What does Zip Code mean?

Question

I know what a zip code is, but what does it mean? Something zone....

But in England (and probably other places) they call it Postal Code.

Because it means zone (something..) Why don't they just call it Zone Code ?

Answer 1

It's an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan

Answer 2

I think it meant "Zone Improvement Program" when it was started. They they called it Zip Code to make it sound cute and get people to use it and it caught on.

Answer 3

ZIP- Zone Improvement Plan

This is a system of postal codes. This was made so that mail can be shipped faster and more efficiently. It only use 5 digits plus four more to identify a smaller geographical area within that zone.

For Example: 12345 would be a zip code, But if the person wanted to be more specific to where they live they would write 12345-6789.

Its not called postal code because its a little different and more specific.

Answer 4

Etymology:

    zone improvement plan

Date:

    1963

The idea is that the zip code *improves* the efficiency of the mail getting to its destination.

Answer 5

Yes, it's an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan as defined by USPS.

You can search all ZIP codes from the following directory.

http://search.zipcodeworld.com