The POSTNET bar code that Word generates no longer qualifies for USPS bulk mailing discounts

This article describes the changes that have been made by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the way that postal bar codes for multi-unit buildings are calculated. This article also explains why the POSTNET bar code that Microsoft Word generates no longer qualifies for USPS bulk mailing discounts.

The bulk mailing POSTNET bar code feature in Word generates a POSTNET bar code by using the last two numbers of the street address.

The USPS has changed the way that postal bar codes for multi-unit buildings are calculated. The following is a list of these changes:

• The USPS now calculates the postal bar code for most addresses in multi-unit buildings by using a formula that is based on the secondary number, such as an apartment number or a suite number. To calculate other postal bar codes, the USPS uses the last two numbers of the street address instead.
• The USPS now requires online verification of addresses before the USPS will qualify a business or an organization for a bulk mailing discount.

Because of these changes, the USPS does not accept bulk mail that has address labels that contain POSTNET bar codes that are generated by Word. These bulk mailings no longer qualify for a bulk mailing discount.

For more information about how to qualify for a bulk mailing discount, visit the following USPS Web site: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.