204 Barcode Standards

Overview

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

3.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Labels

1.0 Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

1.1 General

An Intelligent Mail barcode is a USPS-developed method to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. Intelligent Mail barcodes also encode other tracking information.

1.2 Intelligent Mail Barcodes
1.2.1 General

An Intelligent Mail barcode is the USPS-developed barcode that mailers use to encode routing and tracking information on mail that can be read by automated mail processing equipment to sort mail and to provide tracking information to the mailers. An Intelligent Mail barcode consists of 65 vertical bars, each representing one of four possible states: full bar, ascender, tracker, and descender. These 65 bars encode a string of 31 digits, divided into two parts: a 20-digit tracking code and an 11-digit routing code (when required). The 11-digit routing code may contain a ZIP Code, a ZIP+4 code, or a delivery point code, unless required to contain a certain level of code in specific applications; no correction digit is needed within an Intelligent Mail barcode. Mailers may use Intelligent Mail barcodes as follows:

  1. When used on letters for automation-price eligibility purposes, the routing code must contain a delivery point code that accurately matches the delivery address.
  2. When used on flat-size pieces for automation-price eligibility purposes, the barcode must contain a delivery point routing code that accurately matches the delivery address. When flat-size pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode for automation price eligibility, the barcode on a piece that contains an optional endorsement line (OEL) must contain OEL coding that includes information in Exhibit 203.7.1.1 corresponding to the correct sortation level of each bundle. When automation-priced flat-size pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode that contains OEL coding information corresponding to the correct sortation, an OEL is also required on the piece. See the Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical Resource Guide available on PostalPro at http://postalpro.usps.com/ for more information on incorporating OELs in Intelligent Mail barcodes.
  3. Reply mail pieces using origin Informed Visibility do not require a Mailer ID (MID) to be encoded into the Mailer Identifier field. All other mailpieces, including QBRM letters and PRM pieces, bearing Intelligent Mail barcodes must include the MID in the Mailer Identifier field. Additional information on Informed Visibility is available under 507.10.0. Mailers printing the Intelligent Mail barcode solely for automation price eligibility can contact the PostalOne! Help Desk at 1-800-522-9085 to obtain a MID.
1.2.2 Specifications

Complete specifications for Intelligent Mail barcodes are defined in the Intelligent Mail Barcode Technical Resource Guide available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. This publication also provides details on how to encode the routing code and tracking code into an Intelligent Mail barcode, barcode dimensions and spacing, clear zone, skew and rotation tolerance, and print characteristics. The assignment of a Barcode Identifier, Service Type Identifier, and Mailer ID are described by the respective publications for each extra service. These publications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

1.3 Reflectance
1.3.1 Background Reflectance

A background reflectance of at least 50% in the red portion and 45% in the green portion of the optical spectrum must be produced in the following locations when measured with a USPS or USPS-licensed envelope reflectance meter:

  1. The barcode clear zone of a card-size or a letter-size piece barcoded in the lower right corner.
  2. The area surrounding the barcode (within 1/8 inch of the leftmost and rightmost bars and 1/25 inch above and below the barcode) of a card-size, letter-size, or flat-size piece barcoded in the address block and of a flat-size piece barcoded elsewhere.
1.3.2 Print Reflectance Difference

A print reflectance difference (PRD) of at least 30% in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum is required between the background material of the mailpiece and the barcode, when measured with a USPS or USPS-licensed envelope reflectance meter. (PRD equals the reflectance of the background minus the reflectance of the ink.)

1.3.3 Opacity

The material on which the barcode appears must have enough opacity to prevent printing from “showing through” to the extent that it interferes with postal equipment that reads the barcode. The print contrast ratio (PCR) of print (other than the barcode) that shows through the barcode clear zone or the barcode area in the address block must not exceed 15% when measured in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum.

1.3.4 Dark Fibers and Background Patterns

Dark fibers or background patterns that produce a print contrast ratio of more than 15% when measured in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum are prohibited in these locations:

  1. The area of the address block or the barcode clear zone where the barcode appears on a card-size or a letter-size piece mailed at automation prices or at Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density prices.
  2. The area of the address block or the area of the mailpiece where the barcode appears on a flat-size piece in an automation mailing.
1.4 Skew and Baseline Shift
1.4.1 Card-Size and Letter-Size Pieces

For a barcode on a card-size or a letter-size piece, the combined effects of positional skew (slant or tilt of the entire barcode baseline) and rotational skew (slant or tilt of the individual barcode bars) must be limited to a maximum rotation of the bars of ±5 degrees from a perpendicular to the bottom edge of the piece. The individual bars of a barcode must not shift (be vertically offset) more than 0.015 inch from the average baseline of the barcode. For information on barcode placement for card-size and letter-size pieces, see 202.5.0.

1.4.2 Flat-Size Pieces and USPS Marketing Mail Parcels

The maximum rotational skew (slant or tilt of the individual barcode bars) for barcodes is ±10 degrees from a perpendicular to the baseline of the barcode. There is no positional skew requirement. The individual bars of a barcode must not shift (be vertically offset) more than 0.015 inch from the average baseline of the barcode. For information on barcode placement for flat-size pieces, see 202.5.0. For information on barcode placement on parcels, see 202.6.0.

1.5 Barcode Software and Hardware Certification
1.5.1 Purpose

To help mailers evaluate the quality of their equipment producing barcodes, the USPS offers optional testing and certification to manufacturers of barcoding software and hardware. Certified barcoding equipment ensures that the equipment can produce dimensionally correct barcodes meeting postal specifications. Certification does not ensure that barcodes produced from that equipment can meet the requirements for automation prices because many other variables in barcode production (e.g., ink color and quality, paper color and contrast, equipment operation and maintenance) affect the quality of the barcodes printed on mailpieces.

1.5.2 Testing Arrangements

Manufacturers who want their products tested and mailers who want information on available certified products should contact the National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address).

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
2.1.1 Definition

An Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) is the USPS-developed barcode that can be read by automated parcel processing equipment and scanning devices, and consists of a data string that generally follows the GS1-128 specification. These barcodes include a variable length format that is determined by the elements selected by the mailer, and supplies tracking and routing data for packages and extra service applications. Intelligent Mail package barcodes must be used on all commercial packages, and on other mailpieces of customers requesting extra services. All mailers generating Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) must also submit piece-level information to USPS via an approved electronic file format (except for mailers generating barcodes for use on return services products, such as uninsured USPS Returns service packages). Electronic files must include a complete destination delivery address (which has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point) and a delivery point validation (DPV) 11-digit code for all records in the file. A ZIP + 4 is required to be encoded into the barcode for all returns products.

