use of Application Identifiers (AIs) to define the encoded data and their use. The IMpb leverages features of the GS1-128 symbology to allow for the unique identification and tracking of domestic packages from induction to delivery. The GS1-128 barcode symbology is already a requirement for users of electronic confirmation services and eVS. Customers participating in these programs will not need to change the symbology of the barcode; however the elements within the barcode and layout will change.
There are several IMpb barcode variations for commercial and retail use that provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate the diverse mailing needs of customers. To improve routing, tracking, and service capabilities, mailers will be required to include the correct 5-digit routing code in the barcode on each commercially shipped package, either incorporated into a single concatenated barcode or as a separate postal routing barcode. The Postal Service will also require mailers to transmit the ZIP + 4 code information to USPS via an electronic file. As an alternative, mailers may include the destination address in the electronic file instead of the ZIP + 4 code.
Mailers who generate their own barcoded labels will benefit from the enhancements to the electronic files, allowing the support of the additional features incorporated into the IMpb. The new version 1.6 electronic file format includes expanded package identification code fields to accommodate up to a 34-digit barcode string, and requires fewer file types to support various combinations of products and services. With the full implementation of these standards, mailers will be required to include the destination ZIP + 4 code (or destination address) in the electronic file for all records. This additional ZIP Code information will assist in the routing and tracking of our package products. An optional field for the delivery point code of the destination address has been added to the electronic file to provide additional information to improve service. A listing of electronic file formats is located in Publication 91 Addendum for Intelligent Mail™ Package Barcode (IMpb) and 3-digit Service Type Code available on the RIBBS® website at https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_package/documents/tech_guides/pub91.pdf
. File formats are also provided in the newly released Publication 199, Implementation Guide to Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) for Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers. Publication 199 is also available on the RIBBS website, and includes all information in the Publication 91 Addendum, but is more comprehensive. The Postal Service currently provides IMpb technical specifications in both publications, but expects to eliminate the Publication 91 Addendum at some point in the near future.
The data construct of the IMpb barcode differs from that of the current Confirmation Services barcode. The IMpb uses unique 3-digit service type codes to identify the exact product and extra services combinations, eliminating the need for separate barcodes and enabling more efficient package handling and delivery. Detailed specifications for IMpb barcodes are available in the “Barcode Data” section of the specification document, Barcode, Package, Intelligent Mail (USPS2000508) on RIBBS. A list of the 3-digit service type codes is available in Publication 199 and the addendum to Publication 91. Technical specifications may be modified using an alternative approval process authorized by the vice president, Product Information.
Mailers using IMpb can optionally increase package visibility by associating each package with the appropriate sack, or an approved equivalent container, which bears an accurately encoded Intelligent Mail tray label. Each sack or approved alternate container may then be electronically associated to a pallet (or equivalent container) that bears an accurately encoded Intelligent Mail container placard.
The Postal Service also plans to assist MRS and BRM parcel mailers in developing processes capable of generating unique tracking barcodes for their labels, and to replace the nonbarcoded labels many currently use. The use of unique tracking barcodes will be optional for these mailers, but, when used, these mailpieces will qualify for end-to-end tracking, including confirmation of delivery, at no additional charge.
The Postal Service has proposed creating two products from its existing Standard Mail parcels/Not Flat-Machinable (NFMs) product. The two products proposed would be Standard Mail fulfillment parcels and Standard Mail marketing parcels. The Postal Service has also proposed to transfer all of its Standard Mail fulfillment parcels (except nonprofit) to its competitive product line, where they would become a subcategory of the Parcel Select product. The Postal Service has obtained approval for this transfer, conditional on the January 22, 2012, price change. Those parcels transferring to the Parcel Select product line will become eligible for end-to-end tracking, including confirmation of delivery, at no cost, would be required to bear a unique tracking barcode no later than July 2, 2012, and would be required to bear an IMpb and to use version 1.6 of the electronic shipping services manifest files no later than January 7, 2013.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
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210 Express Mail
213 Prices and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for Express Mail
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[Renumber current 3.2 as 3.3 and add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 IMpb Standards
Commercial Express Mail with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, all commercial Express Mail pieces (except for pieces paying postage through EMCA) must bear an IMpb.
* * * * *
220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.3 and 3.4 as 3.4 and 3.5 and add new 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 IMpb Standards
Priority Mail pieces (except Critical Mail pieces without an extra service) with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
* * * * *
310 Express Mail
313 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Express Mail
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.2 as 3.3 and add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.3 IMpb Standards
Commercial Express Mail with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, all commercial Express Mail pieces (except for pieces paying postage through EMCA) must bear an IMpb.
