CASS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) Standards & Application

Question 1

What does the abbreviation 'IMb' stand for in USPS postal operations?

Accepted Answer

Intelligent Mail barcode

Answer

IMb stands for Intelligent Mail barcode, the USPS standard barcode that replaced the legacy POSTNET and PLANET barcodes.

Question 2

How many bars does a complete Intelligent Mail barcode contain?

Accepted Answer

65

Answer

A complete IMb contains exactly 65 bars, each of which can be in one of four states: tracker, ascender, descender, or full.

Question 3

Which legacy USPS barcodes did the Intelligent Mail barcode replace?

Accepted Answer

POSTNET and PLANET

Answer

The IMb was designed to replace and consolidate the older POSTNET (routing) and PLANET (tracking) barcodes into a single, more capable barcode.

Question 4

What is the Service Type Identifier (STID) component of the IMb?

Accepted Answer

A 3-digit code identifying mail class and special services requested

Answer

The STID is a 3-digit code within the IMb that identifies the class of mail and any special services (such as ACS or return services) requested by the mailer.

Question 5

How many digits can a USPS-assigned Mailer ID (MID) contain in the Intelligent Mail barcode?

Accepted Answer

6 or 9 digits

Answer

USPS assigns Mailer IDs in two lengths — 6 digits or 9 digits — which determines the paired Serial Number length so that both fields together always total 15 digits.

(CASS) Coding Accuracy Support System Certification Practice Test

(CASS) Coding Accuracy Support System Certification Practice Test

CASS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) Standards & Application