2.1.2 Barcode Location

See 202.6.1.for barcode location standards.

2.1.3 Barcode Data Fields

The following fields are used to construct the Intelligent Mail package barcode. Not every barcode type will use every field, and some fields may be suppressed from the human-readable text. Detailed specifications are provided in Publication 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems, available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

  1. Channel Application Identifier (AI): identifies the business induction channel from which the mailpiece originated and the location of the payment record.
  2. Destination ZIP Code.
  3. Julian Date: used in conjunction with the AI to identify the print date.
  4. Mailer Identifier (MID): identifies the 6 or 9-digit MID of the mailer or mail service provider. A 6-digit MID must begin with a “0” through an “8” and a 9-digit MID must begin with a “9.”
  5. Mod 10 Check Digit: used as the final digit in the barcode string.
  6. Postal Code Application Identifier: identifies the presence of a routing code, when used.
  7. Serial Number: identifies the mailpiece, the length for which is determined by the induction channel for the mailer.
  8. Service Type Code: a 3-digit code that identifies the mail class, product and/or extra services.
  9. Source Identifier: a 2-digit field that identifies the type of online source or platform that generated the barcode.
2.1.4 Physical Barcode Requirements

Detailed physical specifications for barcodes are provided in the resource documents and Publication 199, available on PostalPro at http://postalpro.usps.com. Physical barcode requirements are as follows:

  1. Barcode Symbology: generally follows GS1-128 symbology.
  2. X-Dimension: defines the width of the narrowest bar or space element within the barcode and must be between 0.013 inch and 0.021 inch. An X-dimension of 0.015 – 0.018 is preferred.
  3. Barcode Length: the overall length is a function of the number of characters encoded and the X-Dimension used.
  4. Barcode Height: unless allowed by exception, the minimum height must be at least 0.75 inch.
  5. Minimum Horizontal Barcode Quiet/Clear Zone: must measure at least ten (10) times the X-Dimension to the left and right of the barcode. A clear zone of at least 0.25 inch is recommended.
  6. Minimum Vertical Barcode Quiet/Clear Zone: a clear zone of at least 0.125 inch must be maintained directly above and below the barcode.
  7. Human-Readable Representation of Barcode Data and Service Banner: text must be printed in accordance with Exhibit 2.1.4 and as follows:
    1. Human-readable text cannot extend beyond the length of the identification bars.
    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 2.1.4 is an example. See Publication 199 for additional information.
  8. Identification Bars: are horizontal black lines that extend at least the total combined width of the barcode and the minimum horizontal clearance to the left and right of the barcode, and may extend beyond this measurement to the width of the label are printed in accordance with Exhibit 2.1.4.

Exhibit 2.1.4 Barcode Specifications

Exhibit 2.1.4 Barcode Specifications

2.1.5 Print Quality Requirements

Detailed specifications for measuring print quality are defined in the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Specification and Publication 199.

Print quality requirements are as follows:

  1. Reflectance: barcodes must be printed on substrate (e.g. shipping label) of uniform color and must meet requirements for reflectance as measured on a USPS-specified reflectance meter or barcode verifier.
  2. Symbol Contrast: when measured in accordance with the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Specification, must be greater than 40 percent.
  3. Barcode Quality: barcodes in each mailing must be 70% grade A or B with the remaining not below a grade C.
2.1.6 Quality Assurance

Mailers must perform routine inspections and testing of labels and barcodes to ensure quality

2.1.7 Electronic File

All mailers generating Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) must transmit piece-level information to USPS in an approved electronic file format (except for mailers generating barcodes for use on return services products, such as uninsured USPS Returns service packages). Specifications for electronic files are provided in Publication 199, available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. Electronic files must include the following elements:

  1. Header Record: provides summary information regarding the entity transmitting the file and the nature of the mailing.
  2. Detail Record 1: defines the class and service type of the item, fees and postage, destination ZIP Code and information related to containerization.
  3. Detail Record 2: provides detail on special products (e.g. Priority Mail Express).
  4. Version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping services manifest files, including each destination delivery address or ZIP + 4 Code. Shipping Services file manifests or other approved electronic documentation must include the destination delivery address (that has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point) or delivery point validation (DPV) 11-digit ZIP Code for each record in the file.
  5. Electronic shipping manifest files, or approved alternative electronic documentation, must include data identifying the mailing agent and mail owner, as applicable.
2.1.8 Compliance Quality Thresholds

All mailers who enter commercial parcels must meet the established thresholds for IMpb Compliance Quality outlined in Exhibit 2.1.8 to avoid an IMpb noncompliance fee. Failure to meet any compliance quality threshold in Exhibit 2.1.8 will result in the assessment of the IMpb Noncompliance Fee. For details, see Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems, available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Exhibit 2.1.8 IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds

 

Compliance Categories

Compliance Codes

Validations

Compliance Thresholds

Address Quality: Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11-Digit DPV.

AQ

Must include a full, valid destination delivery address that has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point in the file as follows:

Valid secondary address information.

Match between address to ZIP +4 Codes.

Include street number.

Valid primary street number.

Customers using eVS must provide the address information before the Arrival at Unit (07) Event Scan and non-eVS customers at the time of mailing.

90

Manifest Quality (Shipping Services file): Checks for a timely manifest file that passes four critical validation criteria.

MQ

Entry facility must match between scan and manifest.

Valid PO of Account ZIP Code (where account is held for payment).

Valid method of payment (Permit, Federal Agency, PC Postage, Smart Meter, Other Meter, or Stamps).

Valid payment account number.

94

Barcode Quality: Checks the barcode in the manifest that passes three critical validations.

BQ

Valid and Certified Mailer ID in the label that is in Program Registration/Online Enrollment.

IMpb must be unique for 120 days.

The IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit Service Type Code that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package and the electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) in the Shipping Services File.

98

2.1.9Alternate Approval

Labels not meeting IMpb specifications or other label element standards, but still able to demonstrate acceptable functionality within USPS processes, may be allowed using an alternative approval process authorized by the vice president, Enterprise Analytics. (See 608.8.1 for contact information.)

2.2 Other Package Barcodes
2.2.1 Basic Standards for Postal Routing Barcodes

A separate postal routing barcode may be used on parcels to provide routing information, when used in conjunction with an IMpb. Each parcel must bear a properly prepared GS1-128 barcode symbology as described in 2.2.2 that accurately represents the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery address. For information on barcode placement for parcels, see 202.6.0.

