In general, the first three digits designate a sectional center facility, the mail sorting and distribution center for an area. A sectional center facility may have more than one three-digit code assigned to it.

What are the first three digits of a ZIP code called?

U.S. ZIP Code Areas (Three-Digit) represents the first three digits of a ZIP Code.

What do the digits in a zip code mean?

The first digit in a ZIP code represents a defined group of U.S. states. The second and third digits represent a region in that group, such as a large city. To send mail, only the first five digits of the ZIP code are required.

What is a 3 digits zip code?

A three-digit zip code is simply the first three numbers in a zip code. Each zip code is divided up into three parts: National Area: The United States is divided up into ten groups of states called national areas. The first digit of a zip code indicates which one of those groups an address is located in.

What does the first number in a ZIP code mean?

The first number of the five-digit code signifies the region which the address is located in, a number that grows from the east coast to the west. For example, Eastern states such as Maine and New York begin with 0 or 1, whereas the Western states of California and Washington begin with a 9.

What does the I in ZIP code stand for?

Zone Improvement Plan ZIP is an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. However, the USPS intentionally chose the acronym to indicate that mail travels more quickly when senders mark the postal code on their packages and envelopes. The general system of ZIP codes used today was implemented in 1963.

What are 4 numbers after ZIP code?

ZIP+4 Codes (or ZIP Plus 4 Codes) are the final 4 digits of a full nine-digit ZIP Code. The 9-digit ZIP Code consists of two sections. The first five digits indicate the destination post office or delivery area. The last 4 digits represent specific delivery routes within delivery areas.