A Beginner's Overview to Intelligent Mail^®^ Services

**February 2009**

**Version 3**

***Introduction***

In May 2009, the United States Postal Service^®^ (USPS^®^) will roll out
the next phase of Intelligent Mail^®^ services. In this Overview you
will find fundamental information on what Intelligent Mail services
offer and require, Intelligent Mail barcodes and their benefits, the two
service level options being offered, how to get started with Intelligent
Mail services and where to find additional resources to help you.

This Overview contains the following sections:

-   What are Intelligent Mail services?

-   Barcodes: Past, Present and Future

-   The Intelligent Mail Barcode

    -   The Intelligent Mail Barcode for Mailpieces

    -   Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Barcode for Mailpieces

-   Intelligent Mail Program Options

    -   Basic Option

    ```{=html}
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    -   Full-Service Option

        -   The Intelligent Mail Tray Barcode

        -   Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail Tray Barcode

        -   The Intelligent Mail Container Barcode

        -   Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail Container Barcode

        -   Electronic Documentation (eDoc)

            -   General Information

            -   PostalOne! Requirements

                -   Postal Wizard

                -   Mail.dat^®^

                -   Mail.XML™

        -   FAST^®^ Appointment Scheduling

-   Summary of Intelligent Mail Program Benefits

-   Getting Started With the Intelligent Mail Barcode

-   Resources Available to Help You

    -   Detailed Information on the Basic and Full-Service Options

    -   The RIBBS™ Website

    -   Technical Help for Intelligent Mail Barcodes

    -   Barcode Scanning and Verification Tools

    -   Additional Sites, Links and Sources

***What are Intelligent Mail^®^ Services?***

Intelligent Mail services offer mailers the Postal Service's
next-generation mail delivery information processing. Intelligent Mail
services are built around a new barcode format that will be used on
mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks) and containers. As
explained in detail over the next several pages, these Intelligent Mail
barcodes carry more information and enable more services than the
barcodes used today.

> Figure 1 below outlines the progress dates for the Intelligent Mail
> service options.

+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| **Date**      | **Next Stage Initiatives**                           |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| February,     | Price Changes announced                              |
| 2009          |                                                      |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| May 11, 2009  | -   Intelligent Mail^®^ Basic and Full-Service       |
|               |     options implemented                              |
|               |                                                      |
|               | -   *Postal Wizard and Mail.dat*^®^ will support     |
|               |     Full-Service option                              |
|               |                                                      |
|               | -   Full-Service Flats ***must*** include the        |
|               |     11-digit Delivery Point barcode                  |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| Fall, 2009    | -   Start of proposed price discount for             |
|               |     Full-Service option                              |
|               |                                                      |
|               | -   *PostalOne!* ^®^ will support electronic         |
|               |     documentation Mail.XML™                          |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+

> **Figure 1 -- Intelligent Mail^®^ Services Progress Dates**

***Barcodes: Past, Present and Future***

Over the years, the Postal Service™ has continuously worked to develop
new technology and drive improvements in service and efficiency. The
first major achievement in this effort was the **POSTNET™ barcode**,
which was developed in the early 1980s by the Postal Service to encode
ZIP Code™, or "routing", information on mailpieces for sorting by
automation equipment. The POSTNET barcode uses a series of half- and
full-height bars to represent the ZIP Code and a check-digit with two
additional framing bars at the beginning and end of the barcode. The
length of the POSTNET barcode can vary depending on the length of the
ZIP Code present (5, 9 or 11 digits).

In the 1990s, the USPS created the Confirm^®^ program -- a
subscription-based service to allow mailers to track their mailpieces
through the postal system. The Confirm program requires the use of a
second, separate barcode to be printed on the mailpiece. This is called
the **PLANET Code^®^ barcode** and looks similar to the POSTNET.

Over time, the USPS introduced the **10-digit Legacy Tray Label**, which
uses an interleaved 2-of-5 barcode for routing purposes on tray/sack
labels.

As the next step in the evolution of the USPS automation program, the
Postal Service is introducing a suite of **Intelligent Mail^®^
barcodes**. The Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode consolidates all of the
previous barcode formats into one and can be used to uniquely identify:

-   Mailpieces -- letters and flats

-   Handling Units (trays and sacks)

-   Containers (Pallets, All-Purpose Containers, etc.).

Intelligent Mail barcodes are information-rich. For example, the POSTNET
barcode only includes delivery point routing information. As explained
in more detail below the Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces holds
significantly more data and includes additional fields that can allow
mailers to uniquely identify each mailpiece in a mailing. Intelligent
Mail barcodes facilitate feedback about the mailpiece, allow for
mail-delivery service measurement, and make it possible to use the mail
in a much smarter way.

***The Intelligent Mail^®^ Barcode***

**The Intelligent Mail^®^ Barcode for Mailpieces**

The Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces includes the same routing
information as the POSTNET barcode, but with four new data fields added.
These new fields enable a mailer to combine several pieces of text-based
information into one barcode line.

