Bulk Mailer Tech Note #910

Using the Intelligent Mail© Barcode

Description: This tech note explains how to use the new USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode in Bulk Mailer.


How Do I Implement the Intelligent Mail Barcode in Bulk Mailer?

  1. Before you can begin implementing the Intelligent Mail barcode in your mailings, you will need to obtain a Business Entity ID from the USPS, also known as the Mailer ID. You can request one from the Business Customer Gateway.
  2. Once you have a Business Entity ID, open the Mail Sort Wizard. On the Mailing Type screen, select either Basic Intelligent Mail or Full-Service Intelligent Mail.
  3. When you create your mailing permit template, enter a Mailer ID along with the permit information. If you are mailing on behalf of another party, you can enter a Mailer ID for the mail owner as well.
  4.  Mailing Permit Wizard

  5. If you plan submit your postage statements electronically, complete the Mail.Dat Information screen with your information. To qualify for Full-Service Intelligent Mail, you must submit your postage statements electronically. Mail.dat files can be created with an add-on for Bulk Mailer.
  6. On the Intelligent Mail Settings screen, select which Mailer ID you want to use. Select the Sequence mail pieces check box to add a unique sequence number to each mail piece's barcode. If you are sorting for Full-Service Intelligent Mail, this check box will be automatically selected.
  7. On the Tray/Sack Label Layout screen, you can select an Intelligent Mail Container label. If you are sorting for Full-Service Intelligent Mail, this option will be automatically selected, and you will not be able to change it.
  8. To add an Intelligent Mail barcode to labels or envelopes, run the Print Mail Wizard. On the Address Block Options screen, select Add an address block with the barcode. Change the Barcode Type to Intelligent Mail.
  9.  Address Block Options

  10. To print the IM Barcode from outside of the Label Designer - for example, in a mail merge in Microsoft Word - add the field to your mail merge template. Change the font for this field to the IM Barcode font we provide, which is named "USPS4CB." This font may show up as a blank line in applications that preview the font name in that font. This happens because this font only uses a few characters, none of which are in the name of the font.

    Make sure that the font size for the barcode is set to 16pt. Otherwise, the barcode will not display correctly. The Label Designer automatically sets the font size correctly, but you will need to set it manually if you export your mailing list to another program.
  11.  Barcode Fonts

Have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, contact our Technical Support department by phone at (800) 357-3020 or e-mail at support@satorisoftware.com.