* * * * *
320 Priority Mail
323 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.3 and 3.4 as 3.4 and 3.5 and add new 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 IMpb Standards
Priority Mail pieces (except Critical Mail pieces without an extra service) with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
410 Express Mail
413 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Express Mail
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.2 as 3.3 and add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.3 IMpb Standards
Commercial Express Mail with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, commercial Express Mail pieces (except for pieces paying postage through EMCA) must bear an IMpb.
* * * * *
420 Priority Mail
423 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.2 and 3.3 as 3.3 and 3.4 and add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 IMpb Standards
Priority Mail parcels with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
430 First-Class Package Service Parcels
433 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for First-Class Package Service Parcels
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[Revise title of 1.3 as follows:]
1.3 Commercial Base Prices
[Revise the introductory text of 1.3 as follows:]
Commercial base parcels may be presorted or nonpresorted. First-Class Package Service presorted parcels no more than 13 ounces in weight are eligible for commercial base prices. Presorted parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, on each parcel. Effective January 7, 2013, presorted parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel. Postage for presorted parcels must be paid under 434. Nonpresorted First-Class Package Service parcels, no more than 13 ounces in weight, mailed under the following conditions are eligible for single-piece commercial base parcel prices:
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
First-Class Package Service machinable parcels less than 16 ounces and Merchandise Return Service parcels are eligible for commercial plus prices for customers that:
* * * * *
[Add a new 1.4f as follows:]
f. Include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, on each presorted parcel. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.
1.5 Surcharge
[Revise 1.5 as follows:]
A surcharge applies for parcels with the following characteristics:
a. Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers, presorted parcels weighing less than 2 ounces or that are irregularly shaped, such as rolls, tubes, and triangles.
b. Nonpresorted parcels (except those paid with PC Postage; see 3.7) that do not bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code to avoid a surcharge.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Package Service Parcels
* * * * *
[Revise title of 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Additional Basic Standards
All presorted First-Class Package Service parcels must:
* * * * *
[Add a new 3.3c as follows:]
c. Bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.
* * * * *
[Renumber current 3.4 and 3.5 as the new 3.5 and 3.6, and add new 3.4 as follows:]
3.4 IMpb Standards
First Class Package Service parcels with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
450 Parcel Select
453 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Price Eligibility for Parcel Select and Parcel Select Regional Ground
3.1 Destination Entry Price Eligibility
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3.1.2 Basic Standards
For Parcel Select destination entry, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 455.4.0 and the following criteria:
* * * * *
[Add a new 3.1.2f as follows:]
f. Pieces must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel.
* * * * *
3.2 Parcel Select NDC and ONDC Presort Price Eligibility
[Revise 3.2 by adding two new last sentences as follows:]
***Parcel Select NDC and ONDC Presort pieces must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel.
3.3 Parcel Select Barcoded Nonpresort Price Eligibility
[Revise 3.3 as follows:]
Pieces mailed at Parcel Select Barcoded Nonpresort prices must be machinable parcels. Each parcel must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. There is a minimum volume of 50 pieces per mailing for parcels mailed at the Parcel Select Nonpresort price, except for parcels with USPS-approved PC Postage, for which there is no minimum volume per mailing. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel.
[Delete items 3.3a through 3c, and exhibit 3.3, in their entirety.]
3.4 Parcel Select Regional Ground
* * * * *
3.4.1 General Eligibility
Parcel Select Regional Ground prices are available for machinable parcels (see 401.1.5), measure .35 cubic foot or less, and weigh 5 pounds or less when customers meet the following requirements:
* * * * *
[Revise 3.4.1d as follows:]
d. Pieces must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel.
* * * * *
460 Bound Printed Matter
463 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Parcels
4.1 Price Eligibility
BPM prices are based on the weight of a single addressed piece or 1 pound, whichever is higher, and the zone (where applicable) to which the piece is addressed. Price categories are as follows:
* * * * *
[Add two new last sentences to 4.1b as follows:]
b. ***Each parcel must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.
[Add two new last sentences to 4.1c as follows:]
c. ***Each parcel must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.
* * * * *
466 Enter and Deposit
* * * * *
3.0 Destination Entry
3.1 General
[Revise the text of 3.1 as follows:]
Destination entry prices apply to Presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter (BPM) that is deposited at a destination network distribution center (DNDC), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) as specified below. Each piece can claim only one destination entry price; an individual pallet may contain pieces claimed at different destination entry prices. Each BPM parcel entered at a destination entry price must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels claiming destination entry prices must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code on each parcel.
