A package’s delivery can be a little confusing. Once you’ve figured out how to pack and weigh everything correctly, you’ll want to check that any packages or parcels you send have the destination address on them in the right format so that the mailman can deliver them.
So how to address a package? When addressing a package for shipping, postage, a return address, and a destination address are required. Similar to where they would be on a mail envelope, the addresses are presented as blocks of text in these locations.
This is especially valid when using USPS for shipping. Other shipping companies, like FedEx and UPS, rely less on handwritten labels with addresses and more on computer-printed ones.
Keep reading and learn more tips about addressing a package.
Table of Contents
What Is Shipping Address Format And Why Is It Important For Shipping?
Technically speaking, it is a set of facts pointing in the direction of a real place. The format in which the information is typically presented can vary by country.
If you’re ever unsure, it would be a good idea to ask for assistance from the shipping staff because they are trained to read and comprehend shipping information. Typical information includes:
- The recipient name
- A flat or house number
- A street name
- The name of the city
- An area or state
- A postal code
- The name of the country
The shipping information in a package determines how it will be delivered. It’s not difficult to comprehend that if there are any errors, they could cause it to be delivered incorrectly or even be returned to you (at your expense). Because of this, properly addressing a package is essential to getting your shipments delivered.
Can Address Be Written On A Package?
Yes, in addition to the shipping label, the address is frequently written on packages. This makes sure that even if the shipping label is damaged, the courier can still locate the recipient’s address.
Shipping labels frequently sustain damage while in transit, especially in inclement weather and when the sender failed to place the shipping label in a pouch.
How To Address A Package Like An Envelope?
Step 1: Place The Box
Place the box so that the top side is facing up and flat surface. Make sure the taped tab lines run horizontally if the package is a cardboard box.
Step 2: Use A Permanent Marker
Use a permanent marker to add “From” to the top left corner of the package. Make three separate lines for the sender’s address. The name should appear next to “From,” the phone number should appear on the line directly beneath the name line, and the street address should follow. Directly beneath the address line, write the city, state, and zip code.
Step 3: Write “To” Directly Beneath The Tape Line
In the center of the box, write “To” directly beneath the tape line. To the right of “To,” write the name of the person or business receiving the package.
Below that, write the recipient’s phone number and street address. Just below the address line, type the city, state, and zip. Start the recipient address in the exact middle of the top surface if your package is not taped on top.
Tip: At least one arm’s length should be required to read the address.
What To Write On The Package?
The following information ought to be on shipping labels in general:
- Delivery address. This is the address where you want your delivery to be made. To prevent misunderstanding, please write the address exactly, without any abbreviations. Remember to include the zip code.
- Return address. You need to include the address you want your package returned to in case it doesn’t arrive at the delivery address. Usually, this is the address of the sender. So that the package can be returned to you, kindly include the address at which you actually reside.
- Size and weight of the package To figure out which shipping option is best for you, you must weigh and measure your package. On our website, you can look up your shipment’s dimensions.
- Shipping date. The day your package is delivered to its final location.
- Tracking number. The shipping tracking number allows you to follow a package’s progress.
- Description of the content. You must include a brief description of each item along with the quantity you are sending in this field. This is required to ensure that everything is shipped correctly and might be helpful when filing a claim.
- Barcodes. Each package has a distinct barcode in addition to the tracking number. Please make sure the package’s barcode is on a flat surface so that it can be read easily.
Where To Write The Return Address On A Package?
We’ll assume that you’ve already attached the shipping label to the package’s largest flat side and written the recipient’s address in the center of one of the sides. Now, to write the return address on the package, just add the information to the left upper corner, on the same side where you have the recipient’s address.
Addressing A Package: Some Useful Tips
- Use upper case (capital) letters
- Write your address in the English
- Don’t use more than five lines
- Write the complete return information
- Don’t write a phone number or fax number as a part of the delivery details
Handwritten Addresses
The front of the box will be clean if you chose to hand-write the mailing and return addresses on your package. You’ll need a location that makes it possible for your writing to be clearly read. Don’t make it difficult for your mailman to read the address so that it doesn’t get delivered incorrectly.
Additionally, the space needs to be big enough for the sender and recipient addresses to fit on the same box face.
The destination address should be inscribed toward the bottom center of the box’s face. You should leave enough space for the return address, which will be placed in the middle of the box face.
Use a dark permanent marker when handwriting the addresses so they are easy to read and won’t come off.
Then, on the top-left corner of the box’s face, you should write your address (the sender’s address).
- Use the recipient’s full name
- To make your writing consistent and simple to read, use all capital letters.
- Commas and periods are not necessary.
- whenever possible, add the ZIP+4® Code.
The following lines should be separate for each address:
- The recipient’s full name
- Full Street address and apartment or suite number, if applicable
- City, State, and ZIP+4 Code
If the apartment or suite number won’t fit on the street address line, put it above the city, state, and ZIP code on its own line. If you need to save space, you can also use unit abbreviations or business abbreviations.
UPS, FedEx, And DHL
All of the private delivery services, including DHL, UPS, and FedEx, are switching to pre-printed labels. Your shipping address will likely need to be handwritten on a waybill form if you bring your package to a UPS or FedEx location.
After that, a staff member will take that form, enter the data you wrote down onto it into their computer, and give you a few pricing options.
You can create online accounts with all the major carriers to avoid taking the additional step of filling out a waybill form. You can buy all the required shipping labels online and then simply drop the packages off once the postage is attached. Online postage prices are frequently more affordable.
Similar to the USPS option, Shippo also sells and prints labels for UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
Read More:
FAQs
What is USPS Address Format?
No punctuation. minimum 10-point type. Between a city and a state, one space. The state and ZIP Code are separated by two spaces.
How to Write International Address Format?
- House number: Additionally, it might be a floor or suite number.
- Street address: A street address might or might not be included in your recipient address. The house number and street address may occasionally be replaced with a PO box number.
- City name: You may run across towns and municipalities when researching the various approaches to writing an international address on an envelope. Unsurprisingly, some nations substitute these words for “cities.”‘
- Postal code: Postal codes also go by different names in different nations, such as ZIP codes in the US, postcodes in the UK, etc.
What Happens If You Mistakenly Address A Package?
The courier will be responsible for this. You can ask the courier to change the delivery address if you catch it early. Otherwise, the package will probably be returned to the return address.
What Font Works Best For Address Labels?
When writing an address for a shipping label, it is best to use a sans-serif font that is no larger than 8 points. It is best to contact the courier if you have any questions so that you can explore your options. But generally, it’s best to follow the rules and keep things straightforward.
How Do You Shorten “Address”?
When formatting an address for shipping, there are a few standard abbreviations that are used. Locations are frequently shortened, like Ave., Apt. is a common abbreviation for the word apartment. Blvd. and St. Before formatting your address, look up the abbreviations for each state because they must be precise.
How to Write a Package Label?
Choosing your carrier is the first step in the shipping label creation process. In order to complete this step, the information on our page on USPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx will be useful.
Then, each carrier has a different process for generating a shipping label; however, be ready to register and have the necessary data on hand. This data includes your shipping origin and destination as well as other details relevant to your particular shipping requirements.
