The U.S. Postal Service published a rule in the Federal Register last week affirming its use of a new pressure-sensitive package label that incorporates a barcode to support automated package processing.
The new design will allow mailers to enjoy the benefits of automated handling with small, lightweight parcels and flat-sized pieces, including magazines and catalogs prepared in packages, the USPS said. Mailers can use the new label immediately and must cease use of the old non-barcoded labels after April 1, 2004.
Pressure-sensitive package labels are used to indicate the presort level of mail pieces bundled together in single presort destination packages. Adding barcodes to the labels will help support the postal service's new Automated Package Processing System, scheduled for deployment at major processing and distribution centers next year and intended to improve efficiency and productivity.
The USPS proposed the new label rules on Aug. 18 and has received no comments about the matter.
