Why is a complete address critical on sent mail?

A complete address is critical for ensuring timely delivery because it provides all the necessary information for postal workers to accurately and efficiently route the mail to its intended recipient. Each component of the address, such as street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code, plays a vital role in helping mail carriers identify the correct delivery location.

Without a complete address, there may be delays in sorting and delivering the mail as postal workers could struggle to locate the recipient. This could result in misdeliveries, returns to sender, or prolonged periods without the mail reaching its destination. Additionally, while a complete address may serve other functions like avoiding additional fees or facilitating proof of delivery, its primary purpose is to guarantee that the mail is delivered on time to the correct location.