ZIP Code Day is celebrated annually on July 1. The Post Office Department announced the ZIP code in the late 1960s. They rolled out a publicity campaign that featured Mr. Zip, encouraging people to use the new codes. Another element of the campaign included mailing more than 72,000,000 postcards to let people know about their new ZIP code.
History of ZIP Code Day
At this point in our lives, a ZIP code may seem like a normal thing to have, but there was a time when it did not exist. It was London and Liverpool in England that were the first cities to be divided into designated ZIP code sectors. However, by the end of World War I, this system began making its way all across the world. In different countries, it might be known by different names, though, such as postal code or pin code. Some counties do not use a postal code at all, however, such as the Bahamas, Botswana, Dominica, Fiji, Ghana, Mauritius, Yemen, to name a few.
The ZIP code or the zone improvement plan system only came to the United States in the early 1960s. The idea behind introducing it was to help in speedy mail travel. It was observed that mail was moving more efficiently when there were ZIP codes added to the final address. The usage of a ZIP code has now gone beyond its initial purpose and includes collecting geographical statistics, credit card authorization, internet routing, identification of legislative districts, insurance-related works, and more. The term ‘ZIP code’ was first registered by the United States Postal Service. Since 1967, the post office has made it mandatory to use ZIP codes for bunk mailers.
ZIP codes are even popular in pop culture. The most famous ZIP code is 90210 in Beverly Hills, owing to the ’90s TV show of the same name.
ZIP Code Day timeline
The United States Post Office Department (USPOD) implements postal zones for several large cities.
Robert Moon, a postal inspector, submits his proposal for a ZIP code system.
The ZIP code’s 5-digit sequence goes national in the United States.
The Zip+4, which is the five digits of the ZIP code followed by a hyphen and four digits that designates a more specific location, is introduced.
ZIP Code Day FAQs
Who invented the ZIP-code system?
The ZIP code system was invented by Robert A. Moon. He was a career postal employee who worked for 20 years to implement the ZIP code as we know it today.
Why do we use ZIP codes?
A ZIP code helps to indicate the destination post office or delivery area to which a letter will be sent for final sorting. It also determines the delivery routes that will be taken by mail carriers of the USPS.
Is there a difference between a ZIP and a postal code?
No, a ZIP code and a postal code are essentially the same. However, the term ‘ZIP code’ is used in the U.S. while ‘postal code’ is used in other countries.
How To Celebrate Zip Code Day
Bake a cake with your ZIP code in icing
You can bake a cake and write out your ZIP code, or even multiple codes, in icing on top. Share this cake with your friends and family and uniquely celebrate this unofficial holiday.
Create a community event
You can speak to your local authorities and create a community event specially designed for your ZIP code. This event can offer a host of entertainment such as a parade, bake-offs, workshops, etc.
Read up about the father of ZIP codes
Robert Moon was a postal service employee who went through a great effort to introduce the ZIP-code system. If you don’t know anything about him, ZIP Code Day is the day to change that. Read up about the man who brought about this system, which is now beneficial to the whole country.
5 Interesting Facts About Zip Codes
Thousands of ZIP codes
In the United States, there are approximately 42,000 ZIP codes.
ZIP code changes
Each year, there are around 5,000 changes made to ZIP codes, which include eliminating old ones and creating new ones.
Different classifications
ZIP codes can be classified into four types: Unique Codes, PO Boxes, Military, and Standard.
The White House has two ZIP codes
The White House has two ZIP codes; one is for the President, and the other is for their family to receive personal mail.
Wealthiest ZIP code
The wealthiest ZIP codes in the U.S. belong to 07620 — Alpine, N.J., and 33109 - Fisher Island, Fl.
Why Zip Code Day Is Important
Rapid and efficient mail delivery
A ZIP code is important for the USPS to ensure rapid and efficient delivery of all mail. The ZIP code helps to identify and map routes and sort mail accordingly.
ZIP codes are for more than mail delivery
While ZIP codes are indeed most important for mail delivery, they’re equally important for other reasons. They can come in use for job opportunities, access to medical services, stores, and much more.
ZIP codes are helpful
ZIP codes can help you identify places you want to visit or relocate to. ZIP code mapping can even help in shortlisting locations for a new or expanding business. They even help banks and lenders in issuing authorization for credit cards and assigning insurance ratings.
ZIP Code Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
Log In With Google