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1 1 (June 14, 2022)

handle is hein.crs/govegik0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Serve Mae Informing the legislative debate since 1914 June 14, 2022 Postal Primer: ZIP Codes and Boundary Review Process The United States Postal Service (USPS) establishes postal ZIP codes to assist in the efficient sorting and routing of mail. As of March 5, 2022, there were 41,683 ZIP codes in the United States. This In Focus provides a brief history of postal ZIP codes and information on the processes to establish a new ZIP code or change existing ZIP code boundaries. Postal and Nonpostal Use of ZIP Codes USPS developed postal ZIP codes to facilitate automated sorting of mail. However, researchers and data analysts frequently turn to ZIP codes as a tool for organizing and presenting data. For example, public opinion pollsters often ask respondents for their ZIP codes so that survey data may be weighted by geographic region. Auto insurance premiums are typically based, in part, on traffic and crime statistics within a customer's ZIP code. Postal ZIP codes do not always align with recognized municipal boundaries. This is because ZIP code boundaries are based on mail routes and delivery points rather than geographic factors. Hstory of Postal ZlP Codes The U.S. Post Office Department, predecessor to USPS, developed a zoning address system in 1943 as a way to make sorting and delivery of mail easier. The first postal zones were one to two digits and used in large cities only. Between 1943 and 1963, mail volume doubled. To handle the increased volume, the Post Office Department introduced the Zoning Improvement Plan (ZIP) to improve the efficiency of mail sorting and delivery. In July 1963, the Post Office Department introduced nationwide five-digit ZIP codes and began a marketing and education campaign using a cartoon letter carrier, Mr. ZIP. Figure I. Mr. ZIP MR.ZIP Source: USPS, Postal History, https://about.usps.com/who/profile/ h istory/pdf/mr-zip.pdf. The goal of the campaign was to familiarize the public with the new postal ZIP codes and encourage customers to use ZIP codes consistently when addressing their mail. In 1983, USPS introduced ZIP+4 codes, which allow mail to be further sorted by block, street, or building. Components of a Postal ZIP Code According to USPS, the first number of a ZIP code represents a broad geographic area (see Figure 2). For example, ZIP codes for addresses in the Northeast begin with 0 and ZIP codes on the West coast begin with 9. The next two numbers represent regional areas, while the last two represent specific post offices or postal zones. Generally, the first three numbers of a ZIP code correspond to the USPS Sectional Center Facility that processes and distributes mail for the geographic area. Figure 2. USPS ZIP Code Map Source: USPS, Postal Facts. Customers may look up ZIP codes by address (or cities by ZIP code) using the USPS ZIP Code lookup tool at https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm. ZIP Code B y Review Pro USPS may establish a new ZIP code based on an internal review of ZIP code assignments. Alternatively, USPS may establish a new ZIP code following a ZIP code boundary review that was initiated by a request from the public. Requests to change existing ZIP code boundaries are subject to the same process. The 2016 USPS Management Instruction: ZIP Code Boundary Review Process outlines USPS's policies to consider and, if possible, accommodate requests to modify ZIP code boundaries or change the last lines of an address (e.g., the city or town name). According to USPS, ZIP code assignments depend largely on delivery areas and postal routes and may not correspond to municipal or perceived community boundaries. Submission of Documentation The ZIP Code Boundary Review Process requires any municipality or community group seeking a ZIP code change to submit the request in writing to the USPS district manager who is responsible for the area along with any rationale and justification. Alternatively, requests may be

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