Grand Rapids MI – It seems so simple, but do you know how to properly address a card, letter or package going to a Post Office Box? If you like privacy and security and want the flexibility to pick up the mail at your convenience then a Post Office Box is a great option for you. But you want to make sure the mail arrives to the correct box.

“Addressing the mail the right way is extremely important to ensure timely delivery,” says District Manager, Krista Finazzo. “It only takes a few minutes to get everything written down correctly regardless of it’s a card, letter, or package.” 

Here are some addressing tips to help customers prepare their mail for correct delivery: 

• Print addresses clearly using all capital letters.
• All punctuation should be eliminated.
• The name of the city should be spelled out.
• The state name should be abbreviated.
• Include all Post Office Box numbers.
• Customers should never guess the ZIP Code.
• Include a return address on all cards, letters, and packages.
• Remove or mark out any conflicting address information.

“Many mail processing operations are automated, so machines are reading the addresses on the mail as it travels through our network,” says Finazzo.  “If the address is not legible or inaccurate that can delay delivery of the mail to your Post Office Box.”

The Post Office Box service is a safe, affordable convenient way to receive mail. Mail typically arrives faster at a Post Office Box than at a residential or business address. 

There are a variety of box sizes to choose from—depending on the anticipated amount of mail you will be receiving.  To learn more, please visit the your local Post Office to rent a box; or search online at www.usps.com by address or ZIP Code for an available Post Office Box

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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