In **Figure 2** below you will see how the Intelligent Mail barcode is
more compact and has all the necessary information in one line providing
for a much cleaner looking mailpiece with more "real estate" available
for mail owners to use as they see fit. The mailpiece on the right uses
the Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode to combine data from five sources on the
left:

-   A PLANET barcode\*

-   An ACS Participant ID

-   An ACS Mailer's Keyline

-   A POSTNET barcode.\*

> \* - The PLANET and POSTNET barcodes are represented in character form
> for easier recognition.

**POSTNET Barcode Intelligent Mail Barcode**

![](media/image1.png){width="3.05in" height="1.5263888888888888in"}

> **Figure 2**
>
> **Mailpieces with POSTNET and Intelligent Mail^®^ barcodes.**

**Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Barcode for Mailpieces**

The Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces is a 31-character data
string that converts into 65 bars of 4 different heights. (Unlike the
POSTNET barcode the Intelligent Mail barcode is [always]{.underline} 65
bars, regardless of ZIP Code length, and does not require a check-digit
or framing bars.) The 31-character data string contains a 20-character
Tracking Code and an 11-character Routing Code. The Tracking Code
consists of 4 separate fields. Descriptions of the individual fields are
provided below.

1.  The **Barcode Identifier** is a 2-digit field that describes the
    level of presort qualification for the mailpiece. Currently, this
    information may be printed on a mailpiece in human-readable form
    using the optional endorsement line (OEL).

-   Letter-size mail, with or without a printed OEL, must contain "00".

-   Flat-size mail [without]{.underline} a printed OEL must contain
    "00".

-   Flat-size mail [with]{.underline} a printed OEL must contain coding
    corresponding to the correct sortation

> level of each piece.

1.  The **Service Type Identifier** is a 3-digit field that indicates
    the level of participation in various postal services. Each 3-digit
    value corresponds to a particular class of mail and/or a particular
    combination of services. It also represents the Intelligent Mail^®^
    service option; Basic or Full-Service.

2.  The **Mailer Identifier** (Mailer ID or MID) field is a 6-digit or
    9-digit number assigned by the USPS that identifies a specific agent
    in the mailing supply chain. Mail owners and mail preparers will be
    assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer IDs based upon their annual mail
    volume as verified by the Postal Service.

3.  The **Serial Number** is a 6-digit or 9-digit field depending on the
    length of the Mailer ID. (See Figure 2 below) In Basic option
    mailings, the serial number has no requirement for uniqueness. In
    qualified Full-Service mailings, the Serial Number must be unique
    and remain so for a period of 45 days from the date the USPS accepts
    the mail.

4.  The **Routing Code** field contains essentially the same ZIP Code™
    routing information as the POSTNET barcode.

![](media/image3.wmf)

**Figure 3**

**Example of 6-digit and 9-digit Serial Numbers in relation to Mailer
IDs.**

***Intelligent Mail^®^ Service Options***

With the implementation of the next phase of Intelligent Mail^®^
services, the Postal Service™ will be offering two different service
options for mailers to choose from: Basic and Full-Service. The
requirements and benefits of each are outlined below.

**Basic Option**

Under the Basic option, a 31-digit Intelligent Mail barcode comprising
the Barcode ID, Service Type Identifier, Mailer ID, Serial Number and
Routing Code will be required on all letters and flats.

The Basic option does not require unique Serial Numbers be encoded in
the barcode. A mailer who chooses the Basic option may encode the Serial
Numbers with any number. Following are some examples:

-   All zeros

-   Variable information

    -   Account number

    -   Membership number

    -   Order number

-   Unique data (in conjunction with the Mailer ID)

-   A Mailing ID (a static ID number to be used on the entire mailing)

    -   Job number

    -   Project number

    -   Reference number

Choosing the Basic option will ensure compliance with automation
requirements effective with the retirement of the POSTNET barcode in May
2011. It can also provide mailers a transition path to the Full-Service
option.

**Full-Service Option**

There are several requirements a mailer must meet in order to comply
with the Full-Service option:

1.  [Unique Mailpiece Barcodes.]{.underline} A 31-digit Intelligent Mail
    barcode (described in detail above) comprising the Barcode ID,
    Service Type Identifier, Mailer ID, Serial Number and Routing Code
    will be required on all letters and flats. The barcode will be
    required to maintain uniqueness for a period of 45 days from the
    Postage Statement date of mailing in .CSM record.

2.  [Unique Tray Barcodes.]{.underline} A 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray
    barcode will be required on all letter trays, flat trays and sacks.
    This barcode will consist of the routing information, Mailer ID and
    a unique serial number. The barcode will be required to maintain
    uniqueness for a period of 45 days from the Postage Statement date
    of mailing in .CSM record.

3.  [Unique Container Barcodes.]{.underline} A 21-digit Intelligent Mail
    container barcode will be required on all pallets, All-Purpose
    Containers (APCs), rolling stock, gaylords, etc. This barcode will
    consist of the Mailer ID and a unique serial number. The barcode
    will be required to maintain uniqueness for a period of 45 days from
    the Postage Statement date of mailing in .CSM record.

4.  [Electronic Documentation (eDoc).]{.underline} Mailers will be
    required to submit their postage statements and mailing
    documentation electronically to the USPS *PostalOne!*^®^ system
    using one of the following three methods: Mail.dat^®^, Mail.XML™ (in
    a future release) or the Postal Wizard.

