About Postnet Barcode Font
POSTNET stands for Postal Numeric Encoding Technique. It is a fixed-length symbology that is used by US Postal Service to sort the mails for delivery. On postal mail, it encodes ZIP (Zoning Improvement Plan) code information in a machine-readable manner. This enhances the delivery, speed, and accuracy of the mail.
It's a significantly different kind of barcode than those used in retail or other data storage applications. Since, they are generally much longer and considerably less in height than the conventional ones. This barcode system also makes use of strategies like error detection and correction. In 2009, an advanced barcode system known as Intelligent Mail Barcode mostly replaced these Postnet barcodes.
Application Areas: Mail Sorting for Delivery, Postage Discounts, and Track Mail Pieces.
Postnet Barcode Font Sample.
Postnet Barcode Format
The Postal Service has implemented Postnet barcodes in four different formats:
- 5-Digit Postnet Barcode: It includes the start symbol, 5-digit ZIP Code, check digit and stop symbol making up a total of 32 bars. It is also called the “A” Code.
- 6-Digit Postnet Barcode: It includes the start symbol, last 2 digits of ZIP Code, 4-digit ZIP+4 Code, check digit and stop symbol making up a total of 37 bars. It is also called the “B” Code.
- 9-Digit Postnet Barcode: It includes the start symbol, 5-digit ZIP Code, 4-digit ZIP+4 Code, check digit and stop symbol making up a total of 52 bars. It is also called the “C” Code.
- 11-Digit Postnet Barcode: It includes the start symbol, 5-digit ZIP Code, 4-digit ZIP+4 Code, 2-digit Delivery Point Code, check digit and stop symbol making up a total of 62 bars. It is also called the DPBC or Delivery Point Bar Code. The 2-digit Delivery Point Code is the final two digits of the street address, PO Box, or route number.
Structure
The Postnet barcode has a full bar (commonly referred to as a frame bar) at the beginning and end, which is beneficial for machines but is not actually a part of the code. Each digit consists of a group of five bars, two of which are full bars and three of which are half bars. In the pseudo-binary coding, half bars represent the "off" bits and full bars represent the "on" bits. A correction character, also known as a checksum, or five bars, must appear directly before the rightmost frame bar of every Postnet barcode in order to provide accuracy during mail processing.
There are total 6 components that make up a complete Postnet barcode symbol-
- A Leading Quiet Region
- A Start Bar (tall frame bar)
- Stored Address Details
- A Modulo-10 Check Digit
- A Stop Bar (tall frame bar)
- A Trailing Quiet Region
Benefits of Postnet Barcode
The following benefits will ensure you why you should implement the Postnet barcodes in mailings-
➨ Reduce Postage Costs
Postnet barcodes reduce postage costs by enabling the USPS to accurately sort your mail. As a result, you'll pay less for postage because your mail will travel through the postal system less frequently.
➨ Boost Mail Delivery
Postnet barcodes make it easier for the USPS to process your mail and speed up the mail delivery. You will receive your mail earlier as it is sorted more effectively by the postal system.
➨ Trace Mails
Mail tracing is another benefit of Postnet barcodes. The USPS can monitor your mail as it circulates through the postal system when you utilize a Postnet barcode. If you want to know exactly where your mail is at any particular time, this information may be useful.
Postnet Vs Planet Vs Intelligent Mail Barcode
There are some major differences between Postnet, planet, and intelligent mail barcodes mentioned below-
- The Postnet Code digits are the opposite of Planet Code digits, primarily swapping short bars for long and long for short.
- In addition to offering improved tracking information, Intelligent Mail Barcode encodes information from Postnet and Planet barcodes into a single symbol. Because of this, it offers a feature that enables users to use a single barcode to access numerous services.
- The capacity of the Intelligent Mail Barcode is greater than that of the Planet and Postnet barcode. Its five fields are the Routing Code (also referred to as ZIP Code), Mailer ID, Barcode Identifier, and Service Type Identifier.
Create Postnet Barcode Label
Download and install DRPU Barcode Label Maker Software and design your Postnet Barcode Font either using Barcode Settings module or Barcode Designing View module. Save your designed barcode font in different image formats like jpeg, tiff, bmp, png, etc. After that, print and scan your created barcode label with any type of barcode reader.