* * * * *
470 Media Mail and Library Mail
473 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
6.0 Price Eligibility for Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
* * * * *
6.2 Price Eligibility Standards
[Revise 6.2 by adding a new second and third sentence as follows:]
***Each piece must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, presorted parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.***
6.3 Price Categories for Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
Media Mail and Library Mail prices are based on the weight of the piece without regard to zone. The price categories and discounts are as follows:
* * * * *
[Add a new 6.3d as follows:]
d. Presorted Media Mail and Library Mail parcels with postage paid through a PC Postage system must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
* * * * *
2.0 Registered Mail
* * * * *
2.4 Mailing
* * * * *
2.4.5 Privately Printed Label 200
[Revise 2.4.5 by adding a new third sentence as follows:]
***Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed labels must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0, except that labels must retain the human-readable text, label design elements, and color consistent with Label 200.***
* * * * *
3.0 Certified Mail
* * * * *
3.3 Mailing
* * * * *
3.3.4 Privately Printed Form 3800
[Revise 3.3.4 by adding a new third sentence as follows:]
***Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed forms must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0, except that forms must retain the human-readable text, label design elements, and color consistent with USPS Form 3800.***
* * * * *
4.0 Insured Mail
* * * * *
4.3 Mailing
* * * * *
4.3.4 Privately Printed Form 3813-P
[Revise 4.3.4 by adding new third and fourth sentences as follows:]
***Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed forms must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0. Unless printing integrated forms under 4.3.5, forms must retain the label design elements and color consistent with USPS Form 3813-P.***
4.3.5 Integrated Barcodes
The following options are available for mailers who print their own labels:
* * * * *
[Resequence the current 4.3.5c as the new 4.3.5e and add a new 4.3.5c and 5d as follows:]
c. Intelligent Mail package barcodes placed on insured packages with indemnity coverage of $200.00 or less must bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS TRACKING #” printed in accordance with Exhibit 708.5.1.4. Other approved extra services barcodes may bear the appropriate human-readable service banner text “USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION,” prepared under 708.5.0.
d. Intelligent Mail package barcodes placed on insured packages with indemnity coverage greater than $200.00 and with electronic Signature Confirmation service must bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” printed in accordance with Exhibit 708.5.1.4. Other approved extra services barcodes may bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS INSURED,” or “USPS SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION,” prepared under 708.5.0.
[Add a new last sentence to the introductory paragraph of resequenced 4.3.5e as follows:]
e. ***The following standards also apply:
[Delete resequenced 4.3.5e3 in its entirety and revise resequenced e1 and e2 as follows:]
1. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indemnity coverage of $200.00 or less with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service. Prepare barcodes under 4.3.5c.
2. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indemnity coverage of more than $200, up to $500 (up to $5,000 online through Click-N-Ship), with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service. In both cases, prepare barcodes under 4.3.5d.
* * * * *
9.0 Return Receipt for Merchandise
* * * * *
9.3 Mailing
* * * * *
9.3.5 Privately Printed Form 3804
[Revise 9.3.5 by adding a new third sentence as follows:]
***Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed forms must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 9.3.6 and 708.5.0, and must retain the label design elements and color consistent with Form 3804.***
[Renumber current 9.3.6 and 9.3.7 as the new 9.3.7 and 9.3.8 and add a new 9.3.6 as follows:]
9.3.6 Barcodes
Barcodes printed by mailers must meet the following standards:
a. Intelligent Mail package barcodes and other approved extra services barcodes applied by mailers must be prepared in accordance with 708.5.0.
b. Intelligent Mail package barcodes must include the human-readable service banner with the text “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” printed in accordance with Exhibit 708.5.1.4.
c. Other approved extra services barcodes may bear a human-readable service banner with the text “RETURN RECEIPT FOR MERCHANDISE” prepared in accordance with 708.5.0.
* * * * *
10.0 Delivery Confirmation
* * * * *
10.3 Labels
10.3.1 Types of Labels
Mailers must use one of the label options shown below (for additional information see Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide):
* * * * *
[Revise 10.3.1b as follows:]
b. Label 314 is available to electronic option mailers. Effective January 7, 2013, labels must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence and add a new second sentence to 10.3.1c as follows:]
c. Privately printed barcoded labels must meet the requirements in 10.3 and 10.4. Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed labels must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 10.4 and 708.5.0.***
[Delete Exhibit 10.3.1c, Privately Printed Label, in its entirety.]
