Carolyn writes:
 
<< [snip]
 
Also, someone mentioned the +4 doesn't have much value in the US.  It can
mean days in the delivery of mail.  I regularly correspond with someone in
Indianapolis (3 hours away) via mail they don't have email.  Mail can take
from 2 to 10 days to reach them until I started using +4.  Now they usually
get it the next day.    When we are doing large mailings we use the Zip +4
+2 +1 which saves a ton of money.  There are various services that will
determine the +2 +1 for you. My understanding of the zip code meaning is
this: Zip gives area, +4 gives block, +2 gives house and +1 is a check
digit.
 
I hope this offers some help.
 
Carolyn
 
>>
 
Very educational.  I was not aware of the +2 and +1, and I have yet to see
one, or even the space for it on a form. It does look like and afterthought
to an afterthought and is using more storage than necessary up to 12
characters now!  And you can't store it in an integer because you need to
know if you have 5 or 9 or 11 or 12 chars, and you need the hyphens at the
proper places.  Humm, this looks like a job for NULL ITEM!
 
One more thing to help in mailing.  I use Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
which has a neat little feature.  It can print an address on envelopes and
labels with this software onto my laserjet, with a delivery point barcode.
 This seems to help for packages and letters.
 
Kind regards,
 
Denys. . .
 
P.S.  Now quickly, Do you know your ZIP +4 +2 +1 ?