5.  [FAST]{.underline}^®^ [(Facility Access and Shipment
    Tracking).]{.underline} Mailers will be required to schedule
    appointments using the FAST system for drop-ship mailings and all
    mailer-transported, origin-entered mail verified at a detached mail
    unit (DMU).

Barcode uniqueness is an important aspect of the Full-Service option;
however, there are two exceptions to the unique serial number
requirement for Full-Service letters and flats mailpieces. Both
exceptions exist for mailings under 10,000 pieces that either:

-   Have postage affixed to each piece at the correct price - or -

-   Contain pieces of identical weight that are separated by price.

> With Postal Service™ approval, mailings that qualify for one of these
> exceptions may be permitted to use the same number on all mailpieces,
> although that number cannot be reused for a period of 45 days from the
> Postage Statement date of mailing in .CSM record.

Under the Full-Service option, when mail owners elect to use their own
6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID and unique serial numbers for mailpieces,
mail preparers will be required to honor the 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer
ID and unique numbering as architected by the mail owner. We encourage
mail owners to use their own Mailer ID's in the Intelligent Mail
barcode.

**The Intelligent Mail^®^ Tray Barcode**

Under the Full-Service option, mailers will be required to apply unique
Intelligent Mail tray barcodes on tray and sack labels. Uniquely
identifying each tray or sack with this barcode will allow them to be
tracked as they are processed through the mailstream.

In order to meet the requirements for Full-Service mailings, mailers
will be required to uniquely number each tray or sack in a mailing by
using one of the two Intelligent Mail tray label formats:

1.  The 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray label (Figure 4)

    a.  Uses the new 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray barcode to identify
        the mailer and uniquely number each tray or sack

    b.  USPS acceptance begins in April 2009

    c.  Also for use with the Basic option, but mailers are not required
        to uniquely number each tray or sack.

2.  The Transitional 10/24 Intelligent Mail tray label (Figure 5)

    a.  Uses the new 24-digit Intelligent Mail tray barcode to identify
        the mailer and uniquely number each tray or sack

    b.  Also uses the legacy 10-digit barcode

    c.  Currently accepted by the USPS

![](media/image4.png){width="2.875in" height="1.625in"}

![](media/image5.png){width="3.0in" height="1.5708333333333333in"}

**Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Tray Barcode**

The Intelligent Mail^®^ tray barcode is a 24-digit data string that
contains six fields (defined below). This barcode must remain unique for
a period of 45 days from the date of induction.

1.  The **ZIP Code™** is a 5-digit field that identifies the tray or
    sack's ZIP Code destination.

2.  The **Content Identification Number** (CIN) is a 3-digit field that
    describes the presort qualification of the mail in the tray or sack.
    A table of valid CINs can be found in section 708.6.2.4 of the
    Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®^).

3.  The **Processing Code** is a 1-digit field. The two acceptable
    values are:

-   "1" - for automation and machinable mail

-   "7" - for all other mail.

4.  The **Mailer ID** is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the USPS
    that identifies a specific agent in the mailing supply chain. Mail
    owners and mail preparers will be assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer
    IDs based upon their annual mail volume as verified by the Postal
    Service™.

5.  The **Serial Number** is a 5- or 8-digit number, depending on the
    length of the Mailer ID.

6.  The **Label Type** is a 1-digit field that defines the length of the
    Mailer ID. This field is used as a qualifier for systems to properly
    recognize the data within the barcode and has two acceptable values:

-   "1" - for 6-digit Mailer IDs

-   "8" - for 9-digit Mailer IDs.

**Figure 6**

**Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Tray Barcode**

**The Intelligent Mail**^®^ **Container Barcode**

Under the Full-Service option, mailers will be required to apply unique
Intelligent Mail container barcodes on placards affixed to pallets,
APCs, pallet boxes, and other rolling stock. Uniquely identifying each
tray or sack with this barcode will allow them to be tracked as they are
processed through the mailstream.

Mailers will be allowed to use one of two types of Intelligent Mail^®^
container labels for the Full-Service option. These are a 4" by 7" label
(Figure 7) or an 8" by 11" label (Figure 8). The difference between
these two placards is the 8" by 11" label includes a much larger space
for the mailer area.

Regardless of which size you choose, at least two copies of the label
must be affixed to adjacent sides on the outside of the shrinkwrap or
container. Placards must be affixed by self-adhesive or other adhesive
means that will not obscure any required element of the placard and
remain secure throughout transportation and USPS processing.

> ![](media/image6.png){width="2.658333333333333in"
> height="1.3909722222222223in"}

**Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Container Barcode**

The Intelligent Mail container barcode is a 21-digit data string that
converts into GS1-128 barcode symbology, and contains four fields
(defined below). This barcode must remain unique for a period of 45 days
from the date of induction.

1.  The **Application Identifier** is a 2-digit field that must contain
    "99".

2.  The **Type Indicator** is a 1-byte field that must contain the
    letter "M".

3.  The **Mailer ID** is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the USPS
    that identifies a specific agent in the mailing supply chain. Mail
    owners and mail preparers will be assigned 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer
    IDs based upon their annual mail volume as verified by the Postal
    Service.

