Fun facts about US ZIP codes:
If you're like most people, you probably see zip codes almost every day. From addresses and business cards to letters, packages and maps, you can see them all.
U.S. ZIP Codes, also known as Regional Improvement Programs (ZIP Codes), are a key part of the U.S. Postal Service, which has only been around since 1963. At the time, the U.S. government introduced nearly 42,000 zip codes to improve the efficiency of mail delivery.
You might be surprised to learn that zip codes have an interesting history that includes some unusual moments. In this article, we'll share some interesting moments and interesting stories related to zip codes.
When zip codes were first introduced, the U.S. Postal Service had to train the public to use zip codes. It was decided that the best way to do this would be to launch a public awareness campaign. Sounds normal, right?
Interestingly, it was decided to push the change to the zip code with a strange cartoon character named "Mr. Zip". Mr. Zip was designed to show how fast the mail system will be thanks to the newly introduced postal codes.
Mr. Zip was painted by the postman's son, Harold Wilcox. Given the character's basic look, you might think Harold was a little kid. In fact, Harold Wilcox was the art director of advertising agency Cunningham and Walsh.
He deliberately painted the character as a child's creation because they thought it would make Zip more attractive. It must have worked because using a zip code is second nature to most people these days.
"Movie" also helped
The U.S. Postal Service also released a 15-minute informational video encouraging people to use zip codes.
The film is a creative event that includes music, drama, comedy, and even a little romance. It is especially interesting that there is often a serious-faced US Postmaster General. You can watch this movie in its 1963 glory.
Ethel Merman also recorded a catchy song "Zip-a-Dee-do-dah" to promote zip codes.
ZIP codes actually contain a lot of information
How much information can be contained in a 5 digit number? A large part, it turns out. Each number in a zip code has a specific function. Let's use the zip code 90210 as an example (most people are familiar).
Zip+4 numbers contain more numbers! Introduced in 1984, they have additional numbers that are specific to the street, building, side of the street, or floor. These longer zip codes are often used by businesses that send large volumes of mail.
Because the extra information in the ZIP+4 number helps deliver mail more efficiently, businesses that use the extra number often get discounts on postage.
There are also four types of zip codes:
Unique (suitable for high-volume locations such as large businesses, government buildings, and universities)
mailboxes (these mailboxes usually have additional numbers to designate mailboxes)
military
Standard (Location in our town each day)
Some buildings have their own postcodes
As just mentioned, specific locations can have their own zip codes. Some notable examples of this include:
White House (20500)
General Electric Company (12345)
Education Examination Office Headquarters (08541)
One Penn Place, New York (10119)
Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York (10118)
101 Park Avenue, New York (10178)
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles (90090)
Sears Tower, Chicago (60606)
US presidents have their own zip codes
One of the perks of being president is your own zip code! To send a letter to POTUS, please use the ZIP+4 code 20500-0001. You can also send a letter to FLOTUS using 20500-0002. These zip codes are all a subset of the White House zip codes (20500).