Why are there 4 numbers after my zip code?

ZIP+4 Codes (or ZIP Plus 4 Codes) are the final 4 digits of a full nine-digit ZIP Code. The first five digits indicate the destination post office or delivery area. The last 4 digits represent specific delivery routes within delivery areas. ZIP plus 4 codes assist the USPS in effectively sorting and distributing mail.

What is 4 digit extension number?

What is the four-digit extension? It represents a specific delivery route within that overall delivery area. For PO boxes, the four-digit extension usually includes the PO box number. Including the last four digits means mailings will arrive to their intended destination faster, as well as discounts on bulk mailings.

Is it better to use 9 digit zip code?

So, USPS created 9-digit ZIP Codes to ensure fast and accurate mailings. They indicate the actual path the mail should travel and usually they narrow down to somewhere between ten to twenty homes.

Why are longer postal codes more useful?

This mail is sorted separately from general-delivery mail and often takes a bit longer to arrive at its destination. Regardless, knowing your full zip code will ensure that your mail is delivered correctly more often.

What is the last 4 digits of a ZIP Code called?

A ZIP+4 Code uses the basic five-digit code plus four additional digits to identify a geographic segment within the five-digit delivery area, such as a city block, a group of apartments, an individual high-volume receiver of mail, a post office box, or any other unit that could use an extra identifier to aid in …

What happens if you put the wrong ZIP code on a package?

Will the package still get delivered to the correct address? Writing the wrong ZIP Code with the right address usually causes the letter to be delivered about a day later than if the ZIPCode were correct. As long as the mailing address is correct, the letter will be delivered.