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

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

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

 =====================================================================
 |Blue Sky Airlines                                                  |
 |12345 Main Street                                                  |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                                                   |
 |                                 <<POSTNET code appears here>>     |
 |                                 MS Maria Brach                    |
 |                                 West Coast Sales                  |
 |                                 1234 Main ST                      |
 |                                 Seattle WA  55523                 |
 |                                                                   |
 =====================================================================

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."

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.

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.