4.  The **Serial Number** is a 9- or 12-digit number, depending on the
    length of the Mailer ID.

**Figure 9**

**Data Fields in the Intelligent Mail^®^ Container Barcode**

**Electronic Documentation -- (eDoc)**

**General Information**

Under the Full-Service option, electronic documentation must be used to
transmit data files for generating postage statements and mailing
documentation to the Postal Service's *PostalOne!^®^* System. These
files describe how mailpieces are linked to trays or sacks, and to
containers (if applicable), and are required to match the preparation of
the mail to qualify for the Full-Service option. The electronic
documentation must provide the data that identifies:

-   the Mail Owner and the Mail Preparer (service provider)

-   the unique Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode applied to each mailpiece in
    a mailing

-   the Intelligent Mail tray barcode applied to each tray or sack, as
    well as the pieces contained within the tray or sack.

-   the unique Intelligent Mail container barcode applied to each
    container in a mailing and show the trays or sacks, or mailpieces
    in/on the container.

This electronic mailing information is used for:

-   Business mail verification and acceptance

-   Start-the-Clock (when the USPS takes ownership of the mail)

-   Automation address correction (OneCode ACS^®^)

-   Confirm (OneCode Confirm^®^) programs.

The Postal Service™ will use the electronically generated Postage
Statements and supporting documentation to simplify mail verification,
acceptance, and induction. By submitting documents electronically,
mailers will not have to create paper-based forms and will use
technology to manage their mailing data.

***PostalOne!* Requirements**

In order to submit eDoc, mailers must participate in the USPS
*PostalOne!^®^* system. Getting set up with a *PostalOne!* system login,
and completing all the test files and processes must be done prior to
submitting a Full-Service mailing. Mailers must allow sufficient time
for this process. Those unfamiliar with electronic documentation today
should begin their study with the ***PostalOne! Getting Started
Guide***.

Today, the three options to submit electronic mailing data are:

-   Postal Wizard (formerly called \"Postage Statement Wizard\")

-   Mail.dat^®^

-   Wizard Web Services (will not support Full-Service mailings)

With the Full-Service Option, the following three programs will be
available:

-   Postal Wizard

-   Mail.dat^®^

-   Mail.XML™ (The *PostalOne!* system will begin accepting this format
    in fall 2009)

### 

### Postal Wizard

Postal Wizard enables electronic submission of postage statements, which
would meet the requirement for Full-Service mailings of less than 10,000
letters and flats pieces that do not require accompanying documentation,
such as permit imprint mailings of identical-weight pieces separated by
price category, or mailings with the exact postage affixed to each
piece. Mailers can not submit Postal Wizard electronic postage statement
to the Detached Mail Unit.

For mailings that do not require presort documentation, you will only
need to report the serial number used in the Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode
for mailpieces listed in your electronic postage statement.

### 

### 

### Mail.dat^®^ and Mail.XML™

Mail.dat and Mail.XML are specifications owned by the International
Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance^®^). This mailer organization
facilitates data communication for appointments, qualification reports,
postage, piece information, data distribution, and other supporting
business functions between members of the mailing industry and then from
the industry to the Postal Service™. **Contact them directly at
[www.idealliance.org](http://www.idealliance.org/) for more detailed
information on these specifications and licensing requirements.**

Mailers who are beginning to use Mail.dat or Mail.XML must plan for the
education, installation and implementation of software needed to
generate, edit and update these files. This is an important part of a
timeline and needs to be one of the first items completed. Check with
your presort software provider for information on generating, editing
and updating the Mail.dat or Mail.XML files.

Mailers may use Mail.dat with the *PostalOne!*^®^ system now, and should
become proficient in generating, editing, and submitting these files
before they transition to the Full-Service option.

**Mail.dat^®^**

Mail.dat is presented as a database consisting of files linked by Key
Fields. There are 21 files, each with its own record type, from which
recipients can extract any set of data serving their purpose. Mail.dat's
potential: serving recipient's information needs efficiently and
effectively while providing for all possible requests.

Mail.dat is a relational database of 21 \"connected\" files describing
each characteristic that can exist within a mailing. As a relational
database, not all 21 files are required. There is a core set of 9
required files, with another file specifically created for the
Intelligent Mail program. The focus of Mail.dat has, and will continue
to be, the full description of a mailing job and related data.

**Mail.XML™**

Mail.XML™ is an XML-based ([www.mailxml.org](http://www.mailxml.org/))
specification for Web services, supporting the (SOA) Services Oriented
Architecture that is conversational in nature and platform independent,
and its core focus is the communication between industry members and
from the industry to the USPS.

Mail.XML™ currently supports container-based scheduling, pick up and
drop-off business processes, as well as identifying different business
entities responsible for performing different services such as quality
of mailing, address correction, and delivery confirmation on a mailing.
Future versions of Mail.XML will include advanced functions such as
payment; automated verification; enabling first, second, and third party
communication and incorporating presort planning, printing, and
distribution processes.

**FAST^®^ Appointment Scheduling**

As required today, most mailers will use the Facility Access and
Shipment Tracking (FAST) system to schedule appointments for drop-ship
mailings, except for mailings entered at the Destination Delivery Unit
(DDU). Additionally, FAST will be used to create an appointment for
origin-entered mail, regardless of class, that is verified at the
Detached Mail Unit (DMU) and is transported by the mailer, or as defined
in a Customer/Supplier Agreement (CSA).

