MSU MAIL INFORMATION

Addressing Mail to University Apartments
To expedite mail delivery, residents of the University apartment complexes are encouraged to use the following format for their mailing address:

RESIDENT'S NAME
805 CHERRY LN APT 105
EAST LANSING MI 48823

Proper formatting for Spartan Village and University Village can be found at our Web site http://mailprocessing.msu.edu/html/main/campus.asp.

Make certain there is a space between the abbreviation "APT" and the letter or number of the apartment. Particular caution should be used with the abbreviation of "Village." Village should be abbreviated "VLG." We have experienced misdirected mail with other abbreviations of this word.

 Addressing Your Daily Mail
MSU Mail Processing has noticed some trends where mail is not properly addressed. Follow these simple tips to ensure your mail is receiving the best service possible.

General Addressing:  When addressing an envelope, it is important to properly place the address. For most mailings, the address should be as close as possible to the center of the envelope. For letter-sized pieces (up to 11 1/2” x 6 1/8”), always maintain 1/2” clearance from the left and right sides and at least 5/8” from the bottom of the piece.

Address Line Order:  USPS equipment reads address information from the bottom to the top of the mailpiece. City, state and ZIP code information should always be the very last line in the address.

Return Addresses:  All MSU business mail must include a return address. This is for the professional image of the University as well as a security requirement of the USPS. “Michigan State University” should be part of the return address.

Handwriting vs. Typing Addresses: Although USPS equipment is designed to read handwriting, as a rule you should always type or print the address on your mailpieces. This will help your mail move quickly and efficiently through the system.

Window Envelopes:  The complete address should be visible through the window at all times. To make sure your address shows, do a simple “tap-test.” With the mailpiece in the window envelope, tap the envelope to the right, left and bottom. You should be able to see all of the address information with the full shift of the mailpiece. Only address data should show through the window.

Reusing Envelopes: Never, reuse envelopes for mail going off campus. This policy also applies to returned mail; you must place the piece in a new envelope (with new postage) before you can mail it again.

Destination Address Format:

• Destination address should be 3 or 4 lines.
  Joe Doe
  ABC Company
  123 Main St
  Anytown, NY 12345
• Left justify address block information
• Use uniform font size and spacing throughout. Upper and lower case, as well as all caps are acceptable.
• Use 10-12 point OCR-readable font. Avoid using script or narrow font--san serif fonts work best. Good choices are:  ARIAL, HELVETICA, COURIER, ORC-A, COURIER NEW, TAHOMA
• Keep advertising, logos and other information clear of the destination address area.

Adhesive Labels:

• Place address labels on uniformly, avoiding skew (less than 5 degrees).
• Avoid using adhesive labels for destination address with customer logo and printed return address. If used, destination address must be 1” to the right and 1” below return address.

Address Block Location for Flat Mail (larger than 6 1/8" by 11 1/2"):

• The destination address should be at least 1” lower and 1” to the right of the return address minimum; more is preferred.
• The destination address block must be clearly separated from any extraneous text and graphics. Provide a minimum clear area of 3/8” (1/2” recommended) in each direction surrounding the address block.
• Refer to the sample on the back.

Change of Address: How to Deal with Forwarding Mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) views mail addressed to persons at universities and similar institutions as property of the institution. Mail addressed to Michigan State University is property of the university. When an individual or department moves, Michigan State University doesn’t move, therefore, does not qualify for change of address service. It is the responsibility of individuals at that address to provide forwarding information. As a matter of policy, mail belongs first to the department to which it is addressed and secondly, to the individual.

The USPS does not provide change of address service to the university. To assist Campus Mail in forwarding or redirecting your mail, it is imperative that you send a memo with your old address, new address and effective date to Mail Processing as soon as you know this information. We also encourage prior notification to all business associates, publishers and general correspondents of your new address.

Departments and individuals left behind have a challenging job when it comes to forwarding mail. It is frustrating and time consuming to write forwarding addresses and to keep track of employees no longer there. The only way to eliminate receiving mail of an individual or department who is no longer at your address, is to notify the sender. Without notifying the sender, it doesn’t matter how many times a piece is forwarded, the mail will continue to come to the address. The sender will assume that the mailpiece is reaching the intended recipient at the address they have unless told otherwise.

