Barcode

A barcode is a visual representation of data that can be read by optical scanners. In shipping, barcodes encode tracking numbers, routing information, and package details, enabling automated sorting and real-time tracking throughout the delivery network.

Types of Barcodes in Shipping

Linear (1D) Barcodes

Parallel lines of varying widths

2D Barcodes

Patterns that store more data

Carrier-Specific Barcodes

UPS

MaxiCode (bullseye symbol)
┌───────────────┐
│   ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉    │
│   ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉    │
│   ◉◉ ⊙ ◉◉    │ ← Unique UPS symbol
│   ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉    │
│   ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉    │
└───────────────┘
Contains: Address, tracking, routing

FedEx

PDF417 (stacked barcode)
║║║║║║║║║║║║║║
║║║║║║║║║║║║║║
║║║║║║║║║║║║║║
Contains: Tracking, service type, routing

USPS

Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb)
│││││││ ││││││││ │││││││
Short/tall bars pattern
Contains: Mailer ID, serial number, routing

Barcode Components

Structure

Example Code 128 barcode:
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ ║║ ║║║ ║ ║║║ ║║ ║ ║║║ ║║║ ║ │
│  Start│ Data        │Check│Stop
└─────────────────────────────┘

Elements

• Quiet zone - Blank space before/after
• Start character - Signals beginning
• Data - Encoded information
• Check digit - Error detection
• Stop character - Signals end

How Barcodes Work

Scanning Process

1. Light shines on barcode
2. Dark bars absorb light
3. White spaces reflect light
4. Sensor reads pattern
5. Decoder converts to data
6. System processes information

Reading Speed

Modern scanners:
- 100+ scans per second
- Read damaged barcodes
- Multiple angles
- Various distances

Barcode Information Encoded

Shipping Label Data

• Tracking number
• Service type
• Destination ZIP/postal code
• Origin information
• Routing codes
• Delivery instructions

What Each Carrier Encodes

Barcode Quality Requirements

Grade Standards

What Affects Quality

• Print resolution
• Contrast (bar vs. space)
• Edge sharpness
• Quiet zone size
• Proper sizing

Barcode Placement

On Shipping Labels

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│ FROM: ABC Company               │
│ TO: Customer Address            │
│                                 │
│ ████████████████████████████    │ ← Linear barcode
│       1Z999AA10123456789        │
│                                 │
│    ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉    TRACKING:        │
│    ◉◉ ⊙ ◉◉    1Z999AA1012345...│ ← MaxiCode
│    ◉◉◉◉◉◉◉                      │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Best Practices

• Flat surface
• No wrinkles or folds
• Clear of edges
• Adequate quiet zone
• Protected from damage

Barcode Scanning in Shipping

Where Scans Occur

1. Origin - First scan at pickup
2. Sort facilities - Automated sorting
3. Transfer points - Between vehicles
4. Delivery vehicle - Out for delivery
5. Delivery - Final scan at door

Automated Sorting

Package enters facility
        ↓
Camera reads barcode
        ↓
System determines destination
        ↓
Diverter routes to correct belt
        ↓
Package continues to truck/plane

Creating Shipping Barcodes

Automatic Generation

• Shipping software creates
• Carrier APIs generate
• Proper format ensured
• Tracking linked

Requirements

• High-quality printer
• Correct label stock
• Adequate resolution (203-300 DPI)
• Proper sizing

Barcode Troubleshooting

Common Issues