2.2.2 Basic Elements of Postal Routing Barcodes

GS1-Code128 postal routing barcode data elements include:

  1. Barcode Type. GS1-128 is the only acceptable barcode and must be printed within Subset C.
  2. Start Code. Postal routing barcodes must start with a Symbol Start Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.
  3. Function One (FNC1). The FNC1 numeric character for GS1-128 follows the symbol start character, is part of the symbology overhead, and is not shown in the human-readable text.
  4. Application Identifier (AI). The AI for a postal routing barcode is “420” for domestic mail and is not shown in the human-readable text.
  5. ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code. Postal routing barcodes must include the 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the address. Only the 5-digit ZIP Code appears in the human-readable text.
  6. Check Digit. A check digit must be added at the end of the sequence of numbers to validate the authenticity of the number. GS1-128 postal routing barcodes must utilize a MOD 103 check digit, which is not shown in the human-readable text.
  7. Stop Code. The GS1-128 postal routing barcode must end with a Symbol Stop Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.

Exhibit 2.2.2 Postal Routing GS1-128 Barcode Format

Exhibit 2.2.2 Postal Routing GS1-128 Barcode Format

2.2.3 Use With USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation

Eligible machinable parcels may bear a USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation barcode using one of the following options:

  1. The Single Concatenated Barcode (see Exhibit 2.2.3a). Mailers may place a single concatenated barcode that combines the postal routing information and USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation information. Single concatenated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503 for USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation, and in Publication 199. If a parcel bears a single concatenated barcode, then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.

Exhibit 2.2.3a Confirmation Services Concatenated GS1-128 Barcode Format

Exhibit 2.2.3a Confirmation Services Concatenated GS1-128 Barcode Format

  1. Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 2.2.2 and a USPS Tracking barcode or Signature Confirmation barcode described in 503 and in Publication 199 on the same parcel.

Exhibit 2.2.3b Confirmation Services GS1-128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode

Exhibit 2.2.3b Confirmation Services GS1-128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode

2.2.4 Use With Confirmation Services and Insurance (Integrated Barcode)

To eliminate the need to place one barcode for USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation and another barcode for insurance, parcels must bear a single integrated barcode, with the correct 3-digit service type code, that combines USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation and insurance using one of the following options:

  1. Single Concatenated Integrated Barcode that combines postal routing information and postal insurance (503.4.0) with USPS Tracking service or Signature Confirmation service. Single concatenated integrated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in 503 for USPS Tracking and Signature Confirmation, and Publication 199. If a parcel bears a single concatenated integrated barcode then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.
  2. Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 2.2.2 and an integrated barcode that combines insurance as described in 2.2.4a on the same parcel with USPS Tracking in 503.7.0 or Signature Confirmation in 503.8.0. The integrated barcode option allows electronic mailers to combine multiple extra services into a single barcode on their packages.
2.2.5 Dimensions

The preferred range of widths of narrow bars and spaces is 0.015 inch to 0.017 inch. The width of the narrow bars or spaces must be at least 0.013 inch but no more than 0.021 inch. All bars must be at least 0.75 inch high.

2.2.6 Location

See 202.6.1 for barcode location standards.

2.2.7 Clear Zone

The barcode must be located as specified in 202.6.2. No printing may appear in an area 1/8 inch above and below the barcode. A minimum clear (quiet) zone equal to 10 times the average measured narrow element (bars or space) width must be maintained to the left and right of the barcode.

2.2.8 Reflectance

Barcodes must be printed on substrate (e.g. shipping label) of uniform color and must meet requirements for reflectance as measured on a USPS-specified reflectance meter or barcode verifier.

2.2.9 Quality

All barcodes in each mailing must measure American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade C or above. 70% must be grade A or B with the remaining not below a grade C.

2.2.10 Human-Readable Information

The human-readable information on the barcode must conform to one of the following options:

  1. For postal routing barcodes printed under 2.2.2, 2.2.3b, and 2.2.4b, if the postal routing barcode is printed on a separate label, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code encoded in the barcode preceded by the word “ZIP” must be printed between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch below the barcode in 10-point or larger bold sans-serif type. Alternatively, the word “ZIP” may be placed no less than 10 times the average narrow bar or space element width and no more than 1/2 inch to the left of the barcode, in 10-point or larger bold sans-serif type (see Exhibit 2.2.2). While not recommended, if the postal routing barcode is printed on the delivery address label and is in close proximity to the address, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code (and the word “ZIP”) may be omitted.
  2. For barcodes printed under 2.2.3b or 2.2.4b the human-readable information for the concatenated or concatenated/integrated barcode must suppress the application identifiers (AI) 420 and routing ZIP Code from the human-readable text. The respective Tracking Application Identifier 92, 93, 94, or 95 must be included in the human-readable text.
2.2.11 Service Banner Text

Except with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, and Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services, mailers preparing extra service barcodes under 2.2 must use a “USPS TRACKING #” human-readable service banner text above the barcode on packages not requiring a signature at delivery, or a “USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #” service banner text above the barcode on packages where a signature is required at delivery.

2.2.12 Technical Specifications

Postal routing codes must meet the technical specifications in the GS1-128 Application Identifier Standard, which can be obtained from Uniform Code Council Inc. (see 608.8.0), and the barcode characteristics in 2.0.

2.2.13 Substrate Material

Barcodes must be printed on substrate material that preserves the optical specification as described in the AIM-USA Uniform Symbology Specification documents. Typically, white label stock commonly used for barcode generation is suitable, providing it is not glossy (causing mirror-like, specular reflection) or prone to smearing or smudging.

3.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Labels

3.1 General
3.1.1 Tray and Sack Labels

Intelligent Mail tray labels are the USPS-approved method to encode routing, content, origin, and mailer information on trays and sacks. Intelligent Mail tray labels are designed for optimum use with Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and have the capacity to provide unique identification throughout postal processing, but are required for use on all trays and sacks in presorted mailings.

3.1.2 Container Labels

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

  1. Intelligent Mail container labels are not required for small mailings of USPS Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter letters and flats when entered at a BMEU, if the mailing is less than 500 pounds of bundles or sacks, and fewer than 72 linear feet of trays.
  2. Intelligent Mail container labels are not required when entering mail at a co-located BMEU within the service area where mail is entered, if the mailing consists of 100 but less than 250 pounds of bundles or sacks, and at least 12 but fewer than 35 linear feet of trays.
3.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels
3.2.1 Use

Exhibit 3.2.1 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded tray or sack labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:

  1. Mailers must use the appropriate size label for the sack or tray, see 3.3 for Intelligent Mail tray and sack label standards.
  2. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 3.0, and tray labels must be non-adhesive.
  3. All information on barcoded labels must be machine-printed. Alterations to preprinted barcoded labels (e.g., handwritten changes) may not be made.
  4. Barcoded labels must be inserted completely into the label holder on the tray or sack to prevent their loss during transport and processing.

