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USPS · Attention to Detail Under Volume

You notice that two different addresses on your sort labels look very similar (e.g., '1256 Oak Street' and '1265 Oak Street'). How do you handle sorting these?

Correct answer

Read both the street number AND the street name for each piece carefully before placing — similar addresses are a common source of sorting errors

  1. A Assume they go to the same tray
  2. B Read both the street number AND the street name for each piece carefully before placing — similar addresses are a common source of sorting errors
  3. C Sort them both to the tray that matches the first digit
  4. D Sort faster to get through them without overthinking

Why this is the answer

Similar addresses are one of the most common sources of sorting errors in mail processing. Careful reading of both the number AND the street name for every piece prevents this type of mistake. 1256 Oak and 1265 Oak are different addresses that likely go to different destinations — a transposition error would cause both letters to be delayed. Slowing down for similar-looking addresses is always the right choice.
Source: USPS 475 VEA, Address Accuracy

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