Mailers may schedule appointments online using the FAST website at
[fast.usps.com](https://fast.usps.com/fast/) or they may submit
appointment requests through *PostalOne!^®^* FAST Web Services at
[www.uspspostalone.com](http://www.uspspostalone.com/) using the
Transaction Messaging specifications.

FAST appointments will continue to be required for drop-shipments to
applicable Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC), Destination Area
Distribution Center (DADC), or Destination Sectional Center Facility
(DSCF) locations for Periodicals, Standard Mail^®^, and Package Services
mailpieces. Use of FAST enables the USPS to validate appointments and
provide information to mailers regarding receipt of mailings.

***Summary of Intelligent Mail^®^ Service Benefits***

The Intelligent Mail barcode offers much more than a POSTNET™ barcode.
When using the Intelligent Mail barcode on your mailpieces, you can
consolidate a lot of the information that is currently printed on the
pieces thereby creating a much "cleaner" look with more space available
for you to use for other messages and graphics. When taking advantage of
the full suite of Intelligent Mail barcodes, you can increase the amount
of information that can be stored and associated with individual
mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks), and containers. This
information can be used to request services and add visibility (tracking
information) to your mailpiece to enhance the value of your mail. The
Postal Service™ will also be able to provide you more streamlined
feedback on the quality of your addresses to help you reduce
undeliverable-as-addressed mail and its associated costs.

Additionally, there will be monetary benefits to employing the
Intelligent Mail barcode on your mail. Along with lower postage prices
than either a POSTNET or Basic option mailing in the fall of 2009, the
Postal Service will offer customers who qualify for the Full-Service
option the following benefits beginning with the implementation of the
the next phase of Intelligent Mail services in May 2009:

-   Start-the-clock information at no additional charge to notify
    mailers when the Postal Service takes possession of mailings, and

-   Address correction information at no charge for qualified letters
    and flats that do not have the most current address or that are
    undeliverable for other reasons, when those pieces are endorsed as
    specified for OneCode ACS^®^.

***Getting Started With Intelligent Mail^®^ Services***

Now that you have a basic understanding of what Intelligent Mail
services are and some of the options, requirements and benefits, it's
time to get started on your own Intelligent Mail service plans. While
the following is not necessarily the exact sequence you should follow,
nor is it an exhaustive list of questions that need to be answered or
decisions that need to be made, it will give you the information you
need to get started.

-   **Talk to your business partners** -- Find out from your software
    vendors and/or service providers what *their* Intelligent Mail
    program plans are.

> Just a few of the questions you may want to ask are:

-   What are your Mailer ID plans? Will I need my own or will I be using
    yours?

-   What additional features/services are available?

-   Do you support Mail.dat^®^, Mail.XML™ or both?

-   Can you create and track unique serial numbers?

-   Can you support the Basic and Full-Service options?

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-   **Build a Team** -- Work to put together a team that will help you
    implement Intelligent Mail services. Include, consider and start to
    plan the following:

    -   Include Key Stakeholders: IT, Finance, Business, Business
        Partners

    -   Define the Value/ ROI

    -   Re-engineer your mail supply chain

    -   Develop Budget

    -   Develop Implementation Plan

    -   Review Materials and seek support from Resources

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-   **Review Guides and Specifications** -- Get the information you need
    from the following resources. These resources are discussed more in
    depth in the resource section.

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-   Federal Register Notice: Implementation of New Standards for
    Intelligent Mail® Barcodes

-   A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services

-   A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats

-   Electronic Documentation and Intelligent Mail: Ready, Set, Go!

-   *PostalOne!* Mail.dat Technical Guide

-   *PostalOne!* Mail.XML Technical Guide

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-   **Acquire a Mailer ID** -- This step actually begins with contacting
    your local Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager or Mailpiece Design
    Analyst (MDA) to discuss the type of ID you will need (6- or
    9-digit) and if you will need more than one (i.e., a service
    provider with multiple locations may want one Mailer ID per site).

-   **Plan your Barcode** -- To generate the Intelligent Mail® mailpiece
    barcode, Tray Label barcode, and Container Label barcode you will
    need to do the following.

    -   Plan for barcode data management

    -   Services (Service Type Code)

    -   USPS provided Mailer ID (MID)

    -   IM™ barcode encoder

    -   USPS-developed font for the IM™ Barcode

    -   Content Identification Number (CIN) List

    -   Code 128 subset C font for the IM™ tray and container barcodes

    -   Endorsements for Address Correction

    -   Validate and Test Barcode

> Further information regarding these elements can be found in the
> materials listed in the Resource section.

-   **Design and Test Electronic Documentation** -- Electronic
    documentation is a crucial step in the process. There are different
    requirements and uses for Basic and Full-Service options.

