Writing a postal address is not complicated. in fact, if you know what and where to write it, you’re pretty neat. however, you’d be surprised how many people don’t know exactly what a PO Box is or how it differs from a regular address when typing the address.
There are a couple of things you need to know before you fill in the address or provide the necessary contact information for postal mail, such as certified mail sent to a PO Box. Below, we discuss the steps you should take before sending postal mail to companies or individuals who rent a PO Box.
step 1: write the recipient’s address in the middle
the address is written in the correct position, which is in the middle. therefore, the best practice when writing an address on a PO box is to start writing the address in the center. Write the recipient’s first and last name on the first line of the address and make sure the company/organization name is written directly below the recipient’s name. once you’ve done this, you need to type in the PO Box number.
You can do this by typing “po box” followed by the 2-5 digit code/number. It is best if you omit any punctuation as it will help simplify the screening and selection process for the USPS. Finally, on the last line, type the zip code, city, and state of your destination.
However, incorrect or invalid addresses can result in undelivered or returned letters, which can cost you a lot of money. Here are some simple steps on how to address a PO Box:
the correct format:
jeff colby colby body & PO Box 1122 Atlanta GA 30303
Please note: The USPS prefers that you omit punctuation as it simplifies the scanning, classification, and filtering process.
writing post office box designations: what not to do
If you’re typing the address and notice that the PO Box number is written with a designation, such as bin, caller, and more, omit those edits immediately on the envelope. for example:
- instead of writing bin m
- always write po box m when sending an outgoing letter or even mail
step 2: provide the return address
Your postal mail’s return address should be written on the top left corner of the package or cover. As a business or corporate company, you should always include the return address on the postal mailings you send because it informs the recipient who you are (the sender) and to retrieve the mailings if they are not delivered. this is important because it gives you valuable information about your company’s postal address database.
A company’s postal address database can be filtered using an advanced address verification tool such as postgrid, which offers 99.99% deliverability through the vast network of trusted delivery partners across the globe. I know. uu.
however, this is not always the case because sometimes, despite the accuracy of the system, there may still be cases of undelivered mail, and the return addresses allow you to have a complete idea of this data and can even help you reestablish your relationship with the customer.
step 3: place a valid stamp
add a stamp or even a prepaid shipping label in the top right corner to cover shipping costs. try to make sure that the postage stamp does not overlap with the address or any other information related to the delivery. you can use a calculator to add up the cost of your letters or even ask the post office for more help.
Also, you may need to submit additional postage charges or fill out some custom forms when planning to send direct mail internationally. Also, you can submit these forms online before shipping when planning how to send a letter to a PO Box.
step 4: check the address again
The next step involved in writing a postal address is to double check the address you have written on the postal package or cover. Although this may sound like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised how many companies make the mistake of ignoring this step. Arguably the most common mistake made by businesses/companies using advanced address verification tools because they often completely rule out the possibility of an undeliverable address.
even if the address verification is completely accurate, you should not ignore the fact that there is always the possibility of human error unless the process is fully automated using advanced tools like postgrid.
Suppose a business uses an address verification tool to obtain accurate addresses and the address text is copied onto the envelope, postcard or package; in this case, there is a possibility that the address may not be fully or accurately copied. such errors could easily go unnoticed if not double-checked.
Therefore, you should carefully check the addresses written on the envelopes. this process can be included even for a fully automated system as protection against unprecedented errors. After verifying the delivery and return addresses, he takes them to the post office to be sent to the country’s PO boxes.
abbreviations & periods:
We know you may be wondering about abbreviations or periods. can’t we use it now?
The answer is that it is best not to use abbreviations or periods when addressing a PO Box.
According to a standard format suggested by the USPS, you should omit all periods (along with commas) and use standard abbreviations when writing the address. for example:
instead of: vanya scott, p.o. cash register. 2233 atlanta, ga, 30303
type: vanya scott po box 2233 atlanta ga 30303
easy, right?