Postnet - Postal Numeric Encoding Technique

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Postnet - Postal Numeric Encoding Technique

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BCT_POSTNET

 

Field of Application

The code is used in the USA by the United States Postal Services for bulk mailings. From May 2010 on, this barcode may not be used.

 

Charset / Number of Characters

The charset comprises the digits 0..9.

 

POSTNET Code Variations:

Type

Number of Digits

Recommended Width

ZIP Code

 5 digits + checkdigit

1.466 inch (3.72364 cm)

ZIP Code + 4

 9 digits + checkdigit

2.382 inch (6.05028 cm)

ZIP Code + 4 + Delivery Point

11 digits + checkdigit

2.840 inch (7.21360 cm)

 

Checkdigit

The use of a checkdigit is required. The barcode library can generate the checkdigit automatically.

 

Characteristics

The height of a POSTNET barcode should be 0.125 inch (0.3175 cm).

The correct creation of bulk mailings requires compliance with a lot of specifications about the position of barcodes and addresses, paper types, font types, font sizes and many more.

The complete specification for POSTNET can be downloaded from the web-server of the United States Postal Services.