Difference Between Zip And Postal Code With Examples

What is a Zip Code?

Zip codes are specific numbers allocated to different geographical locations and used as the reference method for individuals delivering mails and packages. It was introduced by United States Postal Services in early 1943. The format of the Zip code is such that the first digit represents a specific group of states in the United States. The second and the third digits depict a region in the states highlighted in the first digit. Finally, the fourth and the fifth digits represent a group of delivery addresses within a specific area.

ZIP code data is an integral part of business operations in the United States. It is an important parameter for sending mail, managing fraud detection or researching demographic information. Zip codes are mainly used in the United States and the Philippines.

What You Need To Know About Zip

• Zip codes are specific numbers allocated to different geographical locations and used as the reference method for individuals delivering mails and packages.
• Zonal Improvement Plan was introduced by United States Postal Services in early 1943 to help in easy identification of geographical locations in the United States.
• The format of the Zip code is such that the first digit represents a specific group of states in the United States. The second and the third digits depict a region in the states highlighted in the first digit. Finally, the fourth and the fifth digits represent a group of delivery addresses within a specific area.
• ZIP codes contain numbers which are identified in different countries.
• Zip code is mainly used in the United States and the Philippines.
• Zip code’s main purpose is to facilitate sorting of mails, for which it identifies the location at which the mail is directed. The code is also used by security agencies to respond to emergency calls and other special needs.
• A Zip code is usually between 5-8 characters.
• An example of a standard US Zip code include: 36104 for Alabama, 99801 for Alaska, 95814 for California, 80202 for Colorado, 32301 for Florida.

What is a Postal Code?

A postal code is a series of letters or digits or both sometimes including spaces or punctuation, included in a postal address for the purpose of sorting mail. Postal codes were introduced in the United Kingdom between 1956 and 1974 after which the codes were adopted in other English speaking countries. The structure of the postal code is made such that one or two letters or digits are named after a local city or town. The second digit represents the district in that region which are finally followed by a space and finally an arbitrary code of one number and two letters.

Although postal codes are usually assigned to geographical areas, special codes are sometimes assigned to individual addresses or to institutions that receive large volumes of mail, such as government agencies and large commercial companies.

What You Need To Know About Postal Code

• Postal codes refer to a numeric system that is used in other countries around the world for easy identification of geographical locations for easy and prompt delivery of packages.
• Postal codes were introduced in the United Kingdom between 1956 and 1974 after which the codes were adopted in other English speaking countries.
• The format of the postal code is formulated such that one or two letters are named after a local city or town. The second digit represents the district in that region which are finally followed by a space and finally an arbitrary code of one number and two letters.
• Postal codes have both different numbers and letters allocated to different locations.
• Postal Codes are used in the rest of countries around the world.
• Postal code is used in identifying and referring the location, which assists in the sorting of mails for the purpose of delivering them at their exact location.
• A postal code can be shorter or longer.
• Example of a postal code in UK: SW1X7XL, Harrods postcode, SW1A1AA for Buckingham Palace, SW1A0AA for Houses of Common, BE6 7JT for Downhouse, former residence of Charles Darwin etc.

Also Read: Difference Between Speed Post And Registered Post

Difference Between Zip And Postal Code In Tabular Form