06160016.txt 16-Jun-00


Subject: Re: zip code lengths
From: joelfroese@my-deja.com

>
Hi, All:

Creating new application client database which will span a
  number of countries.  Can anyone point me to info on ZIP
  codes (Postal codes). Specifically, how long must the ZIP
  (Postal Code) field be to accommodate most (all)
  countries?
I think USA ZIP codes used to be 5 numbers, but I understand
  these now have extensions which can go to greater lengths.
  Not sure how it works.
In Canada, Postal Codes are a mixture of 6 numbers and
  letters.  Allow a field length of 7 if you want to show
  the space.  e.g.:  B3A 4A9 (B3A4A9)

Any help appreciated.
Ted Cleaver
>

US zip codes are still 5-digits; however every address in
  the US now has a unique code consisting of the 5-digit zip
  code, a hyphen '-', the ZIP+4 extension (designating a
  city block) and the last two digits of the street address
  (usually never displayed in human-readable form; only
  Postnet barcode.) I always have a 10 character ZIP field
  for US ZIP+4 codes and 7-digit Canadian postal code (A1A
  1A1) plus a 3-character DPB (delivery point barcode) field
  for the extra 2 digits and check digit. BTW, everyone,
  goto http://800mail.com/ordemo.html for a free "30-day"
  (actually they never ask for it back) trial of Mailer+4; a
  program that standardizes US addresses, adds Zip+4 &
  delivery point, presorts files for bulk mailings, prints
  out labels, among other things!
This is probably all just academic for you foreigners, since
  you might have only a small precentage of US records and
  deposit mail in your own country where our automation
  discounts do not apply. So all you need is a 5 digit zip
  code for the US - even if your customer specifies a zip+4,
  there is no use in entering more than 5 digits.
There is another issue I have not heard in this discussion
  or have dealt with myself, but I think this is important
  for anyone with a mixed-nationaly list: you should format
  another one-character field (preferably logical- t/f) that
  determines if the postal code is printed out before the
  city as in Europe or after the city & state/province as in
  the US and Canada.

Joel Froese