The procedure for forwarding mail to an individual (or department) who has moved on campus is pretty straightforward. Bundle the mail, write the forwarding address on the top mailpiece and put the bundle in Campus Mail for delivery to the new location.

For US mail addressed to an individual or department who has left the university, moved off campus or to a location not served by Campus Mail, the forwarding address must be written on every mailpiece. The USPS will forward the mail at no additional postage cost, however, “FORWARD TO:” must be clearly printed along with the new complete address on the outside of the mailpiece. If the new address is not written on the mailpiece, the USPS will either return the piece to the sender or deliver the piece back to you again. Sending these pieces to Campus Mail or Mail Processing may also result in the piece being returned. If a forwarding address is not available for an individual who has left the university, it is recommended that the mailpiece be marked “RETURN TO SENDER” and given to the postal carrier.

The UPSP treats all classes of mail differently. Throwing a 42-cent stamp on a piece of mail or paying full rate comes with certain privileges. Forwarding is one of those privileges. First-Class mail comes with the guarantee that the USPS will either deliver the mailpiece to the addressee, or return it to the sender.

Standard Mail and Nonprofit Mail are discounted classes of mail that cannot contain personal information. This mail is usually advertising mail. The USPS will not forward this mail—even if it is sent back to them with a new address; it will be recycled (unless it has an endorsement such as Address Service Requested).

To determine the class of the mailpiece, simply look at the upper right-hand corner—if it says Presort Standard, Presort Nonprofit or any abbreviation of either of these, the USPS will not forward it. Be careful—outside mailers get very good at convincing you that every mailpiece is important. Mailers can use permit imprints, postage meters and even special stamps on these mailings. Mailers also use special markings on the envelope to make pieces look official. Mail sent at Standard or Nonprofit rate doesn’t make it junk mail, it just doesn’t come with all the privileges of First-Class.

For information regarding the university policy for forwarding mail, refer to the Manual of Business Procedures, Section 220 under the heading Change of Address. http://usdinfo.msu.edu/Mbp/Sect220.htm

Clasp Envelopes
If you use an envelope with a clasp for US Mail and it is only one ounce or less, it will be subject to a surcharge of $0.12 each. There is no surcharge if the mailpiece is over one ounce. Because this rule can be confusing and because clasps disqualify mail from both automation rates and automation processing, Mail Processing is strongly discouraging the use of clasped envelopes for US Mail. If you have them and need to use them up, please use box sealing tape (University Stores Stock #14087370) to close the envelope and cover the clasp.

Demystifying Extra Services for First Class Mail
If USPS extra services have you confused, you are not alone! Here is a break down of extra services offered for First-Class Mail:

 Certified Mail: Provides you with proof of mailing at the time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. It is recommended that you also request Return Receipt with this service. Please use PS Form 3800, February 2000 when requesting this service (must have a barcode on the form).

Insured Mail: Provides coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000.  The f ee is based on the value of the item.

Registered Mail: Provides maximum security. Includes proof of delivery at the time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. This service incorporates a system of receipts to monitor the movement of mail from the point of acceptance to delivery. Insurance is included up to $25,000 in material value.

Delivery Confirmation: Provides you with date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

Signature Confirmation: Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery and the name of the person who signed for the item.

Return Receipt: Provides a postcard with the date of delivery and recipient signature. This service may only be used with Certified Mail, Registered Mail or Express Mail. The words “RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED” must be stamped 1/4” under the green and white certified number. (Add $1.75)

Most of the time, customers choose Certified Mail with Return Receipt. This service is the most economical and provides proof of mailing and delivery. If you are unsure about what service you need, please contact Mail Processing at 355-1700.

Folded Self-Mailers
Single-sheet Folded Self-mailers.
20 pound copier paper, folded in half will not meet the thickness requirement of the US Postal Service for machinable mail. Therefore will be subject to a $0.12 surcharge. So effective June 30, 2002 those self-mailers will cost your department $.49 each to mail. Mail Processing will hold large mailings until a phone call can be made alerting your department of the cost.

