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So you signed up for a bank account with an address that wasn't properly formatted and you're upset at the USPS? I thought it was common knowledge to, when mov

So you signed up for a bank account with an address that wasn't properly formatted and you're upset at the USPS? I thought it was common knowledge to, when moving to a new address, check one is using the correct formatting via the USPS online validator. It's picky because "rd" is not valid. You would know this if you did a simple google search: https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28apf.htm https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28apf.htm

bee_rider 3y ago
RD vs road wasn’t the exact issue, it was just that sort of thing. They managed to deliver mail to the previous address for years, so I guess they were able to figure it out. Why do you think I’m upset? It was slightly annoying but not really a big deal, easy enough to fix, just thought it was a funny story.
- CaliforniaKarl 3y ago
  That's a combination of the human part of the USPS, plus automated validation/correction routines. To the human part: If you send a letter to a residence; and only include a street address plus 5-digit Zip code, or a street address plus city/state without a Zip code; that's enough to get the letter through. The envelope might be scanned at the originating point, and the image sent to a human for review, or the letter might make it to a post office at/near the destination, and a human will take it. Sticking with the "rd" / "road" example: When the bank goes to mail something to you, I wouldn't be surprised if they run the address through a validation program. That validation program would catch things like "rd", replace it with the appropriate term, and also generate the Zip+4 code. What's missing is feedback from that program. So the bank might continue to have "rd" in your address, even though it's wrong.
  - LegionMammal978 3y ago
    As it happens, the USPS actually has an online form for this service [0]. For instance, if I query "1600 pennsylvania avenue" in Washington, DC, then I get the full two-line address back on page 2, complete with the Zip+4 code: 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW WASHINGTON DC 20500-0005 I've used this tool before to double-check some more wonky addresses before sending mail to them. I'd be surprised if they don't also offer an API for the service. [0] https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress
    - yellingdog 3y ago
      They do, it's free, and their developer website is shockingly nice. https://developer.usps.com/api/18 https://developer.usps.com/api/18
      - pests 3y ago
        This works wonderful until the site tries to force the suggestion on you and your address is somehow wonky in the system like not existing at all or under a wrong or mis-ordered apartment number.

bee_rider 3y ago

RD vs road wasn’t the exact issue, it was just that sort of thing. They managed to deliver mail to the previous address for years, so I guess they were able to figure it out. Why do you think I’m upset? It was slightly annoying but not really a big deal, easy enough to fix, just thought it was a funny story.

CaliforniaKarl 3y ago
That's a combination of the human part of the USPS, plus automated validation/correction routines. To the human part: If you send a letter to a residence; and only include a street address plus 5-digit Zip code, or a street address plus city/state without a Zip code; that's enough to get the letter through. The envelope might be scanned at the originating point, and the image sent to a human for review, or the letter might make it to a post office at/near the destination, and a human will take it. Sticking with the "rd" / "road" example: When the bank goes to mail something to you, I wouldn't be surprised if they run the address through a validation program. That validation program would catch things like "rd", replace it with the appropriate term, and also generate the Zip+4 code. What's missing is feedback from that program. So the bank might continue to have "rd" in your address, even though it's wrong.
- LegionMammal978 3y ago
  As it happens, the USPS actually has an online form for this service [0]. For instance, if I query "1600 pennsylvania avenue" in Washington, DC, then I get the full two-line address back on page 2, complete with the Zip+4 code: 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW WASHINGTON DC 20500-0005 I've used this tool before to double-check some more wonky addresses before sending mail to them. I'd be surprised if they don't also offer an API for the service. [0] https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress
  - yellingdog 3y ago
    They do, it's free, and their developer website is shockingly nice. https://developer.usps.com/api/18 https://developer.usps.com/api/18
    - pests 3y ago
      This works wonderful until the site tries to force the suggestion on you and your address is somehow wonky in the system like not existing at all or under a wrong or mis-ordered apartment number.