* * * * *
10.4 Barcodes
* * * * *
10.4.3 Printing
***Labels used for Delivery Confirmation service must meet these additional specifications:
[Revise 10.4.3a as follows:]
a. Intelligent Mail package barcodes must bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS TRACKING #” printed in accordance with Exhibit 708.5.1.4. Other approved extra services barcodes may bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION,” prepared in accordance with 708.5.0
* * * * *
11.0 Signature Confirmation
* * * * *
11.3 Labels
11.3.1 Types of Labels
Mailers must use one of the label options shown below (for additional information see Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide):
* * * * *
[Revise 11.3.1b as follows:]
b. Label 315 is available to electronic option mailers. Effective January 7, 2013, labels must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence and add a new second sentence to 11.3.1c as follows:]
c. Privately printed barcoded labels must meet the requirements in 11.3 and 11.4. Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed labels must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 11.4 and 708.5.0.***
[Delete Exhibit 11.3.1c, Privately Printed Label, in its entirety.]
* * * * *
11.4 Barcodes
* * * * *
11.4.3 Printing
***Labels used for Signature Confirmation service must meet these additional specifications:
[Revise 10.4.3a as follows:]
a. Intelligent Mail package barcodes must bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” printed in accordance with Exhibit 708.5.1.4. Other approved extra services barcodes may bear a human-readable service banner with the text “USPS SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION” prepared in accordance with 708.5.0
* * * * *
12.0 Collect on Delivery (COD)
* * * * *
12.3 Forms
* * * * *
12.3.2 Privately Printed Form 3816-AS
[Revise 12.3.2 by adding a new third sentence as follows:]
***Effective January 7, 2013, privately printed forms must include an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 9.3.6 and 708.5.0, and must retain the human-readable text, label design elements, and color consistent with USPS Form 3816-AS.***
* * * * *
505 Return Services
1.0 Business Reply Mail
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1.4 General Information
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1.4.3 Services
[Revise 1.4.3 as follows:]
No extra services are permitted with BRM, except for BRM parcels bearing a USPS-approved Delivery Confirmation service label, or BRM parcels bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode including Delivery Confirmation service.
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700 Special Standards
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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
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7.0 Combining Package Services and Parcel Select Parcels for Destination Entry
7.1 Combining Parcels—DSCF and DDU Entry
7.1.1 Qualification
[Revise the current last sentence of 7.1.1 and add a new last sentence as follows:]
***Parcels claiming destination entry pricing must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode or extra services barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 708.5.0. Effective January 7, 2013, parcels claiming destination entry prices must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code.
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708 Technical Specifications
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5.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes
5.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
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5.1.4 Physical Barcode Requirements
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 5.1.4 as follows:]
Detailed physical specifications for barcodes are provided in the resource documents, available on RIBBS at http://ribbs.usps.gov/. Physical barcode requirements are as follows:
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[Revise 5.1.4d as follows:]
d. Barcode Height: unless allowed by exception, the minimum height must be at least 0.75 inch.
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g. Human-Readable Representation of Barcode Data and Service Banner: text must be printed in accordance with Exhibit 5.1.4 and as follows:
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[Revise 5.1.4g2 as follows:]
2. Service banners must include the human-readable text “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” (or “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING NUMBER”) for mailpieces requiring a signature at delivery and “USPS TRACKING #” (or “USPS TRACKING NUMBER”) for all other mailpieces. Service banner text shown in Exhibit 5.1.4 is an example. See Appendix I in Publication 199 or Publication 91 (addendum appendix H) at http://ribbs.usps.gov/ for additional information.
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[To reflect the new barcode format, replace current Exhibit 5.1.4 with a new Exhibit 5.1.4 as follows:]
Exhibit 5.1.4 Barcode Specifications
[Placeholder for revised barcode exhibit.]
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5.1.7 Electronic File
***Electronic files must include the following elements:
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[Add a new 5.1.7d and 5.1.7e as follows:]
d. Effective January 7, 2013, mailers of commercial parcels, except Standard Mail parcels and parcels bearing PC Postage, claiming presort or destination entry pricing must use version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping services manifest files including each destination ZIP + 4 code, or each destination delivery address.
e. Mailers using a PC Postage system must use version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping services manifest files, including each destination ZIP + 4 code, or each destination delivery address.
[Add a new 5.1.8 as follows:]
5.1.8 Alternate Approval
Labels not meeting IMpb specifications or other label element standards, but that are still able to demonstrate acceptable functionality within USPS processes, may be allowed using an alternative approval process authorized by the vice president, Product Information.
5.2 Other Package Barcodes
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[Renumber current 5.2.11 and 5.2.12 as the new 5.2.12 and 5.2.13, and add a new 5.2.11 as follows:]
5.2.10 Service Banner Text
Except with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, Parcel Return Service, and Express Mail or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services, mailers preparing extra service barcodes under 5.2 may optionally use a “USPS TRACKING #” human-readable service banner text above the barcode on packages not requiring a signature at delivery, and a “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” service banner text above the barcode on packages where a signature is required at delivery.
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We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 11-17-11