Single-sheet self-mailers need to be tri-folded with the last fold at the bottom. Make it a standard - even if you use a heavier paper. Tri-folded and double tabbed self-mailers are less likely to cause a jam in high-speed postal equipment.

Tabs or Tape for Self-mailers.
A permanent adhesive tape or tab must be used to seal a self-mailer. Please, no staples. Outgoing US Mail sealed with removable tabs or tape could be delayed. Removable seals tend to open during processing, which causes the mailpieces to stick together, and may damage your mailpiece as well as our equipment.

Tabbing is available at the Bulk Mail Center or Mail Processing. Mailing tabs are available through University Stores, stock #14075400, Avery Mailing Seals. See the on-line University Stores Catalog for more detail at http://universitystores.msu.edu.

Mail Processing strongly recommends the following:

• Tri-fold single-sheet self-mailers, even for campus mail and even with heavier paper.
• The final fold on a self-mailer should always be on the bottom.
• Never use staples to close a self-mailer.
• Use at least two tabs or two pieces of tape with a permanent adhesive.

International Mail Tips and Resources

Customs Forms
Don’t forget that if you have any old customs form (PS-Forms 2976 and 2976-A)—throw them out! All customs forms must be dated January 2004. The USPS will not accept international mail that does not have the current forms. If you need these forms, contact Mail Processing to have them sent via campus mail. If you have questions, concerns or need to know what forms must be attached to your mail, call Mail Processing at 355-1700. Any mail that comes into our office without the proper documentation will be delayed.

Easy-To-Use Customs Forms
Customers can now complete and print customs forms directly from the USPS Web site http://webapps.usps.com/customsforms These forms are easy to use—you can also click on a link to look up international postal codes and restrictions by country. Complete the required information, print the form, and attach it to your mailpiece along with a Mail Processing mail card. Please remember to write the address on your mailpiece—without this information your mailpiece may be delayed. Also, a return address is essential on international mail. Note: January 2004 paper forms are still acceptable and are available from Mail Processing. The electronic version is just one more option available to you.

International Surface Air Lift
Are you looking for international mail service that is faster than economy, but less expensive than air mail? Mail Processing has the answer—send your mail using International Surface Air Lift Service (ISAL). Sending mail ISAL will result in 20% savings. All you need to do is request the service and we handle the rest. ISAL service is available to 120 countries, including Canada and Mexico.

Mail to Canada
The USPS is reporting that many mailpieces and packages going to Canada are experiencing delays. According to Canadian officials, this action is pursuant to the Canada Customs Act and reflects heightened security measures. Following these tips will ensure mail receives the fastest service:

All postal items (except postcards) that do not display the complete name and address of both the sender and the recipient—in Roman letters (A, B, C) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3)—are being denied entry into Canada.

Addresses to recipients in Canada should be printed in ink or typewritten in capital letters, and the last line of the address must show only the country name, written in full, and in capital letters.

Complete and legible customs declarations—along with required import documentation—must be provided to specifically identify the contents of any package. General descriptions such as gift or present are not acceptable.

Prohibitions by Country
Did you know you cannot send…

• Boxes of preserved sardines weighing more than one kilogram to Madagascar?
• Wristwatches, cameras, television and radio sets, tape recorders, bicycles, sewing machines and ventilators to China?
• Toys made of lead to Iceland?
• Hay and straw (including articles made of straw) to Ireland?
• Playing cards to Germany, Italy and Spain?
• So-called "Panama" and "Mocora" hats and the straw used for making them to Ecuador?
• Footwear of any kind to Italy?
• Funeral urns to France?
• Horror comics to England?

Sending mail to international destinations is always a challenge. The challenge increases if you are sending anything other than documents. How do you keep up with restrictions and prohibitions by country? The USPS offers a great online tool (http://ircalc.usps.gov/) for international mail to calculate postage rates, estimate delivery times and even explain prohibitions and restrictions by country. Always check the Web site before mailing packages to foreign countries. You may be surprised to learn you cannot send cinnamon to Nepal!

MSU Return Address
The heightened concern over the handling of US Mail has prompted us to look more closely at outgoing mail. Return addresses are becoming more highly scrutinized than ever before. It has always been our policy that mail handled by Mail Processing include a university return address.

