The USPS barcode, also known as the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), is an essential component of the United States Postal Service’s mail sorting and tracking system. It is used to encode important information about a piece of mail, such as its tracking code and routing code.
The IMb consists of 65 vertical bars, each representing one of four possible states. These states are a full bar, an ascender, a tracker, and a descender. The full bar is a complete vertical line, while the ascender is a shorter bar that extends above the baseline. The tracker is a shorter bar that does not extend above or below the baseline, and the descender is a shorter bar that extends below the baseline.
These 65 bars encode a string of 31 digits, which is divided into two parts: a 20-digit tracking code and an 11-digit routing code (if required). The tracking code is unique to each piece of mail and allows for precise tracking and delivery updates. It provides information about the origin and destination of the mail, as well as other relevant details.
The routing code, on the other hand, is used to determine the most efficient route for the mail to reach its destination. It includes information such as the ZIP code, delivery point, and other routing details. This code ensures that the mail is properly sorted and delivered to the correct address.
When a mailpiece is processed by the USPS, the IMb is scanned and decoded to extract the tracking and routing information. This information is then used to sort and route the mailpiece to its intended destination. The IMb plays a crucial role in the USPS’s automated sorting and tracking systems, enabling efficient and accurate mail processing.
Personally, I have encountered the USPS barcode on numerous occasions when sending and receiving mail. It is fascinating to see how such a simple barcode can contain so much information and facilitate the smooth operation of the postal service. The clarity and precision of the barcode’s design make it easy for machines to read and process, ensuring that mail reaches its destination quickly and accurately.
The USPS barcode, or Intelligent Mail barcode, is a complex system of 65 vertical bars that encode a string of 31 digits. It consists of four possible states, including full bars, ascenders, trackers, and descenders. The barcode contains a 20-digit tracking code and an 11-digit routing code, which enable the USPS to track and deliver mail efficiently. The barcode’s design allows for automated scanning and processing, ensuring the smooth operation of the postal service.