Russian-speaking users often have questions about the Zip Code. What it is? In fact, everything is simple. This is a common zip code in the United States. What are its features and differences from our index? Let's look at it.
Each country in the world uses its own postal indexation system. Somewhere only numerical identifiers are used, and in other countries also alphabetic identifiers.
Differences from the index in Russia
So, Zip Code - what is it? Russia uses the usual postal code. In the USA it is called differently. Our postal code consists of six digits, and then there are five or nine. In the second case, it is written with a hyphen after the first five digits. Defines the Zip Code state and region of the recipient. Typically, there are dozens of indexes in simple cities, and hundreds in large cities. In the case where nine digits are used, an extension is used that clarifies the address.
History
The index system in the United States has been in use since the early 60s. The abbreviation translated into Russian sounds like a "zone improvement plan." The system was invented for a faster process of sorting letters and expedited delivery. Robert Moon is considered to be the author, despite the fact that he suggested using a three-digit index. It was thanks to him that the new system worked in test mode. He offered it back in 1944. Then he worked as a postal inspector. At first, the indices consisted of only five digits, but were later expanded. Before the introduction of Zip codes, the index was recorded using the serial number of the postal district located within the city.
Digits
The new system implied that the first three digits meant one or another centralized point where sorting of mail items coming from all post offices assigned to this point took place. The last two digits indicated the post office number where correspondence had to be sent. If it was a large city, then the previous serial number of its postal district coincided with them.
Interesting Facts
In the late 60s, the postal code system became mandatory throughout the country. In order to popularize the indexes, a cartoon character named Mr. Zip was invented, which was depicted on postage stamps and billboards. Interestingly, the four-year-old son of the postman invented and drew it.
Also, to promote the new system, songs were recorded to the tunes known at that time.
Nowadays
Since 1983, the postal service began to use advanced indexing. The last four digits can mean a specific city block or residential multi-apartment complex, a unit that needs an additional identifier to facilitate delivery.
US government agencies also have separate Zip codes.
Due to modern technology development, it’s enough to use only a five-digit index. Recognition devices are capable of reading addresses, instantly determining the index. For this, special software is also used.
Search index by address
The zip code in the United States is also called PostCode, Zip Code. What is it - we found out. But how to find him? To search, there is a special website of the Postal Service. By entering the address, you can get the exact zip code.
It is worth noting that PostCode can also mean a letter abbreviation denoting a certain state in a country. The code consists of two letters and completely coincides with the abbreviations ANSI (Institute of Standards).
Zip Code and bank cards
Due to the widespread development of Internet services, more and more users around the world shop online. And often there are different difficulties. For example, a user from Russia wants to purchase something on an American site. When paying with a card, he is prompted to enter the Billing Zip Code. What it is? Most stop at this stage. In fact, there is nothing complicated. This term refers to the zip code that is tied to the user's bank card. This is what you need to enter to make a purchase.
Thus, we found out that Zip Code is an ordinary zip code. It differs from Russian only in the number of numbers. It is used both for sending and receiving mail, and for making purchases in these and online stores.