    -   Basic: Electronic Documentation is Optional

        -   Electronic Documentation includes Postage Statement

        -   Aggregate Mailing Data such as a Qualification Report

    -   Full-Service: Electronic Documentation is Required

        -   Electronic Documentation includes Postage Statement

        -   Aggregate Mailing Data and Detail Mailing Data

        -   Mail Owner, Mail Preparers

        -   Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces, trays and
            containers

        -   Nesting relationships

    -   Options:

        -   Mail.dat

        -   Postage Statement Wizard (\< 10,000 pieces)

        -   Mail.XML (coming in November)

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-   **Plan for Feedback**

    -   How will you use the Start-the-Clock and Address Correction
        information?

    -   Who will receive the data?

    -   How will you receive the data?

    -   How will you update your address lists?

-   **Migrate to the Production Environment after May 18**

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-   Test Barcodes

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-   Test Electronic Submissions in the Test Environment for Mailers

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-   Receive Validation for Full Service prior to migrating to the
    Production Environment

```{=html}
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```
-   **OneCode ACS**^®^ **and OneCode Confirm**^®^ -- Are either or both
    of these services something you wish to participate in and take
    advantage of? If you are a service provider, do you want to
    participate in these and make them available to your customers as
    value-added services?

-   **Determine Which Service Type Identifier** -- You will need to
    identify the Service Type Identifier that matches the services you
    are requesting. You can find the list of Service Type Identifiers
    you can choose from in A Guide To Intelligent Mail for Letters and
    Flats which is posted at
    [http://ribbs.usps.gov](http://ribbs.usps.gov/).

+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|                                      | **To  | **    |       |       |
|                                      | day** | After |       |       |
|                                      |       | May   |       |       |
|                                      |       | 18,   |       |       |
|                                      |       | 2     |       |       |
|                                      |       | 009** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **No-Service / Mail Class Service    | **Cu  | **Non | **    | *     |
| Type ID**                            | rrent | auto/ | Basic | *Full |
|                                      | C     | Preso | Opt   | -Serv |
|                                      | ode** | rt/** | ion** | ice** |
|                                      |       |       |       |       |
|                                      |       | **Ot  |       |       |
|                                      |       | her** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL                     | 700   | 700   | 300   | 260   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS                          | 704   | 704   | 704   | 264   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL                        | 702   | 702   | 301   | 261   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER                 | 706   | 706   | 401   | 265   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS REPLY MAIL (CRM, MRM,    | 708   | 700   | 700   | 700   |
| PRM)                                 |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (incl. QBRM)     | N/A   | 708   | 708   | 708   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PRIORITY MAIL                        | 710   | 710   | N/A   | N/A   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PRIORITY MAIL FLAT-RATE              | 712   | 712   | N/A   | N/A   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **Ancillary Service Endorsement      | *     | **Non | **    | *     |
| Service Type ID**                    | *Curr | auto/ | Basic | *Full |
|                                      | ent** | Preso | Opt   | -Serv |
|                                      |       | rt/** | ion** | ice** |
|                                      | **C   |       |       |       |
|                                      | ode** | **Ot  |       |       |
|                                      |       | her** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL w/Manual            | 700   | 700   | 700   | 036   |
| Corrections                          |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 040   | 040   | 040   | 041   |
| w/Manual Corrections                 |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS w/Manual Corrections     | 704   | 704   | 704   | 264   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm      | 044   | 044   | 044   | 274   |
| w/Manual Corrections                 |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL w/Manual Corrections   | 702   | 702   | 702   | 037   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 042   | 042   | 042   | 043   |
| w/Manual Corrections                 |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER w/Manual        | N/A   | 706   | 706   | 466   |
| Corrections                          |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **OneCode Confirm Service Type ID    | *     | **Non | **    | *     |
| \***                                 | *Curr | auto/ | Basic | *Full |
|                                      | ent** | Preso | Opt   | -Serv |
|                                      |       | rt/** | ion** | ice** |
|                                      | **C   |       |       |       |
|                                      | ode** | **Ot  |       |       |
|                                      |       | her** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 040   | 310   | 310   | 270   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm      | 044   | 044   | 044   | 045   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 042   | 311   | 311   | 271   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS REPLY MAIL (CRM, MRM,    | 050   | 050   | 050   | 050   |
| PRM) Origin Confirm                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (incl. QBRM)     | 052   | 052   | 052   | 052   |
| Origin Confirm                       |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **OneCode ACS Service Type ID**      | *     | **Non | **    | *     |
|                                      | *Curr | auto/ | Basic | *Full |
|                                      | ent** | Preso | Opt   | -Serv |
|                                      |       | rt/** | ion** | ice** |
|                                      | **C   |       |       |       |
|                                      | ode** | **Ot  |       |       |
