Through rain, sleet and snow, we all count on the USPS. Now we can count on them to let us track them while they trek. Raising the bar once again, the USPS now provides detailed information on the whereabouts of their parcel deliveries, every step of the way. It’s called IMpb (Intelligent mail package barcode). For parcel shippers, using the new IMpb is a requirement and the extended deadline to implement this technology is fast approaching. For consumers, IMpb is a reason to choose the USPS.
Consumers love to track their shipments and knowing when something will be delivered. Better tracking will increase volumes and help the USPS increase revenue. In addition, it will save both companies and consumers money.
The requirement for mailers and shippers to adopt IMpb actually went into effect January 27, 2013; however, giants even as large as Pitney Bowes have asked for an extension and continue to work toward meeting the deadline (did they contract with the same company that set up the Affordable Care Act website)? So the USPS graciously extended the deadline for certain mailers to January 26, 2014. Beware, not adopting the new IMpb technology can eliminate discounts, reduce tracking capabilities and give competitors a huge advantage. It’s unlikely any additional extensions will be offered.
To get more information on how your company can get compliant, send an email request toIMpb@usps.gov or visit:https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_package/documents/tech_guides/IMPB_FAQs.pdf.
IMpb Tracking will be offered at no additional charge for shippers and will be required for discounts using the following package delivery services:
• First-Class Package
• Priority Mail
• Parcel Select
• Parcel Select Light Weight
• Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail and Library Mail parcels
If you already utilize Internet postage companies such as Stamps.com and DYMO Endicia, rest assured these companies have already deployed IMpb and are ready to take on your business.
So why is the USPS pushing shippers to use IMpb? I asked Peter Manning, the USPS eCommerce Cost Reduction and Shipping Specialist located in New York City. “The Intelligent Mail package barcode was designed to provide 100% package visibility for those using the USPS service. Achieving this visibility requires a USPS barcode on every package or trackable mailpiece – in addition to an end-to-end tracing capability within the USPS. Also, it means an increase in the number of scan “events” on every item. In fact, up to 11 scan events can be reported for each shipment.” For domestic packages, the following are the typical scans that will be reported:
• Electronic shipping information received
• Acceptance
• In-transit / processed (multiple)
• Arrival at unit
• Out for delivery
• Delivered
IMpb uniquely identifies mail class and a combination of Extra Services (listed below) for packages. This addition benefits consumers by helping them achieve their shipping goals, including:
• Hold for pick-up
• Adult signature
• Return services
• Day certain delivery
• Critical mail
• Package intercept
• Scan-based payment
IMpb combined with the newly announced Sunday delivery places the USPS in a position to significantly grow its business along with eCommerce companies and that will help drive the economy. Kudos USPS! Could this new paradigm of great service and superior tracking put the USPS back in overall growth mode and help reduce deficits without the help of the federal government? Indeed, Benjamin Franklin would have been proud.
Merchants and consumers get ready; the sleeping giant has awoken, once again. It’s the new USPS and IMpb will tell you the whereabouts of your important package, through rain, sleet and snow! Through rain, sleet and snow, we all count on the USPS. Now we can count on them to let us track them while they trek. Raising the bar once again, the USPS now provides detailed information on the whereabouts of their parcel deliveries, every step of the way. It
Consumers love to track their shipments and knowing when something will be delivered. Better tracking will increase volumes and help the USPS increase revenue. In addition, it will save both companies and consumers money.
The requirement for mailers and shippers to adopt IMpb actually went into effect January 27, 2013; however, giants even as large as Pitney Bowes have asked for an extension and continue to work toward meeting the deadline (did they contract with the same company that set up the Affordable Care Act website)? So the USPS graciously extended the deadline for certain mailers to January 26, 2014. Beware, not adopting the new IMpb technology can eliminate discounts, reduce tracking capabilities and give competitors a huge advantage. It’s unlikely any additional extensions will be offered.
To get more information on how your company can get compliant, send an email request toIMpb@usps.gov or visit:https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_package/documents/tech_guides/IMPB_FAQs.pdf.
IMpb Tracking will be offered at no additional charge for shippers and will be required for discounts using the following package delivery services:
• First-Class Package
• Priority Mail
• Parcel Select
• Parcel Select Light Weight
• Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail and Library Mail parcels
If you already utilize Internet postage companies such as Stamps.com and DYMO Endicia, rest assured these companies have already deployed IMpb and are ready to take on your business.
So why is the USPS pushing shippers to use IMpb? I asked Peter Manning, the USPS eCommerce Cost Reduction and Shipping Specialist located in New York City. “The Intelligent Mail package barcode was designed to provide 100% package visibility for those using the USPS service. Achieving this visibility requires a USPS barcode on every package or trackable mailpiece – in addition to an end-to-end tracing capability within the USPS. Also, it means an increase in the number of scan “events” on every item. In fact, up to 11 scan events can be reported for each shipment.” For domestic packages, the following are the typical scans that will be reported:
• Electronic shipping information received
• Acceptance
• In-transit / processed (multiple)
• Arrival at unit
• Out for delivery
• Delivered
IMpb uniquely identifies mail class and a combination of Extra Services (listed below) for packages. This addition benefits consumers by helping them achieve their shipping goals, including:
• Hold for pick-up
• Adult signature
• Return services
• Day certain delivery
• Critical mail
• Package intercept
• Scan-based payment
IMpb combined with the newly announced Sunday delivery places the USPS in a position to significantly grow its business along with eCommerce companies and that will help drive the economy. Kudos USPS! Could this new paradigm of great service and superior tracking put the USPS back in overall growth mode and help reduce deficits without the help of the federal government? Indeed, Benjamin Franklin would have been proud.
Merchants and consumers get ready; the sleeping giant has awoken, once again. It’s the new USPS and IMpb will tell you the whereabouts of your important package, through rain, sleet and snow! Through rain, sleet and snow, we all count on the USPS. Now we can count on them to let us track them while they trek. Raising the bar once again, the USPS now provides detailed information on the whereabouts of their parcel deliveries, every step of the way. It