Exhibit 3.2.1 Required Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

 

PRICE OR TYPE

PROCESSING CATEGORY

First-Class Mail

First-Class Mail

Automation price

Letter-size, flat-size

Cobundled and cotrayed under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0

Flat-size

Periodicals

Periodicals

Automation price

Letter-size, flat-size

Cobundled and cosacked under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0

Flat-size

USPS Marketing Mail

USPS Marketing Mail

Automation price

Letter-size, flat-size

Enhanced Carrier Route high-density and saturation letter prices

Letter-size (barcoded labels not required for letter-size pieces with simplified addresses or paid at nonletter prices)

Cobundled and cosacked under 705.9.0 through 705.13.0

Flat-size

Automation, Presorted, and Enhanced Carrier Route in letter trays under 245.3.0

Flat-size

Automation and Presorted in letter trays cotrayed under 705.9.0 using 245.3.0 option

Flat-size

Bound Printed Matter

Bound Printed Matter

Barcoded

Flat-size

3.2.2 Line 1 (Destination Line)

The destination line must meet these standards:

  1. Placement. The destination line must be the top line of the label. An exception is that one line of extraneous information may appear above the destination line on tray and sack labels as provided in 3.3.2, and 3.3.3f. The destination line must be completely visible when placed in the label holder. Visibility is ensured if the destination line is no less than 1/8 (0.125) inch below the top of the label, when the label is cut and prepared.
  2. Information. The destination line must contain only the information required by the standards for the class, processing category, sortation level of the tray or sack, and the prices claimed. This information is contained in the labeling lists for all sortation and price levels except trays and sacks to carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, merged 5-digit, and 5-digit destinations. For the destination line of carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, merged 5-digit, and 5-digit trays and sacks, the city, two-letter state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code of the destination 5-digit ZIP Code area must be shown.
  3. [7-14-24] Overseas Military Mail. The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and its numeric line on barcoded tray or sack labels. The required second line of information that corresponds to the CIN must appear on the human-readable content line of the label. The human-readable content line is automatically printed when labels are obtained through the Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator (IMBG), available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information when ordering and printing tray and sack labels.
3.2.3 Line 2 (Content Line)

The content line must meet these standards:

  1. General. The content line must appear directly below the destination line as shown in 3.2.2b or 3.2.2c. This line must show the class, processing category, and the sortation level of the tray or sack as required by the applicable standards for the mailing. The appropriate content identifier number (CIN) in 3.2.4 that corresponds to that content line must be used in the barcode.
  2. Periodicals. Except as provided in 705.8.16 for copalletized mailings and in 207.27.2 for combined mailings, Periodicals publications must use one of the following for Line 2 class information:
    1. “PER.”
    2. “NEWS” if published weekly or more often or if authorized newspaper treatment as of March 1, 1984.
  3. Additional Information. For 3-digit scheme trays as specified by the labeling list, the content line for some destinations must be followed by the letter “A,” “B,” or “C,” which is not required to be right-justified. For carrier route trays and sacks, the content information must be followed by a one-letter carrier route type description followed by a space and a 3-digit route number for the route to which the tray is destined.
3.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

[7-14-24] The exact content identifier number (CIN) that matches the level of tray or sack must be used in the barcode and its numeric line on barcoded tray or sack labels. The required second line of information that corresponds to the CIN must appear on the human-readable content line of the label. The human-readable content line is automatically printed when labels are obtained through the Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator (IMBG), available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com. A footnote at the end of the content line information means that the mailer must add appropriate information when ordering and printing tray and sack labels. See Exhibit 3.2.4.

Exhibit 3.2.4 [1-21-24]3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

 

CLASS AND MAILING

CIN

HUMAN-READABLE CONTENT LINE

PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE

Dropship, all container levels

143

EXPRESS DROPSHIP

Priority Mail Open and Distribute

Dropship, all container levels

165

PMOD

Letters, all classes

029

PMOD LTRS

Flats, all classes

030

PMOD FLTS

Parcels, all classes

025

PMOD PARCELS

All Other Classes, Parcels

DDU parcels

031

PMOD PARCELS DDU

SCF parcels

032

PMOD PARCELS SCF

ADC parcels

033

PMOD PARCELS ADC

ASF/NDC irregular parcels

034

PMOD IRREG NDC

ASF/NDC machinable parcels

035

PMOD MACH NDC

First-Class Mail

FCM Letters — Automation

5-digit scheme trays

241

FCM LTR BC 5D SCHEME

5-digit trays

242

FCM LTR 5D BC

AADC trays

245

FCM LTR AADC BC

mixed AADC trays

246

FCM LTR BC WKG

FCM Letters — Nonautomation Machinable

AADC trays

258

FCM LTR AADC MACH

mixed AADC trays

260

FCM LTR MACH WKG

FCM Letters — Presorted Nonmachinable

5-digit trays

267

FCM LTR 5D MANUAL

3-digit trays

269

FCM LTR 3D MANUAL

ADC trays

270

FCM LTR ADC MANUAL

mixed ADC trays

268

FCM LTR MANUAL WKG

FCM Letters — Single-Piece

single-piece trays

260

FCM SNGLP LTRS WKG

FCM Flats — Automation

5-digit trays

272

FCM FLTS 5D BC

3-digit trays

273

FCM FLTS 3D BC

ADC trays

274

FCM FLTS ADC BC

mixed ADC trays

275

FCM FLTS BC WKG

FCM Flats — Presorted

5-digit trays

278

FCM FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit trays

279

FCM FLTS 3D NON BC

ADC trays

280

FCM FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC trays

282

FCM FLTS NON BC WKG

FCM Flats — Co-trayed Automation and Presorted

5-digit trays

221

FCM FLTS 5D BC/NBC

3-digit trays

222

FCM FLTS 3D BC/NBC

ADC trays

231

FCM FLTS ADC BC/NBC

mixed ADC trays

232

FCM FLTS BC/NBC WKG

FCM Flats — Single-Piece

single-piece trays

282

FCM SNGLP FLTS WKG

Periodicals (PER)

PER Letters — Carrier Route

saturation price trays

369

PER LTRS WSS1

high density price trays

370

PER LTRS WSH1

basic price trays

366

PER LTRS CR1

5-digit carrier routes trays

367

PER LTRS CR-RTS

3-digit carrier routes trays

368

PER LTRS 3D CR-RTS

PER Letters — Barcoded (Automation)