|                                      |       | her** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL w/Traditional ASR   | 700   | 080   | 080   | 081   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL w/Traditional CSR   | 700   | 082   | 082   | 083   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL ASR Option 1        | 080   | 080   | 080   | 081   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL ASR Option 2        | N/A   | 080   | 080   | 081   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL CSR Option 1        | 082   | 082   | 082   | 083   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL CSR Option 2        | N/A   | 082   | 082   | 083   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS w/Traditional ACS w/o    | 704   | 784   | 784   | 038   |
| ASE                                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS w/Traditional ACS w/ ASE | 704   | 782   | 782   | 783   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS ASR w/o ASE              | 782   | 784   | 784   | 038   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS ASR w/ ASE               | N/A   | 782   | 782   | 783   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL w/Traditional ASR      | 702   | 090   | 090   | 091   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL w/Traditional CSR      | 702   | 092   | 092   | 093   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL ASR                    | 090   | 090   | 090   | 091   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL CSR                    | 092   | 092   | 092   | 093   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER w/Traditional   | N/A   | 424   | 424   | 423   |
| ASR                                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER w/Traditional   | N/A   | 431   | 431   | 430   |
| CSR                                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER ASR             | N/A   | 424   | 424   | 423   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| BOUND PRINTED MATTER CSR             | N/A   | 431   | 431   | 430   |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|                                      |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **OneCode Confirm + OneCode ACS      | *     | **Non | **    | *     |
| Service Type ID**                    | *Curr | auto/ | Basic | *Full |
|                                      | ent** | Preso | Opt   | -Serv |
|                                      |       | rt/** | ion** | ice** |
|                                      | **C   |       |       |       |
|                                      | ode** | **Ot  |       |       |
|                                      |       | her** |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 040   | 140   | 140   | 141   |
| w/Traditional ASR                    |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 040   | 240   | 240   | 241   |
| w/Traditional CSR                    |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 140   | 140   | 140   | 141   |
| ASR Option 1                         |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | N/A   | 140   | 140   | 141   |
| ASR Option 2                         |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | 240   | 240   | 240   | 241   |
| CSR Option 1                         |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| FIRST-CLASS MAIL Destination Confirm | N/A   | 240   | 240   | 241   |
| CSR Option 2                         |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm      | 044   | 244   | 244   | 045   |
| w/Traditional ACS w/o ASE            |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm      | 044   | 144   | 144   | 145   |
| w/Traditional ACS w/ ASE             |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm ASR  | 144   | 244   | 244   | 045   |
| w/o ASE                              |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| PERIODICALS Destination Confirm ASR  | N/A   | 144   | 144   | 145   |
| w/ ASE                               |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 042   | 142   | 142   | 143   |
| w/Traditional ASR                    |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 042   | 242   | 242   | 243   |
| w/Traditional CSR                    |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 142   | 142   | 142   | 143   |
| ASR                                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| STANDARD MAIL Destination Confirm    | 242   | 242   | 242   | 243   |
| CSR                                  |       |       |       |       |
+--------------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

Today, participants in Confirm use Service Type Identifiers to
participate in Confirm. Upon implementation of the Intelligent Mail
program, you may have to change the Service Type Identified to correctly
identify the Intelligent Mail services you are requesting. To facilitate
a smooth transition, existing Confirm Service Type Identifiers will be
supported until November 2009. During the transition period Confirm
participants may use the old or new Service Type Identifiers. The table
below outlines the transition Service Type Identifiers.

  ----------- ------------- ---------------------------------------------- --------
  **Current   **Class**     **Impact in May**                              **New
  Code**                                                                   Code**

  040         First-Class   If using Service Type ID '040', do not apply   310
                            an Ancillary Service Endorsement to the        
                            mailpiece. These mailpieces will be treated as 
                            a basic IMb piece requesting manual ACS.       
                            Without a printed ASE, no ACS data will be     
                            generated.                                     

  042         Standard      If using Service Type ID '042', do not apply   311
                            an Ancillary Service Endorsement to the        
                            mailpiece. These mailpieces will be treated as 
                            a basic IMb piece requesting manual ACS.       
                            Without a printed ASE, no ACS data will be     
                            generated.                                     
  ----------- ------------- ---------------------------------------------- --------

-   **Basic and Full-Service options** -- Service providers may want to
    be prepared to support both of these options for their customers;
    however, mail owners have a choice that needs to be made after
    careful consideration of their internal cost/benefits calculations.
    Does it make good economic sense to switch from POSTNET barcodes now
    or plan a longer implementation strategy? Remember, required use of
    an Intelligent Mail option does not begin until May 2011, so there
    is time to plan a smooth transition.

-   **Lessons from Early Adopters** --

    -   Ability to induct Full-Service Mail does not happen overnight!

    -   Consider whether to "build or buy" capabilities

    -   Pay special attention to managing uniqueness and the Mailer ID

***Resources Available to Implement Intelligent Mail***

**Detailed Information on the Basic and Full-Service Options**

There are several resources available to help you get started using
Intelligent Mail, many of which can be reviewed by visiting our website
at <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

**The RIBBS™ Website**

The USPS provides a number of technical and non-technical guides,
