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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
by 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 agoAs 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 agoThey 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 agoThis 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.