Intelligent Mail^®

Intelligent Mail (IM) services cover much more than just the barcode most people will see on their mail pieces. USPS^® has developed this new technology to enable end-to-end visibility and reporting on mail as it travels through the mail stream.

While barcodes in the Intelligent Mail system are different depending on use (e.g., on trays, sacks, etc.), the Intelligent Mail barcode on mail pieces is the one most people will see.

This Intelligent Mail barcode contains information that identifies the service level, the mail class, the mailer ID, the mail piece, optional special services and delivery point information. It combines the functionality of ACS™, POSTNET™ and PLANET Code^® into one multiservice barcode and paves the way for USPS to offer additional services in the future.

Learn more about the types of Intelligent Mail barcodes.

Intelligent Mail Timeline

May 18, 2009	Two Intelligent Mail service levels supported: Basic and Full Service. Use of either the POSTNET™ or Intelligent Mail barcode qualifies mail for automation discounts. USPS defers some Full-Service features until November 2009.
Nov 29, 2009	All Full-Service options supported, including Mail.XML and manifest mailings. Additional postage discounts for Full Service mailings began: $3 per thousand for First Class Mail® and $1 per thousand for Standard Mail®.
Today Mailers should immediately start using the Intelligent Mail barcode at the Basic service level. This allows the identification of any required process changes and provides time to replace or update machinery that cannot support the new barcodes.
May 2011	USPS eliminates automation discounts for the POSTNET barcode.

Using the Intelligent Mail Barcode Today

All Satori Software mailing preparation products currently support Basic and Full-Service Intelligent Mail. If you are using Bulk Mailer, MailRoom ToolKit Office or Architect, follow the steps below to start using the Intelligent Mail service level that is best for your business needs. Learn more about the differences between Basic and Full-Service Intelligent Mail.

Get Started with Basic Intelligent Mail

1. Request a Mailer ID through the Business Customer Gateway (gateway.usps.com). Registration is required.
2. Select Basic Intelligent Mail as the sort type in the Mail Sort wizard.
3. Enter your Mailer ID in the Permit wizard.
4. Print the Intelligent Mail barcode on mail pieces.
5. (Recommended) Submit Intelligent Mail barcode samples through your USPS Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) for approval.

Upgrade to Full Service Intelligent Mail

1. Purchase a Mail.dat user license from IDEAlliance (www.maildat.org) and the Mail.dat add on for your Satori Software product.
2. Select Full Service Intelligent Mail as the sort type in the Mail Sort wizard. Enter your IDEAlliance user ID and facility information on the Mail.dat page of the wizard.
3. Create and print unique Intelligent Mail barcodes.
4. Create and print unique Intelligent Mail tray and container labels.
5. Create and submit electronic documentation through the Test Environment for Mailers (TEM) via the Business Customer Gateway.
6. Work with your MDA to approve your organization for Full-Service mailings.
7. Schedule mail drop appointments via the Business Customer Gateway (FAST^®).
8. Visit the Business Customer Gateway to receive your Full-Service feedback.

For more detailed instructions on how to use the Intelligent Mail barcode in Satori Software products, review the tech notes: Using the Intelligent Mail Barcode in Bulk Mailer, Using the Intelligent Mail Barcode in MailRoom ToolKit Office or Using the Intelligent Mail Barcode in MailRoom ToolKit Architect.