The United States Post Office developed PLANET barcode based on the PostNET barcode format. PLANET barcodes use additional tracking numbers to enable the USPS confirmation services.
NOTE: There are specific placement requirements when using PLANET barcodes. The complete details are available on the United States Postal Service web site.
Encoding
PLANET can encode 10 digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Structure
PLANET has the following structure:
Frame bar (long).
Service designation - (21=Origin Confirm or 22=Destination Confirm).
Encoded value - 9 data characters (5-digit zip + 4-digit code).
Check digit.
Final frame bar (long).
Requirements
Each PLANET barcode consists of shorts (encoded as 0) and longs (encoded as 1). The barcode is enclosed by two long frame bars surrounding the service designation, encoded address information, and check digit. Toolkit automatically calculates and applies the checkdigit.
Toolkit generates PLANET barcodes according to the USPS standard requirements. By default, Toolkit displays the human readable text. You will need to set ShowHRText equal to false to comply with the standard requirements.
Remarks
The services can confirm that customers received the mail, allowing mailers to synchronize telemarketing programs with direct mail campaigns or augment other advertising media with their mailings.
