Almost 25% of all mailpieces have something wrong with the address - for instance, a missing apartment number or a wrong ZIP Code.
Usps envelope address template code#
Use the free ZIP Code Lookup and the ZIP+4 code lookup on the Postal Explorer website (left frame) to find the correct ZIP Codes and ZIP+4 codes for your addresses. A missing or a bad directional can prevent your mail from being delivered correctly.
Words like "east" and "west" are called directionals and they are VERY important. If you can't fit the suite or apartment number on the same line as the delivery address, put it on the line ABOVE the delivery address, NOT on the line below. Always put the attention line on top - never below the city and state or in the bottom corner of your mailpiece. Mail processing machines have trouble reading crooked or slanted information. Also make sure your labels are on straight. If you are using address labels, make sure you don't cut off any important information.Sometimes parts of the address slip out of view behind the window and mail processing machines can't read the address. If your address appears inside a window, make sure there is at least 1/8-inch clearance around the address.No reverse type (white printing on a black background).On a letter, the address should be parallel to the longest side.Always put the address and the postage on the same side of your mailpiece.Any information below the delivery address line (a logo, a slogan, or an attention line) could confuse the machines and misdirect your mail. If the machines can't find either line, then your mailpiece could be delayed or misrouted. Then the machines look for a delivery address. Are you familiar with the USPS's guidlines for printing an address label?Īutomated mail processing machines read addresses on mailpieces from the bottom up and will first look for a city, state, and ZIP Code.