What does the code on the bottom of envelopes mean?

What does the code on the bottom of envelopes mean?

Overview. The Facing Identification Mark (or FIM) is used by the USPS to assist in the processing of letter mail. This small pattern of vertical bars plays an important role in speeding your envelope mail through the USPS system.

Can I mail a lumpy envelope?

Any unusual lumps or thickness up to the quarter inch make it a non-machineable letter or a flat (large envelope) if it exceeds 1/4 inch.

What is non machinable mail?

A nonmachinable mailpiece is a mailpiece that must be sorted outside of the standard, automated mail process. Because it is more expensive to processes these mailpieces, a surcharge applies to them.

Can you mail an envelope that is not flat?

Business Mail 101 Generally, mailpieces that are 1/4-inch thick or less MUST be rectangular. Pieces more than 1/4-inch thick do not have to be rectangular. Speaking of odd shapes, don’t mail bulky, odd-shaped things like pens or bottle caps in regular letter-size envelopes.

Does my envelope need a stamp?

Yes, you do need stamps to mail a letter both for domestic and international routes. The number of stamps will depend on the weight, size and destination (domestic or international). Post offices require this proof that postage was paid and to help them scan and orient the letter further.

How do you send a bulky envelope?

Enter the weight of your Large Envelope or Flat. If your Large Envelope or Flat weighs 13 ounces or less it can be sent by First Class Mail. Tracking is not available with First Class Mail. If your Large Envelope or Flat weighs 14 ounces or more it can be sent by Priority Mail.

What makes an envelope non-machinable?

Examples of a non-machinable letter: A letter that has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1⅓ or more than 2½ (a square envelope has an aspect ratio of 1, making it non-machinable). A letter that is more than 4¼ inches high or 6 inches long and is less than 0.009 inch thick.

What happens to non-machinable mail?

So what do you have to do if you have non-machinable mail or if you want to hand-cancel? As of 2020, a standard letter under 1 oz costs 55 cents to mail (one forever stamp). Paying for hand canceling or non-machinable mail is an additional 15 cents.

What makes a letter Non-machinable?

What information does a barcode hold?

Barcode contains information about a product like; price & weight of the product, date of manufacturing and expiry, name of the manufacturer etc. Barcode is allocated by an international institution set up for this purpose. Every product has a unique barcode all over the world.