If there is no MSU return address, Mail Processing will return your mail, accompanied by a short memo explaining the reason for the return—all official business mail must bear the name of Michigan State University and your department's address. To expedite the handling of mail and reduce the extra handling, please make sure that all mail contains a return address. The same approach should be used with Campus Mail. If you choose not to use campus reusable envelopes and instead enclose campus correspondence in a sealed envelope, you should provide a return address.

Policy as Stated in the Manual of Business Procedures
MSU Return Address
All mail to be processed through Mail Processing must have a Michigan State University return address on the envelope or parcel.

Mail Processing is Compliant for 2006 Postage Meter Regulations
Mail Processing recently upgraded its metering equipment to Pitney Bowes DM1000 machines. The USPS requires that all metering machines be digital by December 31, 2006, which is a very costly upgrade. If your office currently has its own metering equipment, it may not be in your best interest to upgrade. Mail Processing does not charge a service fee to departments for metering mail. Why invest in costly new equipment when Mail Processing can save you time, and money, and keep up with current USPS requirements?  More information on the digital meter requirements can be found at: http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fedreg/USPS2002/02-3411.TXT.

Make Sure your Daily Mail can be Delivered in a Timely Manner
Sure, we all send out letters everyday, but it isn’t always faster to put a stamp on official MSU business mail. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need gentle reminders of the simple things—even if your office sends out large mailings regularly. These tips will ensure your daily mail gets out the fastest and most economical way.

US domestic mail must have a mail processing green card (University Stores stock number 14025570) and international mail must have a mail processing white card (University Stores Stock Number 14025590) securely attached to the bundle of mail. It is not necessary to complete a card for each piece, but a card must be completed for each class of mail. All completed mail processing cards must have a department name, signature, telephone number and account number. All mail must have a complete return address.

Mail Processing carries both domestic and international USPS mailing supplies, such as forms, envelopes and boxes. If you are sending out packages or letters using Express or Priority Mail, you must use the proper packaging. If you use Priority Mail packaging for an Express Mail package, your package will be delayed.

All mail must be separated before arriving at Mail Processing: campus mail, US domestic mail, and international mail. Mail sent to Spartan Village is not considered campus mail; postage must be applied. Personal mail should not be bundled with university mail. Please put personal mail in USPS mail receptacles or give it to your U.S. Postal Carrier. International Mail weighing over 16 ounces and valued under $400 must have a green and white Customs PS Form 2976 completed and attached to each package you are sending out. If the value of the package is over $400, a white Customs PS Form 2976-A must be completed and attached to each package. This form should be inserted in the window envelope (PS Form 2976-E), since it does not have an adhesive backing and must be accessible to USPS and customs officials. Do not tape this form to the package. Always include a valid delivery address on your package. Filling out the customs form is not a substitute for the delivery address. Details for filling out customs forms are listed on the back of each form. All forms may be obtained by visiting or calling Mail Processing at 355-1700.

We will make every effort to process all mail the day it is received. If you have a large mailing (over 1000 letter-sized pieces or over 50 flats) requiring same day service, please contact Mail Processing at 355-1700.

Nonmachinable Surcharge
The USPS has established criteria for nonmachinable letters. If your mailpiece falls under any one of these conditions, it will be subject to a surcharge. This is for First-Class Mail, less than one ounce, and Nonprofit Standard Mail, less than 3.3 ounces. A First-Class Mail surcharge will add $.12 to the $.37, so that it becomes $.49 for a one ounce letter. Similarly for Nonprofit Mail, the addition to the actual postage rate is $.02 per piece. Postcards are not affected.

Nonmachinable Criteria:

A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if it has one or more of the following characteristics

• Has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

• Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material.

• Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.

• Contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven.

• Is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn).

• For pieces more than 4¼ inches high or 6 inches long, the thickness is less than 0.009 inch.

• Has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece.

• For folded self-mailers, the folded edge is perpendicular to the address, regardless of the use of tabs, wafer seals, or other fasteners.

• For booklet-type pieces, the bound edge (spine) is the shorter dimension of the piece or is at the top, regardless of the use of tabs, wafer seals, or other fasteners.

