In the early 1960s, the United States faced increasing challenges in mail delivery due to an expanding population and the rapid growth of urban areas. The traditional addressing system was in danger of becoming obsolete, leading to delays and misdeliveries. In response, the United States Postal Service (USPS) initiated the ZIP code system, designed to enhance administrative efficiency and streamline the sorting process at post offices. The term ZIP stands for "Zone Improvement Plan," reflecting the goal of improving mail processing and service. Each ZIP code consists of five digits, with the first digits representing a group of states and the subsequent digits narrowing the delivery area further down to post offices and specific locations. The rollout began on July 1, 1963, and included nationwide public education campaigns to inform the public about the new system. The introduction of ZIP codes not only transformed the postal service but also impacted various industries, such as logistics and marketing, where precise location tracking became essential. Over time, ZIP codes evolved to include additional digits, leading to the more complex ZIP+4 system, enhancing mail sorting further.