Knowledge Base

WD: Position of Bar Codes Is Certified by U.S. Postal Service

PSS ID Number: 105576

Article Last Modified on 10/4/2002

The information in this article applies to:

This article was previously published under Q105576

SUMMARY

Because the U.S. Postal Service uses automated bar code sorters to quickly process and sort mail, you can ensure faster mail processing if you prepare your envelopes with POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) bar codes.

The Postal Service offers two types of bar code certification:

  • Lower-right corner certification
  • Address block certification
Microsoft Word is POSTNET bar code certified for address block bar codes. The bar code appears above the recipient's address on the envelope as in the following example: 
 =====================================================================
 |Blue Sky Airlines                                                  |
 |12345 Main Street                                                  |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                 <<POSTNET code appears here>>     |
 |                                 MS Maria Brach                    |
 |                                 West Coast Sales                  |
 |                                 1234 Main ST                      |
 |                                 Seattle WA  55523                 |
 |                                                                   |
 =====================================================================
To print a POSTNET bar code on an envelope, do the following:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Envelopes And Labels.
  2. Click the Envelope tab, and then type the delivery and return addresses (if necessary).
  3. Click Options.
  4. Click to select Delivery Point Barcode and "FIM-A Courtesy Reply Mail".

    The FIM (Facing Identification Mark) identifies the front side of the envelope.
  5. Click OK, and then click Print.

MORE INFORMATION

Position of Bar Code on the Envelope

Word positions the bar code above the recipient's address. This is one of two acceptable locations, according to the U.S. Postal Service on page 21 of its publication, "United States Postal Service Designing Flat Mail":

The POSTNET bar code, applied by postal customers, may be printed just about anywhere on the address side of the mailpiece that is at least 1/8 inch from any edge.

The preferred location is in the upper portion of the address, above the recipient's name. The bar code may also be printed below the city, state, and ZIP Code line of the address.

The POSTNET bar code should not be applied between the name of the recipient and the city, state, and ZIP Code line of the address."

If you want the bar code to appear below the recipient's address, do the following:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Envelopes And Labels.
  2. Click the Envelope tab, and then type the delivery and return addresses (if necessary).
  3. Click Options.
  4. Click to select Delivery Point Barcode and "FIM-A Courtesy Reply Mail".

    The FIM (Facing Identification Mark) identifies the front side of the envelope.
  5. Click OK, and then click Add To Document.

    NOTE: The envelope is added at the beginning of your document.
  6. Select the bar code and then on the Edit menu, click Cut.
  7. Move the insertion point below the recipient address block and then on the Edit menu, click Paste.
When you are ready to print the envelope, choose to print page 0 in the Print dialog box (this will print just the envelope).

REFERENCES

"United States Postal Service Designing Flat Mail," Publication 63, April 1993, page 21 (NOTE: This publication is available from any U.S. Post Office.)

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, page 523

Questions or requests for information can be referred to the USPS CASS Department at (800) 642-2914.

Additional query words: 6.0 POSTNET barcode barcodes Fim location word6 macword winword address block post office word7 7.0 8.0 word8 word97 word98

Keywords: kbenvelope kbinfo kbprint KB105576
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