USPS Ghost Addresses

Did you know the US Postal Service has a "ghost address" system?

In other words, in the instance recited below, when a municipality changes a street name, both the old and new addresses are valid and apparently will continue to be valid until a resident moves:




I never knew such an arrangement was possible. If the USPS changes a ZIP Code, residents have to conform, but if it's a street address, it seems two different addresses can be used interchangeably and still guarantee delivery:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/lo...bcf887a.html

Yet another obscure USPS regulation I never heard of before.

I had that happen growing up. The street changed from West Holcombe to Bellaire Blvd. We received mail addressed to both for over 30 years.

Here in the UK postcodes similar to zip codes work by identifying a group of addresses in a street/building/area. Just a Postcode plus a house number would work. For example...

27
AB44 1XQ

this would be delivered to house number 27 in the street covered by the 1XQ code in the area AB44 even if the street name changed.

The house I live in now had some utilities under older addresses that had different street names and numbers. It was difficult to tell the electric company which address to turn the power on since they had an old one that we didn't even know about. The insurance company had problems finding us when we had a claim while back as they had another older address as well. There's three addresses for my house, but I only use the one for mail.

Hmmm. I guess these "ghost addresses" are more common than I thought.

Happened to me too. Used to be RR.1 box #482 Jersey Shore, Pa. then 71 Eighth Street Jersey shore, Pa. 17740.

Our small local PO is probably on the list to be closed and our address will change to that of the town nearby where the mail will originate from.

The mail has already been transferred to the new office, but the old PO is still open for mailing and picking up mail from the boxes.

It is good to know that the mail will be delivered no matter which address is used. It is still going to be a hassle to change my address and explain to people that I haven't really moved.

Used to be RD 1, Box 80, Bellefonte, PA. Mail to that address is returned to sender. Small post offices tend to provide better service longer. One middle level management person, intent on following the postal codes and regulations By The Book, can make a lot of that service disappear. It certainly has locally.

Hey Jobi I'm from Jersey shore and Lock Haven Pa. I have an uncle named Jobi believe it or not. He's from Huntington Pa though.