Business Reply Mail

Postal Notice: IMb Required January 2013 for All Reply Mail. Make this change or it could cost you money.

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 has set a proposed new deadline of January 2013 for the switch to the IMb barcode. Mailrite already uses the IMb on bulk mailings that we address, so no worries there.

But you may still be having your reply mail printed using the old POSTNET bar code. Reply mail includes:

  • customer reply envelopes (CRE) and cards (CRC)
  • business reply envelopes (BRE) and cards (BRC)

Beginning January 2013, you will be charged a postage penalty if your reply mail still has the old POSTNET barcode.

Here’s what the old POSTNET barcode looks like:

 

 

Here’s what the new IMb looks like.

 

 

Changing your Reply Mail to the IMb is a three-step process.

  • STEP 1: Register.Go to https://gateway.usps.com/ and create a business user account (New User Registration)
  • 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 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. Or, you may contact the national Mail Piece Design Support Center by dialing 855-593-6093, or by sending a request via email to mda@usps.gov.

NOTE: The Mailpiece analyst can take several days, depending on their workload.

 

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.