USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode Scanner

What is an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb)?

The Intelligent Mail barcode, or IMb, is a one-dimensional (1D) barcode symbology used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for sorting and tracking letters and flats. It replaced the older POSTNET and PLANET codes with a single, higher-capacity barcode that contains both routing and tracking information.

USPS Intelligent Mail barcodes usually cannot be scanned with traditional barcode scanners. This is due to a combination of two factors: Firstly, IMb is a height-modulated barcode, whereas most 1D barcode scanners are designed to read data encoded in the bars’ widths. Secondly, traditional barcode scanners cannot parse USPS’ specialized encoding system.

Structure and components

The IMb is a 65-bar height-modulated barcode. It encodes up to 31 digits of numeric data using four distinct symbols:

• Full bar: extends both above and below the middle
• Ascender: extends from the middle to the top
• Tracker: positioned in the middle
• Descender: extends from the middle to the bottom

The IMb contains two core pieces of information:

(1) a 20-digit Tracking Code, which itself includes:

• Barcode Identifier (ID): A 2-digit number identifying the specific service type.
• Service Type Identifier (STID): A 3-digit number that identifies the mail class, service type, and handling instructions.
• Valid Mailer Identifier (MID): A 6- or 9-digit number assigned to businesses and organizations. It identifies the sender in postal transactions, ensuring accurate tracking and billing. Both Mailer ID and IMb tracking codes are provided by USPS.
• Serial number: A 6- or 9-digit number (complementary to the MID length) that uniquely identifies each mailpiece.

(2) a Routing Code, which includes a 5- or 9-digit ZIP code, or an 11-digit delivery-point ZIP code. If the IMb is used for tracking only, this field can be omitted.

For some services and applications, the Tracking Code contains different data after the ID and STID. Reply mail tracking, for instance, uses a 15-digit customer number instead of the MID and serial number.

Error detection

The Intelligent Mail Barcode uses an 11-bit Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) for error detection. This CRC is calculated from the binary representation of the barcode’s data and appended to the original message, creating a 114-bit payload. During a scan, the CRC is recalculated and compared to the appended CRC; if they don’t match, an error is detected, ensuring mail sorting accuracy.

Applications of IMb

Postal service

USPS uses the IMb to sort and track mail pieces through the U.S. postal system, improving mail flow monitoring and visibility for both mailers and recipients. Letters and flats only qualify for discounted automation prices if they feature a valid IMb.

Advantages of IMb

• Compact size: IMb encodes up to 31 digits in a 65-bar format, suitable for various mail pieces.
• Error detection: IMb uses a Cycle Redundancy Check (CRC) for error detection, preventing false readings even if the barcode experiences minor damage.
• Enhanced tracking: Mailers and USPS can monitor mail pieces throughout their journey.
• Versatility in postal uses: IMb was designed for USPS mail sorting and tracking systems, and enables participation in multiple postal programs with a single barcode.

Why choose the Scanbot SDK for Intelligent Mail barcode scanning?

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding Intelligent Mail barcodes in real-world scenarios.

What sets us apart:

• Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
• High-speed scanning: Read Intelligent Mail barcodes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
• Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
• Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.

Whether your use case involves Intelligent Mail barcodes, QR codes or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.

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