informative documents and presentations, and other helpful tools to make
it easier for you to take full advantage of the suite of Intelligent
Mail^®^ barcodes. These valuable resources can be found on the USPS
RIBBS™ website **<http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.**

**Guides, Specifications and Manuals**

For those new to Intelligent Mail, there several guides, specifications
and manuals that will get you started and give a broad overview of the
fundamentals of the program. Following is a list of primary sources of
information.

***Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)***

> The Domestic Mail Manual is the USPS manual that contains the basic
> standards governing U.S. domestic mail services, descriptions of the
> mail classes and special services and conditions governing their uses,
> and standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation. Domestic mail
> is classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors.

***Federal Register Notice***: *Implementation of New Standards for
Intelligent Mail Barcodes*

> The Federal Reqister Notice outlines the key elements of the Basic and
> Full-Service options for Intelligent Mail. It also provides a timeline
> and the requirements for using the Intelligent Mail program. The
> Federal Register Notice can be found at <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

***A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services***

> In this guide, A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services, you
> will find fundamental information on what Intelligent Mail services
> offer and require, Intelligent Mail barcodes and their benefits, the
> two service level options being offered, how to get started with the
> Intelligent Mail program and where to find additional resources to
> help you. A Beginners Overview to Intelligent Mail Services can be
> found at <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

***A Guide to Intelligent Mail***^®^ ***for Letters and Flats***

> A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats provides guidance on
> how to prepare your mail and electronic documentation and identifies
> the data that will be provided at no additional charge for
> Full-Service compliance. In addition, the Guide also describes what
> will be available in the first release of Intelligent Mail^®^
> services. A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats can be
> found at <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

***Electronic Documentation and Intelligent Mail; Ready, Set, Go***!

> The Basic & Full-Service Ready, Set, Go! guide provides clear guidance
> on how to transition Intelligent Mail using either the Basic of
> Full-Service options. It also describes how to migrate from existing
> electronic documentation options to the new Full-Service capabilities.
> The Basic & Full-Service Ready, Set, Go! guide can be found at
> <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

***PostalOne! Mail.dat Technical Specification***

The *PostalOne!* Mail.dat Technical Specification provides detailed
specifications for how to populate your Mail.dat files to comply with
the requirements for the Full-Service option. This technical
specification explains the eDoc, postage, and induction requirements on
how to use Mail.dat with the *PostalOne!* system The *PostalOne!*
Mail.dat Technical Specification can be found at
<http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

***PostalOne! Mail.XML Technical Specification***

The *PostalOne!* Mail.XML Technical Specification outlines the
specifications for the messages used to send and receive data from
*PostalOne!.* This technical specification explains FAST appointment
scheduling, Full Service Data Distribution (ACS COA, ACS Nixie,
Start-The-Clock), eDoc postage and electronic induction status
management through Mail.XML messaging.

The *PostalOne!* Mail.XML Technical Specification can be found at
<http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

**Technical Help for Intelligent Mail^®^ Barcodes**

Once you have a good understanding of the Intelligent Mail program,
there are several technical documents that will help you create barcodes
and the electronic documentation required for the Full-Service option.

***Intelligent Mail Barcodes***

To create and print Intelligent Mail^®^ barcodes, obtain and use
specifications available at https://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/.

To facilitate the adoption of the Intelligent Mail barcode, the Postal
Service has developed, and is making available at no charge, an
extensive library of encoding software and fonts suitable for encoding
and printing the Intelligent Mail barcode in mail production
environments using numerous operating systems and printing
architectures. These resources are available at
[[http://ribbs.usps.gov/]{.underline}](http://ribbs.usps.gov/).

To help you with encoding and decoding Intelligent Mail barcodes, the
USPS offers an on-line Intelligent Mail^®^ barcode encoder and decoder.
You can access these tools at
<http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/Default.aspx>.

***Intelligent Mail Tray Label***

To create and print the Intelligent Mail Tray Label, obtain the
specifications USPS-L-3191 and USPS-L-3216 available on
<http://ribbs.usps.gov/>.

View a fact sheet that summarizes the specifications for the Intelligent
Mail Tray label formats
([PDF/84KB](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_TECH_FACTSHEET_05_15_2008.pdf)
or
[Word/368KB](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_TECH_FACTSHEET_05_15_2008.DOC)).
For additional details, view the detailed 10/24-digit tray label
specifications, (USPS-L-3191), ([PDF/321KB
Testing](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_10_1024_SPECIFICATIONS_FOR_MAILERS_(SPUSPS-L-3191).pdf)
or
[Word/892KB](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_10_1024_SPECIFICATIONS_FOR_MAILERS_(SPUSPS-L-3191).doc))
or view the detailed pure 24-digit tray label specifications,
(USPS-L-3216),
([PDF/194KB](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_24-Digit_SPECIFICATIONS_FOR_MAILERS_(SPUSPS-L-3216-001).PDF)
or
[Word/633KB](https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_tray_label/documents/tech_guides/IMTL_24-Digit_SPECIFICATIONS_FOR_MAILERS_(SPUSPS-L-3216-001).DOC))

***Intelligent Mail Container Barcode***

To create and print the Intelligent Mail Container Label, obtain the
specifications USPS-B-3215 available on http://ribbs.usps.gov/ .

To create and print container labels, obtain and use specifications
available at <http://ribbs.usps.gov/>. Unlike tray labels, there is no
ordering system -- so for now, mailers must print their own or work with
a third-party vendor.

**Personal Support Resources**

In addition to the guides and specifications listed above, you can also
get help from USPS Intelligent Mail® experts.

To find your local Business Mail Entry (BME) Manager, go to:

<http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-bme.html>

To find your local Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA), go to:

<http://pe.usps.com/mpdesign/mpdfr_mda_lookup.asp>

To contact the *PostalOne!* Help Desk call **1-800-522-9085**.

For additional information about Confirm please contact the Confirm
Customer Assistance Number at (800)238-3150.