Information To Help Mailers Understand Mail Preparation Requirements

We have posted the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the implementation of Intelligent Mail barcodes on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com. Due to an end-of-year backlog, the Federal Register is not likely to publish this notice until the first week of January. We will accept comments for 45 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

The notice provides the technical specifications required for mailpiece, tray and container Intelligent Mail barcodes. Additionally, the notice proposes that in January 2009, we will require mailers to meet one of two options using Intelligent Mail barcodes to access automation prices for letters and flats.

The first option, referred to as "Full Service" Intelligent Mail, will require the use of unique Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to letter and flat mailpieces, trays, sacks and containers, such as pallets, and the submission of electronic mailing documentation.

The second option, or "Basic" Intelligent Mail, will only require mailers to apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces and not on trays and containers. Starting in January 2009, automation prices will no longer be available for the use of the POSTNET barcode.

Your feedback is welcome. You can send questions or comments to imb@usps.gov.