Basic vs. Full Service

Two Intelligent Mail® barcode service levels are available: Basic and Full-Service.
At the Basic service level, the IM™ barcode qualifies letter- and flat-sized mail pieces for Automation rates. Full-Service provides access to additional services and has more requirements.
  Requirements Benefits
Basic
  • IM barcodes on letter- and
    flat-size mail pieces
  • Replaces the POSTNET™ barcode, which will be retired in 2011
  • Enables OneCode ACS® at less cost than traditional ACS™
  • Enables OneCode Confirm®
  • Reduces clutter on mail pieces
Full-Service
  • Unique IM barcodes on
    letter- and flat-size mail pieces
  • Unique type-specific IM barcodes on trays, sacks
    and containers
  • Electronic documentation
  • A drop appointment scheduled through FAST®
  • Automated address correction information at no additional charge
  • Start-the-Clock notification when USPS first scans a mailing
  • Additional postage discount in November 2009

As a POSTNET barcode replacement, the Basic Intelligent Mail barcode contains the barcode ID, service type and mailing class, the mailer ID, serial number and routing code. All Satori Software products currently support the Basic implementation.

Basic is generally a simple POSTNET replacement, but can also support OneCode ACS and OneCode Confirm. To enable OneCode ACS and OneCode Confirm at the Basic service level, the serial number must remain unique for 45 days.

At the Full-Service level, the Intelligent Mail barcode contains much of the same information, but the combination and mailer id and serial number must remain unique for 45 days. Full-Service also requires type-specific Intelligent Mail barcodes on all mail pieces, trays, sacks, containers, etc. Mailers must submit their postage statements and mailing documentation electronically. Full Service drops require an appointment scheduled through FAST.

All Satori Software mailing preparation products support both Basic and Full-Service Intelligent Mail barcodes.

For more help determining if Full-Service is right for your organization, use the USPS Intelligent Mail Benefits Calculator. Registration is required.