We live in a world of transition. For years, email has made its incursion into our daily lives. Where once we wrote letters, we now communicate on a daily, hourly, or minute basis with people. But that's communication. It's not the shipment of materials from one place to another. For that, the U.S. Post Office and delivery companies like UPS and FedEx still rule the roost. Even when you decide to order an item from eBay or Amazon. Overall, drone delivery isn't nationwide yet.
Therefore, proper addresses are still needed in order to get a package. Especially in today's world where populations increase and more housing is built. Without the proper address, your important delivery goes to someone else or takes much longer time to get to you or the recipient. In addition to a proper address, you need the right zip code. This number, between five and nine digits, wasn't invented in 1963 as a nuisance. Rather, it was part of a Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) to deliver letters and packages quickly and efficiently.
Be one digit off, and your package can end up at another location with a similar address in another town. To nip this in the bud, you need the right zip code the first time. This is where a lookup helps you with package sending needs.
Finding the Right Code for Your Destination
Once upon a time, the only places you could find these codes were at the post office or in the phone book. If the zip code was out of range of the white or yellow pages, then a visit to the library was necessary to find an out-of-state phone book.
Today, you can locate zip code maps on the internet. In addition, the USPS zip code finder lists five- and nine-digit codes for all areas across the country. All you need is the right address.
Actually, that's a very important part of this location process. For without the proper street address and possible suite or apartment number, the package won't get to its destination. In other words, you want to ensure it's 203 Fairmont Street instead of 203 Fairmount Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you move in the right direction in searches and delivery, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: How do I access the USPS zip code finder?
A: The address is https://tools.usps.com/go/zip-code-lookup.htm
Q: How can I search for the zip at the site?
A: You can do so via address or city & state. You can also find a city if you know the zip code.
Q: What results do I get in my search?
A: You'll see both the five-digit and nine-digit numbers. The larger code provides even more accuracy for delivery.
Q: Does each area only have one zip?
A: Smaller towns normally have only one code. Larger areas, like cities, tend to be broken up into different zones.
Q: How do I know if the zip is in the same city?
A: The first three or four numbers tend to be the same. For example, New York City has 106 of them, with the majority starting with 1000.
Q: Does a code cross into different areas or states:
A: No. Each code is unique. So, Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS have different zips.
Q: What if a zip code has recently changed?
A: these are updated on the USPS site every 30 to 60 days.
Q: Where can I find zip code maps?
A: A major site to find a map of codes is zipmap. It's URL is https://www.zipmap.net/
Q: How do I locate a location on a map.
A: You either enter the zip code, click a state, or select a certain area. This drills down to the exact location.
Q: What if I can't find the desired code?
A: Enter the address and partial zone code in the internet search bar. That should pull up a list of available numbers.
Q: Do I put the standard or expanded zip code on my package?
A: You can do either or. However, if you add the four-digit extension, then there's a better chance your package will arrive at its destination.
Q: What happens if I enter the wrong zip code?
A: The post office and delivery services will do their own searches to verify the code. If it doesn't reach its desired audience, the package will probably come back to you.
