What is an Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)?

For companies and businesses that utilize the U.S. Postal Service® (USPS®) often to ship or deliver their goods and products, your employee or staff person in charge of outgoing mail and label creation may want to get up to speed on what an “IMpb” is. Implemented in 2014, an “Intelligent Mail Package Barcode” is the latest version of a package-tracking barcode to be used for extra services or parcels sent exclusively through the U.S. Mail.

The IMpb tracking barcode format features relevant shipping information that is necessary to track packages, from initial drop-off/pick-up to the time it reaches its final destination. The USPS believes it will be able to use the data to deliver more efficiently, while improving tracking and reducing handling. The USPS is also going to rely on this new barcode to give customers better tracking capabilities, making it more able to compete with private carriers, such as FedEx and UPS.

There are 10 different mail classes that require an IMpb. Those are:

• Priority
• Priority Express
• First-Class
• Parcel Select
• Parcel Select Lightweight
• Standard
• Library
• Media
• Bound Printed Matter
• Parcels that need extra services, such as Certified Mail or Delivery Confirmation.

Periodical Parcels and Standard Mail Marketing pieces are not required to have an IMpb.

In early January of 2015, the USPS® began requiring all meter mailers to meet the IMpb requirements in order to qualify for USPS commercial base prices. There are three requirements to comply:

1) A unique tracking barcode;

2) A shipping services file version 1.6 or higher (file that needs to be sent electronically to the USPS containing the shipping information); and

3) A destination delivery address or ZIP + 4 Codes, class of mail, payment channel information, and extra service designation.

To see a list of the certified solution providers that meet IMpb requirements, log on to the USPS website RIBBS page.

If you need any help determining the best way something should be shipped, you can always talk to us about your postage needs. We can provide you with the lowest postage meter ink cartridges and supplies to help you save money on shipping costs, while also saving the time you would spend standing in line at the post office. Call 866-541-7627.