USPS IMI Compliance: The Deadline is Approaching

It's a postage race against time.

Have you taken the steps to upgrade or switch your postage meter to the new IMI technology?

What is IMI Compliance?

IMI stands for Intelligent Mail Indicia, a new performance standard being implemented by the USPS, taking the place of the current IBI standard. IMI's advanced technology improves USPS's understanding of mailing and postage, surpassing the current IBI standard. IMI gives USPS more detailed live transaction data, automate their operations, boost security, and ensure accurate mail postage. 

IMI includes all the information from IBI, but adds more data to improve USPS's mail management. Additionally, it automates processes, increases security, and reduces costs. The system establishes a more frequent connection, updating every 72 hours through a dedicated LAN System, ensuring real-time accuracy.

IMI has strong security with FIPS 140-2 standard, protecting against potential threats. Additionally, IMI's enhanced tracking system contributes to a more comprehensive and streamlined mail monitoring process. IMI has a manual postage entry option and keeps postal rates updated with automatic downloads, showing its advanced technology.

When is the deadline to upgrade?

The deadline to upgrade your postage meter to an IMI compliant device is December 31, 2024. From this date forward, all IBI meters will need to be withdrawn from service. You might think this deadline is coming up quick, actually its being lenient. Anyone still using an IBI compliant meter is on a grace period of usage, as all outdated meters were decertified in June of 2024. 

The last date to fill your IBI postage meters already occurred on September 29, 2024, so funds will be running out possibly before the December 31st withdrawal deadline. 

For Pitney Bowes customers, ensure sufficient time to remove any remaining funds, return the meters, and still meet the deadline. 

It's important to not wait until the last second. Pitney Bowes SendPro Postage meters are already IMI compliant, and are now available through TROY. 

Benefits of the SendPro series

Cloud Connectivity: The SendPro® postage meters connect and update automatically with the latest shipping and postage rates, so you're always paying the correct amount for postage. 

Accurate Postage Calculation: Pitney Bowes' SendPro® postage meters utilize advanced technology to accurately calculate postage based on each mail piece's weight, size, and destination. This precision ensures that businesses pay the correct postage amount, avoiding the risk of underpayment and subsequent penalties. Accuracy in postage calculation becomes increasingly crucial in the face of rising postage rates, making Pitney Bowes a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial prudence. 

Automatic Cost Savings: Beyond the initial investment in a Pitney Bowes postage meter, businesses can realize significant cost savings in the long run. Not only does each SendPro® postage meter have automatic updates to shipping rates, but will allow you to automatically save 3 cents on every First Class letter you send. 

As an official Pitney Bowes Business Partner, you can talk to a TROY mailing expert about making the upgrade today.