5-digit scheme trays

341

PER LTRS BC 5D SCHEME

5-digit trays

342

PER LTRS 5D BC

3-digit scheme trays

343

PER LTRS BC SCHEME2

3-digit trays

344

PER LTRS 3D BC

AADC trays

345

PER LTRS AADC BC

mixed AADC trays

346

PER LTRS BC WKG

PER Letters — Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)

5-digit trays

350

PER LTRS 5D NON BC

3-digit trays

353

PER LTRS 3D NON BC

ADC trays

356

PER LTRS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC trays

359

PER LTRS NON BC WKG

PER Flats — Carrier Route

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — saturation

387

PER FLTS WSS1

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — high density

388

PER FLTS WSH1

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — basic

385

PER FLTS CR1

5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays

386

PER FLTS 5D CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays

371

PER FLTS CR-RTS SCH

3-digit carrier routes flat trays

351

PER FLTS 3D CR-RTS

PER Flats — Barcoded

5-digit flat trays

372

PER FLTS 5D BC

5-digit scheme flat trays

372

PER FLTS 5D SCH BC

3-digit flat trays

373

PER FLTS 3D BC

SCF flat trays

377

PER FLTS SCF BC

ADC flat trays

374

PER FLTS ADC BC

mixed ADC flat trays

375

PER FLTS BC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

381

PER FLTS WKG W FCM

PER Flats — Nonbarcoded

5-digit scheme flat trays

378

PER FLT 5D SCH NON BC

5-digit flat trays

378

PER FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit flat trays

379

PER FLTS 3D NON BC

SCF flat trays

384

PER FLTS SCF NON BC

ADC flat trays

380

PER FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC flat trays

382

PER FLTS NON BC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

381

PER FLTS WKG W FCM

PER Flats — Cotrayed Barcoded and Nonbarcoded

5-digit scheme flat trays

321

PER FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC

5-digit flat trays

321

PER FLTS 5D BC/NBC

3-digit flat trays

322

PER FLTS 3D BC/NBC

SCF flat trays

329

PER FLTS SCF BC/NBC

ADC flat trays

331

PER FLTS ADC BC/NBC

mixed ADC flat trays

332

PER FLTS BC/NBC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

381

PER FLTS WKG W FCM

PER Flats —
Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and Nonbarcoded

merged 5-digit sacks or flat trays

339

PER FLTS CR/5D

merged 5-digit scheme sacks or flat trays

349

PER FLTS CR/5D SCH

merged 3-digit flat trays

352

PER FLTS CR/5D/3D

PER Irregular Parcels —
Merged Carrier Route and Presorted

merged 5-digit sacks

340

PER IRREG CR/5D

merged 3-digit sacks

354

PER IRREG CR/5D/3D

merged 5-digit scheme sacks

365

PER IRREG CR/5D SCH

PER Irregular Parcels — Carrier Route

saturation price sacks

397

PER IRREG WSS1

high density price sacks

398

PER IRREG WSH1

basic price sacks

395

PER IRREG CR1

5-digit carrier routes sacks

396

PER IRREG 5D CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks

399

PER IRREG CR-RTS SCH

3-digit carrier routes sacks

355

PER IRREG 3D CR-RTS

PER Irregular Parcels — Presorted

5-digit sacks

389

PER IRREG 5D

3-digit sacks

390

PER IRREG 3D

SCF sacks

394

PER IRREG SCF

ADC sacks or trays

391

PER IRREG ADC

mixed ADC sacks or trays

392

PER IRREG WKG

origin mixed ADC sacks or trays

363

PER IRREG WKG W FCM

Periodicals (News)

NEWS Letters — Carrier Route

saturation price trays

469

NEWS LTRS WSS1

high density price trays

470

NEWS LTRS WSH1

basic price trays

466

NEWS LTRS CR1

5-digit carrier routes trays

467

NEWS LTRS CR-RTS

3-digit carrier routes trays

468

NEWS LTRS 3D CR-RTS

NEWS Letters — Barcoded (Automation)

5-digit scheme trays

441

NEWS LTR BC 5D SCHEME

5-digit trays

442

NEWS LTRS 5D BC

3-digit scheme trays

443

NEWS LTRS BC SCHEME2

3-digit trays

444

NEWS LTRS 3D BC

AADC trays

445

NEWS LTRS AADC BC

mixed AADC trays

446

NEWS LTRS BC WKG

NEWS Letters — Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)

5-digit trays

450

NEWS LTRS 5D NON BC

3-digit trays

453

NEWS LTRS 3D NON BC

ADC trays

456

NEWS LTRS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC trays

459

NEWS LTRS NON BC WKG

NEWS Flats — Carrier Route

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — saturation

487

NEWS FLTS WSS1

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — high density

488

NEWS FLTS WSH1

car. rt. sacks or flat trays — basic

485

NEWS FLTS CR1

5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays

486

NEWS FLTS 5D CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays

471

NEWS FLTS CR-RTS SCH

3-digit carrier routes flat trays

451

NEWS FLTS 3D CR-RTS

NEWS Flats — Barcoded

5-digit flat trays

472

NEWS FLTS 5D BC

5-digit scheme flat trays

472

NEWS FLTS 5D SCH BC

3-digit flat trays

473

NEWS FLTS 3D BC

SCF flat trays

477

NEWS FLTS SCF BC

ADC flat trays

474

NEWS FLTS ADC BC

mixed ADC flat trays

475

NEWS FLTS BC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

481

NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM

NEWS Flats — Nonbarcoded

5-digit scheme flat trays

478

NEWS FLT 5D SCH NON BC

5-digit flat trays

478

NEWS FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit flat trays

479

NEWS FLTS 3D NON BC

SCF flat trays

484

NEWS FLTS SCF NON BC

ADC flat trays

480

NEWS FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC flat trays

482

NEWS FLTS NON BC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

481

NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM

NEWS Flats — Cotrayed Barcoded and Nonbarcoded

5-digit scheme flat trays

421

NEWS FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC

5-digit flat trays

421

NEWS FLTS 5D BC/NBC

3-digit flat trays

422

NEWS FLTS 3D BC/NBC

SCF and origin/entry SCF flat trays

429

NEWS FLTS SCF BC/NBC

ADC flat trays

431

NEWS FLTS ADC BC/NBC

mixed ADC flat trays

432

NEWS FLTS BC/NBC WKG

origin mixed ADC flat trays

481

NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM

NEWS Flats —
Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and Nonbarcoded

