Delivery Address Format: Prevent Lost Mail

How to Follow the Delivery Address Format

When you’re sending mail, it’s important to get the delivery address format right. If you don’t write the address correctly, your letter, package, or card could be delayed or lost. But don’t worry, writing a clear address is easy when you follow these simple rules!

The Right Delivery Address Format

You should always write the delivery address in a specific order. This makes it easier for mail carriers and automated machines to read and deliver your mail on time. Here’s the best format to use:

1. Name or Attention Line
   Start with the person’s name or a special attention line. If it’s a company, write the company’s name.
2. Street Address
   Next, write the street address or P.O. box number.
3. City, State, ZIP Code
   Below the street address, write the city, state, and ZIP code. The state should always come after the city, with a single space between them. Then, leave two spaces between the state and ZIP code.
4. Country (if sending mail abroad)
   If you’re mailing to another country, the last line should be the country name in uppercase letters.

For example:

RECIPIENT NAME

COMPANY NAME

123 STREET NAME APT 10

TOWN STATE  ZIP CODE

Special Rules for Foreign Mail Delivery Address Format

If you’re sending mail to another country, the format is similar, but there are some differences:

• The address must be written in English and use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…).
• The country name must be written in uppercase letters and must be on the last line.
• Postal codes in other countries might appear before or after the city, so be sure to check the format.

For instance, here’s an example of a foreign address:

RECIPIENT NAME

1234 ANY STREET

LONDON SW1A 1AA

UNITED KINGDOM

Tips for Writing Addresses Clearly

To make sure mail carriers process your mail properly, follow these tips:

• Use all capital letters: This helps automated machines read the address more easily. Also, it helps prevent mail carriers from misreading an address.
• No punctuation: Avoid using commas or periods in the address. It’s faster and clearer without them!
• Font and size: Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman in at least a 10-point size.
• Place the address on the correct side: Always put the address on the front of the envelope. In addition, make sure the address is parallel to the longest side of any letters.
• Black ink on light paper: Choose a white or light-colored envelope with black ink. While fancy colors or shiny paper might look festive, they can make it hard for machines to read.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No apartment or suite number: Always include your apartment or suite number if it applies. However, if it doesn’t fit on the same line as the delivery address, make sure you include it on the line above the address, not the line below.
• Misplaced attention lines: If you’re sending a letter to a specific person at a company, always place the attention line above the city and state, not in the bottom corner. In other words, make sure the attention line is included in the address.
• Slanted or crooked labels: If you’re using an address label, make sure it’s straight. Machines struggle to read crooked labels.
• No fancy fonts: Fancy fonts might look nice, but they make it harder for machines to read. Therefore, stick to simple, easy-to-read fonts.

Why Delivery Address Format Matters

In short, over 4 billion pieces of mail are discarded due to incorrect addresses each year. A missing apartment number or a wrong ZIP code can cause delays. While some incorrectly addressed mail can still get through, it takes extra time and effort, and sometimes mail gets lost or misrouted.

By following these simple rules, you can help ensure your mail reaches the right place quickly and without issues. So, next time you send a letter or package, double-check the address to make sure it’s clear, complete, and easy to read!