LetterStream Mailing Barcodes

We utilize a few different types of barcodes, each one serving a different purpose.  Some mailings might include all of the barcodes and some may have only one.  Either way, they all exist for a purpose and ultimately provide a more efficient mailing experience.  These items cannot be removed from the mail pieces that our system adds them onto.

See below for more information regarding the different types of barcodes you might come across on the mail we produce:

Certified Mail Barcode

A certified mail barcode and tracking number will be provided on every certified mail piece that's sent out through our website.  

This is the barcode that the USPS utilizes in order to provide status updates for certified letters.

2D Barcode

A small 2D barcode is applied next to the recipient address on nearly every mail piece that leaves our building.  The 2D barcode allows us to process mail extremely fast and accurately and is used for LetterStream purposes only. 

You might also notice a series of small numbers that are printed next to this barcode.  These numbers are used by LetterStream for various reasons, and are printed in light gray ink in very small font.  They may also be included in the upper left hand corner of each sheet or on the right hand column of each sheet that's printed.  Be sure to review your proofs prior to payment, as that will show exactly where all of these items will be included.

IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode)

This barcode is a USPS-based tool that allows them to sort mail for delivery.  As of today, the IMB is only being added to some mailings that we produce, but will be applied to more mail types as we move forward.  So you may see them appear more frequently, and the barcode will live either above or below the recipient address.