merged 5-digit

439

NEWS FLTS CR/5D

merged 5-digit scheme

449

NEWS FLTS CR/5D SCH

merged 3-digit flat trays

452

NEWS FLTS CR/5D/3D

NEWS Irregular Parcels —
Merged Carrier Route and Presorted

merged 5-digit

440

NEWS IRREG CR/5D

merged 5-digit scheme

465

NEWS IRREG CR/5D SCH

merged 3-digit sacks

454

NEWS IRREG CR/5D/3D

NEWS Irregular Parcels — Carrier Route

saturation price sacks

497

NEWS IRREG WSS1

high density price sacks

498

NEWS IRREG WSH1

basic price sacks

495

NEWS IRREG CR1

5-digit carrier routes sacks

496

NEWS IRREG 5D CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks

499

NEWS IRREG CR-RTS SCH

3-digit carrier routes sacks

455

NEWS IRREG 3D CR-RTS

NEWS Irregular Parcels — Presorted

5-digit sacks

489

NEWS IRREG 5D

3-digit sacks

490

NEWS IRREG 3D

SCF sacks

494

NEWS IRREG SCF

ADC sacks or trays

491

NEWS IRREG ADC

mixed ADC sacks or trays

492

NEWS IRREG WKG

origin mixed ADC sacks or trays

463

NEWS IRREG WKG W FCM

USPS MARKETING MAIL

ECR Letters — Barcoded

saturation price (including Plus One)

557

MKT LTR BC WSS1

high density or high density plus price (including Plus One)

557

MKT LTR BC WSH1

basic price

557

MKT LTR BC LOT1

5-digit carrier routes trays

564

MKT LTR 5D CR-RT BC

3-digit carrier routes trays

565

MKT LTR 3D CR-RT BC

ECR Letters — Nonautomation (Machinable)

saturation price

569

MKT LTR MACH WSS1

high density or high density plus price

569

MKT LTR MACH WSH1

basic price

569

MKT LTR MACH LOT1

5-digit carrier routes trays

567

MKT LTR 5D CR-RT MACH

3-digit carrier routes trays

568

MKT LTR 3D CR-RT MACH

ECR Letters — Nonautomation (Nonmachinable)

saturation price

608

MKT LTR MAN WSS1

high density or high density plus price

608

MKT LTR MAN WSH1

basic price

608

MKT LTR MAN LOT1

5-digit carrier routes trays

609

MKT LTR 5D CR-RT MAN

3-digit carrier routes trays

611

MKT LTR 3D CR-RT MAN

MKT Letters — Automation

5-digit scheme trays

541

MKT LTR BC 5D SCHEME

5-digit trays

542

MKT LTR 5D BC

AADC trays

545

MKT LTR AADC BC

mixed AADC trays

546

MKT LTR BC WKG

MKT Letters — Nonautomation Machinable

AADC trays

558

MKT LTR AADC MACH

mixed AADC trays

560

MKT LTR MACH WKG

MKT Letters — Presorted Nonmachinable

5-digit trays

604

MKT LTR 5D MANUAL

3-digit trays

606

MKT LTR 3D MANUAL

ADC trays

607

MKT LTR ADC MANUAL

mixed ADC trays

605

MKT LTR MANUAL WKG

MKT Letters — Residual Pieces Subject to FCM Single-Piece Prices

residual trays

560

MKT LTRS WKG

Enhanced Carrier Route Flats — Nonautomation

saturation price sacks or flat trays

587

MKT FLTS ECRWSS1

high density or high density plus price sacks or flat trays

588

MKT FLTS ECRWSH1

basic price sacks or flat trays

589

MKT FLTS ECRLOT1

5-digit carrier routes sacks or flat trays

586

MKT FLTS CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks or flat trays

529

MKT FLTS CR-RTS SCH

MKT Flats — Cotrayed Automation and Nonautomation

5-digit scheme flat trays

521

MKT FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC

5-digit flat trays

521

MKT FLTS 5D BC/NBC

3-digit and origin/entry 3-digit flat trays

522

MKT FLTS 3D BC/NBC

ADC flat trays

531

MKT FLTS ADC BC/NBC

mixed ADC flat trays

532

MKT FLTS BC/NBC WKG

MKT Flats —
Merged Carrier Route, Automation, and Presorted

merged 5-digit

539

MKT FLTS CR/5D

merged 5-digit scheme

549

MKT FLTS CR/5D SCH

MKT Flats — Automation

5-digit flat trays

572

MKT FLTS 5D BC

5-digit scheme flat trays

572

MKT FLTS 5D SCH BC

3-digit flat trays

573

MKT FLTS 3D BC

ADC flat trays

574

MKT FLTS ADC BC

mixed ADC flat trays

575

MKT FLTS BC WKG

MKT Flats — Nonautomation

5-digit scheme flat trays

578

MKT FLT 5D SCH NON BC

5-digit flat trays

578

MKT FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit flat trays

579

MKT FLTS 3D NON BC

ADC flat trays

580

MKT FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC flat trays

582

MKT FLTS NON BC WKG

MKT Flats — Residual Pieces Subject to FCM Single-Piece Prices

residual flat trays

582

MKT FLTS WKG

Customized MarketMail (CMM)

