Addressing

The address is the most important element for efficient and correct delivery of any item. Addresses provide specific directional information that allows for distribution of mail and parcels. Whether the item is going through the campus mail, the U.S. Postal Service or an air carrier like UPS, mail with proper address format and content has less of a chance of being delayed.

Let's look at some examples of how we should address mail and packages for . . .

Campus Mail

Campus mailing addresses are very basic. Using an appropriate campus mail envelope, follow this simple layout.

Recipients Name
Department Name
Building Name

U.S. Mail

The following information and addressing guide will help improve the delivery of your mail. U.S. mailing addresses consist of multiple lines:

Attention
Recipient
Delivery Point
City State Zipcode

Remember the correct two letter state abbreviation and zipcode.For mail to be processed and delivered quickly, it must meet specific design and format criteria. Why so many rules about addressing?The USPS processes all letter and flat size envelopes on automated equipment. This equipment optically reads the delivery address at an incredible rate of speed. The optical character reader (OCR) then sprays a corresponding delivery point barcode for addresses it can locate in its' database.Mail Center takes advantage of the USPS technology and presorts our daily metered letter mail. The presorted mail has a barcode applied prior to giving it to the USPS. This "automation rate" mail is eligible for a discounted rate of postage.To take advantage of the efficiency and cost effectiveness of automated mail, follow this addressing guide for USPS letter mail.

Click on the miniature envelope graphic for a full-size version.

International Mail

The bottom line of a foreign address should show only the country name, written in full. Do not place postal codes of foreign country designations on the last line of the address. Here's an example of foreign addressing.

Click on the miniature envelope graphic for a full-size version.

Mail going to Canada can follow either of these formats when the address delivery zone is included in the address.

Ms. Helen Saunders
1010 Clear Street
Ottawa ON K1A
CANADA

Ms Helen Saunders
1010 Clear Street
Ottawa ON CANADA
K1A 0B1

Remember to use these standard two character abbreviations for provinces and territories in CANADA.

Province/Territorie
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory

Postal Service Abbreviation
AB
BC
MB
NB
NF
NT
NS
ON
PE
PQ
SK
YT

Shipping

These carriers need specific directional information to deliver overnight and ground packages effectively. A full street address that represents the recipients physical delivery location is required. DO NOT USE A USPS P.O. BOX #. These carriers cannot deliver to U.S. Postal Service addresses.

Here's an example:

Mr John Ellis
ABC Researchers
145 College Street
Boston MA 02180

Last modified January 03 2006 09:57 AM