USPS Address Verification Or Third-Party Tools?

When you send packages to customers, you need them to reach their intended recipients at the correct address. Otherwise, you risk lost or returned mail and disappointed customers. Using USPS address verification helps you minimize delivery mishaps and improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.


USPS Maintains an Extensive Database of addresses Across the Country

The USPS database contains millions of standardized address records. This allows CASS certified software to verify that required elements are present, spelled correctly, and formatted properly for postage. In addition, it flags if an address is a rural route, general delivery, or a highway contract carrier.

However, the USPS database doesn’t include some essential details that are relevant for e-commerce and shipping. For example, it doesn’t recognize apartments and condos, or distinguish between unit and suite numbers. It also doesn’t verify addresses that are imaginary or nonexistent, such as cemeteries, baseball fields, or vacant lots.

Third-Party Tools

There are a variety of third-party services that offer address validation and standardization. Some of them are free and simple to use, while others provide a range of additional features that can help you automate address cleansing processes and prevent data errors.

Smarty provides a web-based USPS address lookup API that offers a free basic service and a more advanced paid version. The latter enables you to integrate the service with your company’s systems, which is a valuable feature that can reduce time spent manually checking and entering data.


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