When sending mail where does the address go

When sending mail, the address goes through a series of steps before it reaches its final destination. Here's a general overview of the process:

Sorting at the Post Office: When you mail a letter or package, it's taken to a post office or a mailbox. The postal worker sorts the mail into different categories based on the destination zip code, city, and state.
Barcoding: The postal worker applies a barcode to the mailpiece, which contains the address information. This barcode is read by machines at various stages of the delivery process.
Destination Sorting Facility: The sorted mail is transported to a destination sorting facility, also known as a sectional center facility (SCF). These facilities are strategically located throughout the country and are responsible for sorting mail for specific regions.
Automated Processing: At the SCF, the mail is processed using automated machinery that reads the barcodes and sorts the mail into smaller batches based on the destination zip code.
Local Post Office: The sorted mail is then transported to a local post office or delivery unit, where it's sorted again based on the specific delivery route.
Delivery: The mail is then delivered to the recipient's mailbox or doorstep by a postal carrier.

Here's a breakdown of the address information and where it's used during the process:

Street Address: This is used to sort the mail at the local post office and delivery unit.
City: This is used to sort the mail at the destination sorting facility and local post office.
State: This is used to sort the mail at the destination sorting facility and local post office.
Zip Code: This is used to sort the mail at the destination sorting facility and local post office, and is also used to determine the delivery route.
Post Office Box (PO Box): If the recipient has a PO Box, the mail is delivered to the post office and then handed to the recipient.

Overall, the address information is used at multiple stages of the mail delivery process to ensure that the mail reaches its intended destination.