USPS Moving Beyond Confirming Delivery
Some packages entering the postal mailstream now are displaying a new Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) format. A banner that reads “USPS TRACKING #” is located above the barcode.
“Employees should be aware of this new wording on the IMpb,” says Jim Cochrane, vice president, Product Information. “We’re sending a strong statement that the Postal Service intends to compete in the package delivery market by moving beyond confirming delivery to providing robust end-to-end tracking visibility on all products.”
The IMpb helps USPS increase efficiency and add value to its package product line through improved handling and enhanced visibility — contributing to the USPS core business strategy of competing for more package business (Link, 12/7/10).
The “USPS Tracking #” will appear above all package and extra services barcodes except those used for Certified Mail, Registered Mail, and Open and Distribute products.
source: USPS
USPS To Postal Employees: Do Not Obliterate the Barcode
USPS reminds postal employees not to cross out barcode as mail moves through the system
The Intelligent Mail® barcode contains important data that is used to provide mailers — including the Census Bureau — with information, such as when the mailing entered the mailstream and undeliverable or address correction information. But technology cannot reliably produce this information if it can’t read the barcode.
That’s why the Postal Service™ is telling employees to make sure they don’t obliterate the barcode as mail moves through the system. Specifically, employees should not mark through, obliterate, or affix any labels over the Intelligent Mail barcode.
Also, the Postal Service wants to make sure that when employees mark up First-Class Mail® items, they use only clear space on the front of the envelope, being careful not to mark over any address or barcode information.
source: Postal Bulletin