ZIP Code

Definition

ZIP code, a geographical classification system developed by the U.S. government for mail distribution, refers to a nested, numeric code with a range of five to nine digits. ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan.[1]

U.S. ZIP codes are a type of postal code used to help the United States Postal Service (USPS) route mail more efficiently.

Some still refer to ZIP codes as US postal codes.  The basic 5-digit format was first introduced in 1963 and later extended to add an additional 4 digits after a dash to form a ZIP+4 code. The additional 4 digits help USPS more precisely group mail for delivery.

The basic 5-digit format was first introduced in 1963 and later extended to add an additional 4 digits after a dash to form a ZIP+4 code. The additional 4 digits help USPS more precisely group mail for delivery.”[2]

 

References

  1. ^ American Marketing Association, AMA Dictionary.
  2. ^ United States Zip Codes.org. About US ZIP Codes.

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