Postal Notice: IMb Encouraged for All Reply Mail
The USPS is introducing a new barcode format for mailings called the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb), which replaces the POSTNET barcode. Mailrite already uses the IMb on bulk mailings.
The USPS had set a deadline, Effective May 2011, when all automation-rated mail was to be required to have the new IMb. This includes REPLY MAIL. They have postponed the deadline, without announcing a new one, but continue to encourage mailers to adopt the IMb on Reply Mail. Reply mail includes:
- customer reply envelopes (CRE) and cards (CRC)
- business reply envelopes (BRE) and cards (BRC)
There is no penalty at this time for not using the IMb.
Changing your Reply Mail to the IMb is a three-step process.
- STEP 1: Register. Go to USPS Business Customer Gateway and create a business user account.
- STEP 2: Get a Mailer ID number. This ID number will become part of the IMb on your reply mail. Log back on to the Business Customer Gateway if you are not already there. Under Design & Prepare click on Mailer ID, which takes you to the application screen. Choose a 9-digit MID Type. You probably only need one Mailer ID; you can use it for several locations. On the next screen choose Full/Basic Service; scroll down to the bottom and hit Continue to finish the process. You may need to log back on and link on Mailer ID to see your newly assigned Mailer ID number.
- STEP 3: Get a Redesign.
The USPS Mailpiece Design Analyst will redesign reply mail pieces at no charge. Send your Mailer ID number, your current design file or size specifications, and the return address on your current reply mail pieces (or scan items and send) to:- David Girard, Mailpiece Design Analyst for the Northeast Area, david.r.girard@usps.com, phone 401-276-5023, fax 651-456-6822
NOTE: The Mailpiece analyst can take several days, depending on their workload.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Further information on the IMb is available at USPS.