Personal Holiday Cards and Shipping
It is that time of year again when we must remind you not to place personal holiday cards in with your campus mail. The USPS delivers to most buildings. If you wish to mail personal letters from work, you should hand them to your USPS carrier or put them in a USPS mailbox.

Federal statues and university policy prohibit personal cards and non-university business related information from being sent via campus mail. For more information please see the Manual of Business Procedures, Section 220 under the Campus Mail heading (available at http://universitystores.msu.edu).

University Stores offers personal shipping for UPS and the USPS. To utilize this service you must bring packages to the University Stores service counter between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information can be found at the University Stores Web site.

Priority and Express Mail Service
It is recommended that you use the USPS for expedited shipments when sending mail to post office boxes or for delivery on weekends or holidays. Commercial expedited carriers will not deliver to post office boxes and charge extra for Saturday delivery. The USPS will deliver Express Mail letters and packages on Sundays and even Christmas Day at no extra charge!

About USPS Flat-Rate Envelopes
Contents enclosed in flat-rate envelopes may consist of any mailable matter. A flat-rate envelope does not have to remain physically flat to be eligible for flat-rate postage. Any amount of mailable material enclosed within the flat-rate envelope is afforded the flat rate regardless of the weight. Most expedited carriers will charge the per pound rate if you enclose anything other than documents in a flat-rate envelope.

When mailing at the Priority Mail or Express Mail flat rate, the contents of the flat-rate envelope must be confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided on the flap as the primary means of closure. Tape may be applied to reinforce the envelope provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by any means.

Proper Packaging
Make sure to use the correct envelope and label for Priority Mail and Express Mail services. A common error when preparing these mailpieces is mixing package types and labels. This will delay your mail and cause confusion for both Mail Processing and the USPS as to what service you really want. Supplies for both services have a similar look, but Priority Mail supplies have a red bar at the bottom extending the entire width of the piece (envelope, label, sticker, etc.). Labels for Priority Mail are simple sticky labels, not multi-part forms. Express Mail forms are multi-part and require more information than simply a name and address. We carry an extensive line of free USPS mailing supplies at our office. If you need supplies, please visit or contact us at 355-1700.

Print Your Labels Online
The USPS offers label printing online at www.usps.com for Priority and Express Mail services. Using the Web gives you the convenience of printing professional, accurate, printed labels right at your desktop computer. Choose the option “Shipping label without postage,” enter your information, choose your service level and print the label. Since you are not adding postage, attach the label to your package and send the mailpiece to Mail Processing with a green mail card attached. The USPS offers Delivery Confirmation service on Priority Mail free of charge when you print your labels on the Web, plus you have the option of sending Ship Notification to the receiver. Ship Notification sends the recipient an email with the label number and ship date, so they can anticipate the arrival of your package. And since you are entering the information directly at the USPS Web site, your address is checked against the USPS database for accuracy.

Save Time, Save Money
Only one mail card per type of mail—e.g., (First-Class, international) is necessary—simply bundle the mail together and secure the card on top. Mail cards are available from University Stores stock and are sold in packs of 25 (US mail cards—14025570; international mail cards—14025590).

Make sure you check the appropriate service level on your mail card. For all items except First-Class Mail, write the requested service on the actual mailpiece. We cannot process your mail without this information.

Always include a contact name and telephone number on your mail card. We cannot suggest time and money saving services unless we know whom to call!

It is not cost effective to use stamps. Mail Processing does not charge for metering.

Do not overstuff envelopes—they do not seal.

When using tape to secure boxes, please do not put tape in the upper right-hand corner. The meter tape we use to affix postage does not stick well to package tape.

It is not necessary to seal envelopes—we will seal them for you. Simply “nest” your envelopes together with the flaps up. Note: tucking the flap in the envelope is not secure.

Suspicious Mail
The Department of Police and Public Safety provided the following information from the FBI, US Postal Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of State. This Bulletin is a reminder to be alert in all areas of mail handling.

Identifying Suspect Mail or Parcels

Pay attention to any mail or packages with the following if they are unusual to your unit

• No return address or a strange or unexpected return address.

• Postmark does not match the return address.

