Benefits of Barcoding:

To receive discounts in addition to the regular price breaks for first class and standard mail, your mail can be barcoded to pass through automated sorting equipment.

Barcoding Process:

POSTNET: (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode symbology that is used by the United States Postal Service to assist in directing mail. The Zip Code or ZIP+4 code is encoded in half- and full-height bars. Most often, the delivery point is added, usually being the last two digits of the address or PC box number. The USPS is phasing out Postnet barcodes and replacing them with new "Intelligent" Mail Barcodes (IMBs). Postnet barcodes will be accepted until at least May, 2011.

INTELLIGENT MAIL: This barcode replaces the Postnet barcode and promises to raise the level of service the USPS provides to its customers. This mandate will help the USPS improve deliverability, provide new service and increase overall efficiency.

EAN-13: This barcode technology is used world-wide for marking retail goods. At Mid-City we have the software capability to produce this code for our clients. The symbol encodes 13 characters: the first two or three are a country code which identify the country in which the manufacturer is registered (not necessarily where the product is actually made). The country code is followed by 9 or 10 data digits (depending on the length of the country code) and a single digit checksum. 2-digit and 5-digit supplemental barcodes may be added for a total of 14 or 17 data digits.

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE (UPC): This is a barcode symbology (i.e., a specific type of barcode), that is widely used in the United States and Canada for tracking trade items in stores.

SPECIALTY BARCODES: Mid-City can print most specialty barcodes.