What does this mean on the ebay label

[she-sells]

I noticed this new symbol on my shipping label  after taking a 1 year break from eBay.  Do I really need to include it on my label?   A simple Yes  or No will suffice.  Thx in advance

[mtgraves7984]

I'd say "Yes", simply because I'd not take the time to black it out. 🖋

[anjofak]

Yes, it's actually a scan code that contains all of the shipping information,  it was added not long ago to help knock down lost packages due to label damage. 

[krazzykats]

I still cut it off.

[she-sells]

Right! My hubby (the shipper) shipped off a few cut off & few he left on and all items arrived fine.. So from the answers here I guess either way works.  Thanks

[worldcoinauctions]

It's been there for quite a while, I don't know what it is, but I have always trimmed it off. Never had a problem.

[muttlymob]

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@anjofak wrote:

Yes, it's actually a scan code that contains all of the shipping information,  it was added not long ago to help knock down lost packages due to label damage. 

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Yes.  This.

If your barcode doesn't print well, or somehow becomes damaged, the information is contained in that symbol.  It can be scanned by the carrier.

Also if you look at your label the same symbol is to the left of the address.  So kind of a redundancy in case any of the label is damaged or printed badly or applied wrinkled/around edges of packages, there may be other options to scan.

It really does come in handy.  Not sure why anyone would cut it off or black it out?

[wastingtime101]

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@she-sells wrote:

Do I really need to include it on my label?

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Yes @she-sells , that intelligent mail matrix barcode is required by USPS. Read more here:

https://news.usps.com/2023/01/30/package-deal-2/

[bennotbill]

Just scan it with a phone barcode app to see what it contains.

The last time I did this on an RM label I was surprised just how much info there was in that bunch of dots.

[zgnisaer]

Those 2 additonal identical data matrix squares have a different tracking number off by a digit from the barcode, and their tracking number never moves.

But yes they are belt and suspenders, from which the actual tracking number can be derived if the barcode becomes unreadable.

And no it's solely a tracking number, with no addresses or shipping information whatsoever.

[buyselljack2016]

I cut it off each and every time, just as I cut off the eBay above the rectangular outline of the label.

[anjofak]

Iv actually explained that to persons scanning in packages that had no idea.

[muttlymob]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

I cut it off each and every time

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Why?

[muttlymob]

USPS training is severely lacking.  As a carrier, I have heard nothing from anyone within USPS about the new label features.  I learned about it on a discussion forum.  And showed it to the clerk, who also had not heard anything about it.

[buyselljack2016]

It is not needed. 

I trim my labels to the edge of the label border to reduce tape usage, and to fit my packages. Lots of 4 X 4 X 4 shipments.