Views:

I need information about the MaxiCode barcode type.

maxicode.png

MaxiCode is a fixed size, two-dimensional (2D) matrix symbology developed by United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS). MaxiCode has been adopted by AIM and ANSI as the recommended symbology for sortation and tracking. MaxiCode 2D bar code symbologies are made up of many different properties (Postal Code, Country Code, Tracking Number, etc.) that must follow specific requirements for their data and length.

Note: The following information is based on the MaxiCode symbology used by UPS. Note that the required fields and optional data may differ when the MaxiCode is used with carriers other than UPS or with non-shipping label applications.

Property

Required Format

Additional Notes

Postal Code

alphanumeric

5, 6, or 9 characters

Three different lengths are acceptable for the Postal Code: 5 characters for U.S. Zip Codes, 6 characters for International Postal Codes, or 9 characters for extended U.S. Zip Codes. Shorter codes must be filled in with spaces behind the data.

 

Country Code

numeric

3 digits

The Country Code shall conform with ISO 3166 or codes updated by the maintenance agency for ISO 3166. The Country Code for the United States is 840.

 

Class of Service

numeric

3 digits

The 3-digit Class of Service field contains the appropriate service indicator with a leading zero added (e.g., UPS NEXT DAY AIR = 001).

 

Tracking Number

alphanumeric

10 or 11 characters

When IZ is used as the tracking number, the Tracking Number field within the MaxiCode is 10 characters, consisting of a 2-character data identifier, a 7-digit reference number, and a 1-digit check digit.  When a PTN is used as the tracking number, the entire 11-character PTN is encoded in this field.

UPS Shipper Number

alphanumeric

6 characters

 

Julian Day of Pickup

numeric

3 digits

 

Shipment ID Number

alphanumeric

1-30 characters

 

Package n/x

numeric

1-3 digits

Package n of x total packages.

For example, if you have package 2 of 10 total packages, you would enter 2/10.

Weight (lb.)

numeric

1-3 digits

Round up to the next pound.

 

Address Validation

alphanumeric

1 character

Y or N.  Accomplished by comparing the complete destination address to a certified U.S. Postal Service database.

 

Ship to Street Address

alphanumeric

1-35 characters

 

Ship to City

alphanumeric

1-20 characters

Truncate city names to a maximum of 20 characters.

 

Ship to State

alphanumeric

2 characters

 

 

MaxiCode Data Format

As you use the wizard to enter fields and build your MaxiCode, you'll notice that several short codes have also been added to your expression. These codes are required for the MaxiCode format and will be automatically added for you by the program. If you would like detailed information on these codes, or if you want to format your own MaxiCode data, contact UPS.