Barcode (BC)
A series of vertical bars and half bars representing the ZIP Code information for the delivery address on a mail-piece. The barcode facilitates automated processing by barcode reading equipment. Each numeric digit is represented by a series of five bars (always a combination of 2 full bars and 3 half bars). A complete barcode contains two bars framing the code; the 5, 9, or 11 digits containing ZIP Code and address information; and a final correction digit that allows the machine to check its reading of the ZIP Code number.