USPS delays Intelligent Mail barcode requirement

The Postal Regulatory Commission’s  (PRC) recent ruling held that mandating the implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb™) requirements constitutes a rate increase.

Due to this ruling, the Postal Service is delaying the Jan. 26, 2014 implementation of the Full-Service Intelligent Mail mandate for automation price discounts.

Mailers who are not currently enrolled in Full-Service IMb™ requirements effective Jan. 26th, 2014, but are Basic IMb™ compliant will be able to claim automation prices. To achieve the best pricing, however, mailers must continue to Full-Service compliance.

The Postal Service’s decision to delay the implementation of the Full-Service mandate essentially means that Basic IMb™ still qualifies mailers for automation pricing.

Other requirements for automation prices, in addition to the IMb™, still apply.