• Mail directed to persons who no longer work for your unit.

• Mail marked "Personal" or "Confidential".

• Postmarks from a foreign country or the use of excessive postage.

• Misspelled words, improper addressing.

• Mail addressed to a Title or Office only, or to an incorrect Title or Office.

• Items that are oversized, lopsided or uneven.

• Items that are rigid or bulky.

• Items with a strange odor, stains, discoloration, leaking substance (powder, oil, etc).

• Protruding wires.

• Excessive tape.

If you are uncomfortable about a package or letter:

• Do not open it.

• Do not shake it or empty out its contents.

• Place the item in a box or plastic bag. An airtight plastic storage container is suggested.

• If a container is not available, cover the item and leave it covered.

• Leave the area and keep others away from the item.

• If possible, clean your hands with an antibacterial product.

• Notify your supervisor about the item.

• Prepare a list of persons in your area that may have handled the item.

• If your supervisor has concerns about the safety of the item, they will contact the MSU Police at 355-2221.

If you open an envelope or parcel and encounter an unidentified substance:

• Do not panic, remain calm.

• Do not touch, smell, taste or try to analyze the substance.

• Carefully put the item down and step away.

• Do not carry the item to another location.

• Remain in the immediate area to minimize the spread of the substance.

• Alert others to keep away from your area.

• Turn off any circulating fans, air conditioners or heaters.

• Notify the MSU Police at 9-1-1.

• Do not touch, handle or attempt to clean up the substance.

• If you touched the substance with your hands, do not touch your face.

• Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive.

• Be ready to inform emergency responders regarding who has had contact with the substance.

We are Here to Help

• Have you joined our Listserv? Visit our Web site and join today to receive up-to-date postal information, training announcements and Mail Processing news.

• Visit www.usps.com for copies of current Postal Service publications. If you would prefer paper copies of any USPS publication, contact us.

• Need mailing supplies? Mail Processing can help. Call or visit us today.

• Looking for a handy desk reference of current USPS regulations? We can send you the latest USPS Publications: DMM100 for those who send out general mail or DMM 200 for larger mailers. Call or e-mail us and we can get one to your office via Campus Mail.
  

Your Mail Needs a Complete Address
Did you know that even though Postal Service automation has opened the door to unmatched speed and accuracy in the handling of your mail, your attention to complete addressing is now more important than ever?

Today, letters speed through optical scanners and sorters faster than the eye can see. Reading the key address information is necessary for the computer controlling the scanner to make the best choice. Incomplete address information could not only slow the processing of your letter, but it could even cause your letter to be misdelivered.

Common omissions that cause delays or misdeliveries are:

• Missing or incomplete street suffixes such as Ave, Ct, St, Rd, or Way. Maple Street and Maple Court could have the same house numbers.
• Missing directionals such as N or S. For example, Monument Blvd E could be delivered by a post office different from the one that delivers Monument Blvd W.
• Missing secondary street indicators such as Apt, Bldg, Floor, Ste, Room, PMB (private mailbox), or Dept. These address elements are critical to efficient delivery.
• Abbreviation of city or department names. People living in some towns across the country use their own “shorthand” when writing the names of certain cities. LA might mean Los Angeles, but what if the letter really belongs in Los Alamitos or Los Alamos? CFO could mean Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, or Chagrin Falls, Ohio. And, F’burg might mean Fredericksburg to some people but Fitchburg to others. So, spell out the complete name of the city. For campus mail always spell out the department name. Our guess of who you meant to reach may not get your mail delivered to the intended department.
• Missing state. Remember to include the state, using the Postal Service two-character state abbreviation. You may think Cleveland is sufficient if you live in Ohio, but there is also a Cleveland, Georgia, and a Cleveland, Tennessee. In fact, there are cities or towns named Cleveland in 19 states.
• Incorrect or no ZIP Code. If you require access to address information frequently, the National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory makes a convenient companion. Besides ZIP Code information, this multi-purpose directory includes standardized address abbreviations, address formats, and plenty of other useful information. ZIP Codes can also be obtained by accessing the USPS Web site at www.usps.com, or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Remember—complete addressing keeps your mail from getting lost or misdirected.