CMM letter trays

206

DEL LTR MKT CMM MAN

CMM flat trays

207

DEL FLTS MKT CMM MAN

CMM sacks

205

DEL MKT CMM MAN

ECR Marketing Parcels

saturation price sacks

599

MKT MKTG WSS1

high density price sacks

600

MKT MKTG WSH1

basic price sacks

601

MKT MKTG LOT1

5-digit carrier routes sacks

598

MKT MKTG CR-RTS

MKT Marketing Parcels less than 6 oz. and Irregular Parcels

5-digit scheme sacks

590

MKT IRREG 5D SCH

5-digit sacks

590

MKT IRREG 5D

SCF sacks

596

MKT IRREG SCF

ASF sacks

571

MKT IRREG ASF

NDC sacks

570

MKT IRREG NDC

mixed NDC sacks

594

MKT IRREG WKG

MKT Marketing Parcels 6 oz. or more and Machinable Parcels

5-digit sacks

670

MKT MACH 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

670

MKT MACH 5D SCH

ASF sacks

672

MKT MACH ASF

NDC sacks

673

MKT MACH NDC

mixed NDC sacks

674

MKT MACH WKG

MKT Machinable and Irregular Parcels — Presorted

5-digit sacks

603

MKT MACH-IRREG 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

603

MKT MACH-IRREG 5D SCH

Package Services

Carrier Route BPM — Flats

carrier route sacks

657

PSVC FLTS CR1

5-digit scheme car. rts. sacks

659

PSVC FLTS CR-RTS SCH

5-digit carrier routes sacks

658

PSVC FLTS CR-RTS

Presorted BPM — Flats

5-digit scheme sacks

649

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH NON BC

5-digit sacks

649

PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit sacks

650

PSVC FLTS 3D NON BC

SCF sacks

654

PSVC FLTS SCF NON BC

ADC sacks

651

PSVC FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC sacks

653

PSVC FLTS NON BC WKG

Presorted BPM — Automation Flats

5-digit sacks

635

PSVC FLTS 5D BC

5-digit scheme sacks

635

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC

3-digit sacks

636

PSVC FLTS 3D BC

SCF sacks

637

PSVC FLTS SCF BC

ADC sacks

638

PSVC FLTS ADC BC

mixed ADC sacks

639

PSVC FLTS BC WKG

BPM Flats — Cosacked Barcoded and Presorted

5-digit scheme sacks

648

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC/NBC

5-digit sacks

648

PSVC FLTS 5D BC/NBC

3-digit sacks

661

PSVC FLTS 3D BC/NBC

SCF sacks

667

PSVC FLTS SCF BC/NBC

ADC sacks

668

PSVC FLTS ADC BC/NBC

mixed ADC sacks

669

PSVC FLTS BC/NBC WKG

Carrier Route BPM — Irregular Parcels

carrier route sacks

697

PSVC IRREG CR1

5-digit carrier routes sacks

698

PSVC IRREG CR-RTS

5-digit scheme car. rt. sacks

698

PSVC IRREG CR-RTS SCH

Presorted BPM — Irregular Parcels

5-digit sacks

690

PSVC IRREG 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

690

PSVC IRREG 5D SCH

3-digit sacks

691

PSVC IRREG 3D

SCF sacks

696

PSVC IRREG SCF

ADC sacks

692

PSVC IRREG ADC

mixed ADC sacks

694

PSVC IRREG WKG

Carrier Route BPM — Machinable Parcels

carrier route sacks

687

PSVC MACH CR1

Presorted BPM — Machinable Parcels

5-digit sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D SCH

ASF sacks

682

PSVC MACH ASF

NDC sacks

683

PSVC MACH NDC

mixed NDC sacks

684

PSVC MACH WKG

Media Mail and LIbrary Mail Flats — Presorted

5-digit sacks

649

PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC

3-digit sacks

650

PSVC FLTS 3D NON BC

ADC sacks

651

PSVC FLTS ADC NON BC

mixed ADC sacks

653

PSVC FLTS NON BC WKG

Media Mail and LIbrary Mail Irregular Parcels — Presorted

5-digit scheme sacks

690

PSVC IRREG 5D SCH

5-digit sacks

690

PSVC IRREG 5D

3-digit sacks

691

PSVC IRREG 3D

ADC sacks

692

PSVC IRREG ADC

mixed ADC sacks

694

PSVC IRREG WKG

Media Mail and Library Mail Machinable Parcels — Presorted

5-digit scheme sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D SCH

5-digit sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D

3-digit sacks

682

PSVC MACH ASF

ADC sacks

683

PSVC MACH NDC

mixed ADC sacks

684

PSVC MACH WKG

Parcel Select

Parcel Select Machinable Parcels

5-digit sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

680

PSVC MACH 5D SCH

SCF sacks

686

PSVC MACH SCF

ASF sacks

682

PSVC MACH ASF

NDC sacks

683

PSVC MACH NDC

mixed NDC sacks

684

PSVC MACH WKG

Parcel Select DSCF and DDU Prices

5-digit sacks

688

PSVC PARCELS 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

688

PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH

Parcel Select — Irregular (Nonmachinable) Parcels

3-digit sacks

691

PSVC IRREG 3D

Combined Package Services and Parcel Select Parcels

5-digit sacks

688

PSVC PARCELS 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

688

PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH

Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing Machinable Parcels

5-digit sacks

660

MKT/PSVC MACH 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

660

MKT/PSVC MACH 5D SCH

ASF sacks

662

MKT/PSVC MACH ASF

NDC sacks

663

MKT/PSVC MACH NDC

mixed NDC sacks

664

MKT/PSVC MACH WKG

Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing—All Parcels

5-digit sacks

603

MKT/PSVC PARCELS 5D

5-digit scheme sacks

603

MKT/PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH

Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and USPS Marketing—Irregular Parcels 2 up to 6 oz (APPS-machinable)

3-digit sacks

501

MKT/PSVC 3D

ADC sacks

502

MKT/PSVC ADC

Mixed ADC sacks

506

MKT/PSVC WKG

Combined PSVC & MKT—Irregular Parcels less than 2 oz, and tubes and rolls (not APPS-machinable)

3-digit sacks

591

MKT/PSVC IRREG 3D

ADC sacks

592

MKT/PSVC IRREG ADC

Mixed ADC sacks

594

MKT/PSVC IRREG WKG

1. This information must be followed by a one-letter carrier route type description, followed by a 3-digit route number for the route to which the tray or sack is destined. At the mailer’s option, one space is permitted between the type description and route number.

2. This information must be followed by the appropriate scheme letter A, B, or C if applicable for the destination of the tray as indicated in L002, Column B.

3.2.5 Line 3 (Origin Line)

The origin line must appear below the content line, except as allowed under 3.3.4 and 3.2.5a and 3.2.5b. The origin line must show the city and state of the entry Post Office or the mailer‘s name and the city and state of the mailer‘s location (city and state information may be abbreviated if such abbreviations are in the USPS City State Product). A mailer code assigned by the USPS or such words as “Mailer” or “From” may appear before the required information on this line. Mailers who choose to print destination entry office information on line 3 instead of the origin information must print the origin information as follows:

  1. When the origin information is not printed on line 3, it must be printed right-justified in the “MAILER AREA” shown in Exhibit 3.3.2.
  2. When the origin information is printed in the “MAILER AREA” instead of line 3, it must be directly preceded by “ORIGIN:” or “ORGN:” and it may contain, at a minimum, the mailer‘s name and ZIP Code of origin entry.
3.3 Specific Standards for Intelligent Mail Tray Labels
3.3.1 Definition

Intelligent Mail tray labels are 2-inch labels used on trays and sacks to provide unique identification within postal processing. 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels include only a 24-digit barcode printed in International Symbology Specification (ISS) Code 128 subset C symbology (see Exhibit 3.3.2). Intelligent Mail tray labels also include 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 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label format. Detailed specifications for the tray label and barcode formats are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

3.3.2 24-Digit Intelligent Mail Tray Label

Intelligent Mail tray labels, printed in the 24-digit format, can be used on all trays and sacks to uniquely identify each tray and sack in addition to each mailer or mail preparer. 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels bear a single barcode and permit an expanded mailer‘s use area (see Exhibit 3.3.2).

