USPS Package Identification Code Barcode (UCC/EAN-128 GS1-128)

Also known as USPS IM Package Barcode

This Barcode Symbology is supported by the following Neodynamic products:

Overview

USPS Intelligent Mail Package BarcodeThe USPS IM™ Package Barcode (IMpb) uses the same barcode symbology (GS1-128 formerly EAN/UCC-128) and similar data constructs as the legacy Confirmation Services (i.e., Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation) barcode. The new IMpb barcode formats promote the use of a concatenated barcode structure that joins routing information and a package identification code (PIC) together in a single barcode. Specific enhancements in the new IMpb barcode include:

  • It can encode ZIP Code (destination routing information) plus Package Identification Code (PIC).
  • New channel-specific Application Identifiers (AI) that allows a package to be matched to a specific payment channel.
  • Support for both six-digit and nine-digit mailer identifiers (MIDs).
  • New set of three-digit service type codes (STCs) that identify mail class and service combinations in a single, integrated barcode to increase efficiency in mail transportation (e.g., Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation), handling, and reporting.

USPS IMpb Printing Requirements
  • USPS recommends a printer with a minimum resolution of 203 dots per inch (dpi) for printing the IM™ Package Barcode.
  • IMpb barcode must be printed on a substrate (e.g., shipping label) which is uniform in color.

USPS IMpb Barcode Format
  • Two-digit Channel Application Identifiers. Valid Application Identifiers (AI) are:
    • 91 (For use with legacy constructs.)
    • 92 or 93 (For use by commercial mailers.)
    • 94 (For use with PC Postage and online systems.)
    • 95 (Used in the Postal Service retail environment.)
  • One-digit Channel Identifier

How to create USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb) barcodes using Barcode Professional for

Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb) barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to UspsIntelligentMailPackageBarcode
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    • Set the BarWidth property to a value ranging from 0.013 to 0.021 (preferred range is 0.015 to 0.017) (Values are expressed in Inches)
    • Set the BarHeight property to 0.75 (Values are expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZoneWidth property to 0.25 (Value is expressed in Inches)
    • Set the TopMargin and BottomMargin properties to 0.125 and 0.125 respectively (Values are expressed in Inches)
  • Set the Code property with the value to encode per USPS IMpb spec
Note: Please refer to the Class Reference documentation for more information about the properties and methods stated in this document.
In order to get a USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb) barcode image, please follow these steps:
  • Set the Symbology property to UspsIntelligentMailPackageBarcode
  • Setting up dimensions and quiet zones:
    All values for barcode dimensions are expressed in INCHES by default. However, Barcode Professional supports other unit of measurement such as Millimeter, Centimeter, and Mils. For modifying the unit of measurement for barcoding, please set up the BarcodeUnit property as needed.
    • Set the BarWidth property to ta value ranging from 0.013 to 0.021 (preferred range is 0.015 to 0.017) (Values are expressed in Inches)
    • Set the BarHeight property to 0.75 (Values are expressed in Inches)
    • Set the QuietZone property to 0.25, 0.125, 0.25, 0.125 - Left, Top, Right, and Bottom zones (Value is expressed in Inches)
  • Set the Code property with the value to encode per USPS IMpb spec

Example of a USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb) barcode image

Code property = 9212391234567812345671 will produce the following barcode image:

Example of a USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb) barcode image