Delivery Point Barcode Standards Flashcards

A mailer prints a DPBC using the ZIP Code, plus-4 code, and delivery point. If the ZIP+4 is unknown, what fallback is permitted for POSTNET?

Answer: Print the 5-digit ZIP barcode only (32 bars)

When ZIP+4 data is unavailable, mailers may print a 5-digit POSTNET barcode (32 bars) encoding only the 5-digit ZIP Code, though it qualifies for a lower discount tier.

For a highrise apartment at 200 Park Ave, Apt 15, what is the POSTNET delivery point?

Answer: 15

For apartment addresses, the delivery point is the last two digits of the secondary unit number (apartment number), so Apt 15 yields delivery point 15.

Which ink characteristic is most critical when printing POSTNET barcodes to ensure machine readability?

Answer: Ink must provide sufficient contrast against the background to pass infrared scanning

USPS scanners use infrared light, so barcode ink must provide strong infrared contrast (not just visible contrast) against the mail piece background.

What is the USPS term for software that has passed CASS testing and is approved to assign ZIP+4 codes and delivery points?

Answer: CASS-certified software

Software that has completed USPS CASS testing and passed is referred to as CASS-certified software, authorized to produce ZIP+4 and delivery point data for mailings.

On a standard #10 business envelope, where must the POSTNET or IMb barcode be placed to meet USPS placement standards?

Answer: The bottom 5/8 inch of the address side, between the left and right edges

USPS requires the barcode to be in the barcode clear zone: the bottom 5/8 inch of the mail piece face, horizontally clear of the edges.

What does a CASS Summary Report (Form 3553) document for a mailing?

Answer: The percentage of addresses that were ZIP+4 coded and the match rate achieved by CASS-certified software

Form 3553 summarizes the CASS processing results, including total records, matched records, and the coding accuracy percentage required to qualify for automation rates.

Which scenario would cause a POSTNET barcode to fail USPS barcode quality standards?

Answer: The barcode is located 0.5 inches from the bottom edge

The barcode must be within the bottom 5/8 inch (0.625 inches) of the mail piece; placing it 0.5 inches from the bottom edge violates USPS placement standards.