Common Shipping Address Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even the smallest mistakes in an address, such as transposing digits in a ZIP code or omitting an apartment number, can lead to delivery delays, returned packages, or even lost packages. What are the most common shipping address errors, and how can you avoid them?

Typos and misspellings. Misspelled street or city names are probably the most common type of shipping address error. While small typos or misspellings are unlikely to result in package loss as long as the rest of the address, including the ZIP code, is correct, they can result in delivery delays.

Incorrect or missing apartment, suite, or unit numbers. This error is particularly common in large buildings or apartment complexes. It can result in the “Insufficient Address” delivery status, in which case the package is returned to the sender. At best, the package will be delivered to a neighbor, who may give it to you, but there will still be a delivery delay.

Incorrect ZIP code. A ZIP code is a five-digit code that represents a package’s destination and is essential for package processing. If the ZIP code does not match the rest of the address, the package will be delivered to the post office that matches the ZIP code instead of the post office that matches the rest of the address. The package will then either be rerouted to the correct post office, resulting in a delay, or returned to the sender.

Using the billing address instead of the shipping address. This situation usually occurs with online shopping when the merchant or buyer confuses the two addresses. The shipping address is the delivery address, while the billing address is the address linked to the buyer’s bank card. While they are often one and the same, this is not always the case. If the two addresses are mixed up, the package will be delivered to the wrong address.

Using an outdated shipping address. Using an outdated shipping address. This can happen if the addressee has moved and you didn’t know and used their old address. If the addressee submitted a change of address request to the USPS, their mail will be forwarded to their new address, but this process takes time. Otherwise, your package may be returned to the sender, or it may get lost or stolen.

Even small shipping address errors can lead to delivery delays, and more significant errors can result in returned or lost packages, or additional shipping costs since carriers often charge correction fees for incomplete or incorrect addresses.

As with most mistakes, it’s better to prevent shipping address errors than to have to deal with them. Before sending a package, reach out to the recipient to verify their shipping address. Double-check the address before printing the shipping label or providing it to post office employees. Although some shipping label platforms have built-in address validation software, you should still verify that the building and apartment number are correct.

If you notice an error on the shipping label before mailing the package, cancel the label and create a new one. Correcting the error manually won’t help because the wrong address is already in the USPS system. If you realize you’ve made a mistake after mailing the package, contact the USPS Customer Care Center at 1-800-275-8777 as soon as possible to see if anything can be done.