Exhibit 3.3.2 Intelligent Mail Tray Label

Exhibit 3.3.2 Intelligent Mail Tray Label

3.3.3 Intelligent Mail Tray Label Format

The core data elements for the Intelligent Mail tray label are as follows:

  1. Printer Line.
  2. Tray or Sack Destination (Postal destination name).
  3. Content Identifier Number (CIN) description (tray or sack content).
  4. Office of mailing or mailer information.
  5. Destination ZIP Code (the ZIP Code of the trays’ or sacks’ final destination).
  6. Carrier Route information.
  7. Mailer ID (unique identifier of the mailer).
  8. 24-digit, ISS Code 128 subset C barcode numeric line.
  9. Mailer area (set aside for mailer-generated human-readable information or for origin information on 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray labels when the mailer chooses to print destination entry office information on line 3 of the tray label).
3.3.4 Barcode Composition

The barcode composition 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:

  1. Destination ZIP Code.
  2. Content Identifier Number (CIN), as listed in Exhibit 3.2.4.
  3. Processing code, identifying the system or facility generating the label.
  4. Mailer ID.
  5. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each tray or sack.
  6. Label type, a default digit.
3.3.5 Unique Serial Number

The Intelligent Mail tray barcode can encode a unique identifier for each tray and sack. Tray or sack serial numbers associated to an individual Mailer ID cannot be duplicated within a 45-day period, regardless of the acceptance location.

3.3.6 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).

3.4 Intelligent Mail Container Labels
3.4.1 Definition

Mailer-generated container labels 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 labels are available at http://postalpro.usps.gov.

3.4.2 Intelligent Mail Container Label Configurations

Intelligent Mail container labels must be affixed on the outside of any shrinkwrap or plastic by self-adhesive or other adhesive means. Labels may be produced in two configurations:

  1. Affixed label measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches. See 3.4.3 for label specifications and 3.4.5 label placement.
  2. Optional affixed label measuring at least 4 inches by 7 inches. See 3.4.6 for label specifications and 3.4.5 for label placement.
3.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Label Format

In addition to the requirements for pallet labels in 705.8.6, Intelligent Mail container labels (see Exhibit 3.4.3) must retain the top one-half of the labels for USPS-required elements, except as allowed under 705.8.6.6. 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 label. Required elements include:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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.
  4. Barcode Location. The barcode, along with the corresponding USPS banner and identification bars, must be printed on the front side of the pallet label. When the identification bars extend beyond the length of the barcode, the barcode must be horizontally centered.
  5. Minimum size. The minimum size of this label is 8 inches high by 11 inches long. See additional specifications at postalpro.usps.gov. Mailers using larger labels must ensure the barcode conforms to the published specification and the human-readable content is provided as illustrated in Exhibit 3.4.3 and as published on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Exhibit 3.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Label

Exhibit 3.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Label

3.4.4 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:

  1. Application identifier, identifying the source of the barcode.
  2. Type indicator, identifying internal or external label generation.
  3. Mailer ID.
  4. Serial number, a unique number assigned to each container.
3.4.5 Label Requirements

Mailers may use labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes only under the following conditions:

  1. Two labels must be affixed to each pallet as specified under 705.8.6.1.
  2. One label must be placed in the designated area on other USPS containers.
  3. Labels affixed to pallets containing Periodicals mail must be pink, except under 3.4.5d or 3.4.5e.
  4. Labels prepared in the optional smaller format under 3.4.6 may be white, but must include a vertical pink 1/2-inch wide identification bar along the left-hand side of the label, unless prepared under 3.4.5e.
  5. Labels containing Periodicals may be all white when used in conjunction with a pink designator label meeting the following criteria:
    1. Designator labels must be printed in landscape orientation and, except for the defined mailer-use area, must not include any print or graphics, other than the required markings in 3.4.5e2 and 3.4.5e3. Mailers may place extraneous information, meeting the criteria in 705.8.6.8, only in the mailer-use area of the label.
    2. The mailer-use area consists of the bottom 3 inches of designator labels measuring at least 8 inches by 11 inches, and the bottom 1 inch of designator labels measuring less than 8 inches by 11 inches. Mailers must define the mailer-use area by placing a horizontal black line of at least 0.10 inch in thickness, extending the width of the label, and must include “MAILER-USE ONLY” text printed in all uppercase letters centered and embedded within the horizontal black line. This text must be printed using boldface sans-serif font and must be in at least 14-point type.
    3. Designator labels must meet or exceed both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the accompanying Intelligent Mail container label and must bear only a “PERIODICALS” or “NEWS” marking at least 1/2-inch high (or at least 48-point type).
    4. Designator labels may be affixed on the outside of, or be placed beneath, any shrinkwrap or plastic, but must be immediately adjacent to the Intelligent Mail container label.
    5. When using this option, each Intelligent Mail container label must be accompanied by an adjacent designator label.
3.4.6 Optional Smaller Label Format

Mailers may prepare labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes (see Exhibit 3.4.6) in a smaller alternate format as follows:

  1. Labels must include the required elements described in 705.8.6.
  2. Labels must measure no less than 4 inches high by 7 inches long.
  3. Labels prepared in the minimum size of 4 inches high by 7 inches long may include a restricted mailer/acceptance unit area that cannot exceed one line of text or contain print no larger than 12 point. Text in the restricted mailer/acceptance unit area must be restricted to the bottom line of the label (below the lower barcode identification bar).
  4. Intelligent Mail container labels prepared in the optional smaller format, but measuring more than 4 inches high by 7 inches long in both (or either) dimensions, must preserve the top 3.75 inches of the label, or the area including and above the lower barcode identification bar (whichever is greater), for USPS-required elements. The remainder of the label is available for restricted mailer/acceptance unit use. Text in the restricted mailer/acceptance unit area, when used, must contain print no larger than 12 point.
  5. 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, except as allowed under 705.8.6.6a. or 705.8.6.6b. for optional placement of required origin office/mailer location information. Mailers wishing to include information other than that approved or allowed for use in this area must use the larger size label specified in 3.4.3.
  6. Two labels must be affixed to each pallet as specified under 705.8.6.1.
  7. Labels containing Intelligent Mail container barcodes must meet the specifications for labels posted at http://postalpro.usps.gov.

Exhibit 3.4.6 Intelligent Mail Container Label—Optional Format with Restricted Mailer Area

Exhibit 3.4.6 Intelligent Mail Container Label - Optional Format with Restricted Mailer Area

3.4.7 Unique Barcode Requirement

The Intelligent Mail container barcode can encode a unique identifier for each container. Mailers must ensure that serial numbers in barcodes remain unique for 45 days.

3.4.8 Quality Assurance Provisions

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