subject: From TR to ZE and all points in between – postcodes help delivery companies work smarter [print this page] Postcodes are the magic formula which makes any letter or parcel delivery service's work easier. The system of postcodes is a Russian invention, and the first ones were introduced in 1932 and then abandoned seven years later.
They first came to the United Kingdom in 1959, but we were some way behind Germany in adopting such a system it inaugurated its own codes in 1941. There is no standard international postcode format, but while, in many countries, the codes consist solely of numbers, the United Kingdom is one of only seven territories worldwide which uses an alphanumeric system.
The UK's system allows locations to be broken down into much smaller units than is possible when purely numbers are used. Hence, delivery companies are always promoting their use to help them offer a more punctual and efficient service.
Postcodes come into their own in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland when a parcel or letter needs to find its way to an address in a densely-populated area. In all uses, the combination of the postcode with a house number is unique. This explains why so many companies with large databases of addresses need only these two pieces of information in order to pinpoint an exact address.
When the item being delivered is large and/or bulky, the inclusion of a postcode on its address label is very important as, although such items cannot be automatically sorted, valuable time can be wasted if this information is not provided, and the consignment may even be directed to the wrong delivery vehicle. So when a parcel is being sent to a destination in the UK, it is desirable to always include the postcode.
There are several websites which will find a postcode for letter or parcel delivery purposes. Yet, as the information can be commercially valuable, a limit is usually placed on the number of postcode searches which can be performed in a given period without charge.
In certain parts of the UK, non-geographical postcodes are used. These will usually consist of the first letters denoting the postcode region, followed by a unique first set of numbers. Businesses which receive large amounts of parcels and postal deliveries often like to use these, as it merely identifies that business with the postal area, and not with any sub-division within it.
The use of postcodes does not do away with the need for delivery drivers to have a good knowledge of their area it is the combination of the postcode system and their excellent local knowledge which makes the UK's delivery system by and large so dependable.
Parcel delivery companies use postcodes to help with the accurate delivery of millions of items every day. You can get a quote for an overnight delivery service to any part of the UK quickly, easily and for free online.
From TR to ZE and all points in between postcodes help delivery companies work smarter
