Postal barcodes are a vital part of the United States Postal Service's (USPS) operations, allowing for efficient sorting and tracking of mail across the country. These barcodes are applied to letters, postcards, and packages, enabling USPS to quickly and accurately route each piece of mail to its intended destination.

Postal barcodes are used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sort and track mail. There are two main types of postal barcodes:

PostNET barcodes:

POSTNET barcodes are one of the two main types of barcodes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for sorting and tracking mail. The POSTNET barcode is a 62-bar code that represents the ZIP code and delivery point code of the recipient's address. It was first introduced in 1982 and has since become a widely used method of mail sorting, particularly for smaller mailpieces like postcards and letters.

The POSTNET barcode is a type of binary barcode, meaning it consists of a series of bars and spaces of varying widths that represent binary digits (1s and 0s). Each digit of the ZIP code and delivery point code is represented by a set of five bars and spaces, with the code being read from left to right. The first and last digits of the ZIP code are represented by a longer set of bars and spaces, known as "guard bars," which help to ensure the barcode is read correctly.

When a mailpiece with a POSTNET barcode is processed by a USPS machine, the barcode is scanned and the corresponding ZIP code and delivery point code are read. The machine then uses this information to sort the mailpiece to its intended destination, which can include a specific post office or delivery route.

Although the POSTNET barcode is widely used, USPS has been transitioning to the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) since 2013. The IMb combines the functionality of several previous barcode systems, including the POSTNET barcode, and includes a unique tracking number for each piece of mail. However, many mailers still use the POSTNET barcode, and USPS continues to support its use.

Overall, the POSTNET barcode has been a critical component of USPS's mail sorting and tracking operations for over three decades, enabling faster and more efficient delivery of mail across the country.

Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMBs):

The Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) is a sophisticated barcode system used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for sorting and tracking mail. Introduced in 2006, the IMb is a 65-bar code that combines the functionality of several previous barcode systems, including the POSTNET and the Intelligent Mail barcode 4-State Customer Barcode (IMb4SCB).

The IMb is a highly versatile barcode that can be used for a variety of purposes, including mail sorting, tracking, and payment. Each IMb contains a unique tracking number that allows USPS to monitor the progress of each piece of mail throughout the delivery process. The IMb can also be used to verify addresses, identify and track mailpieces with special services such as Certified Mail or Registered Mail, and facilitate electronic payment for postage.

One of the key benefits of the IMb is its ability to handle large volumes of mail. USPS machines can scan and sort thousands of IMbs per hour, enabling faster and more efficient processing of mail. Additionally, the IMb can be used for a wide range of mailpieces, including letters, postcards, and packages, making it a highly flexible system.

To generate an IMb, mailers must first obtain a Mailer ID from USPS, which is used to uniquely identify the sender. The Mailer ID is combined with a Serial Number and other data, such as the destination ZIP code, to generate a unique 20-digit tracking number. This number is then encoded into the IMb, which can be printed on the mailpiece along with other information such as the recipient's address.

Overall, the Intelligent Mail barcode has revolutionized USPS's mail sorting and tracking operations, enabling faster and more efficient delivery of mail across the country. Although the IMb has largely replaced the POSTNET barcode, USPS continues to support both systems to ensure maximum flexibility for mailers.

To read a postal barcode, you will need a barcode scanner or a barcode reader app. Once you have a scanner or app, follow these steps:

1. Point the scanner or app at the barcode.
2. The scanner or app will decode the barcode and display the information on the screen.

The information displayed on the screen will vary depending on the type of barcode. For a PostNET barcode, the information will be the five-digit ZIP code. For an IMB, the information will be the nine-digit ZIP code, the delivery point code, and the mail piece identifier.

You can also use a barcode scanner or app to track the status of your mail. To do this, you will need to enter the information displayed on the screen into the USPS tracking website or app.

Here are some additional tips for reading postal barcodes:

• Make sure that the barcode is clean and free of dirt or debris.
• Hold the barcode still while you are scanning it.
• If the scanner or app is not reading the barcode, try moving it closer or farther away from the barcode.
• If you are still having trouble reading the barcode, try using a different scanner or app.

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