How to Write a Shipping Address
Too often a simple error or a missing detail can mean your shipment will arrive late or not at all.
How To Write a Canadian or U.S. Mailing Address
For sending packages within Canada or to the United States, use the following format:
Line One: Start with the name of the recipient, including any legal or professional title as appropriate. When sending to organizations, include the company name as well as the recipient’s work title and (if known) the name of their department.
Line Two: Write the street address. Remember to include the apartment number, where one exists, and any directional information (NW, SE, NE, SW).
Line Three: Write the town/city followed by the two-letter province or state abbreviation and postal code, on one line if it fits. Otherwise, separate the information across two lines.
EXAMPLE:
RECEIVER’S NAME
47 ANYVILLE RD NW #2
ANYTOWN ON N4Z0A1
If shipping from the U.S. or overseas to Canada, add a final line for CANADA.
How To Write an International Address
International address formats are similar in structure to domestic addresses. Just be aware of minor variations in format among countries. Taking a little extra time to clarify the correct format can make all the difference when shipping overseas.
For example, in the United Kingdom it’s common to include the county or metropolitan area before the postal code:
RECEIVER’S NAME
47 ANYVILLE RD
READING
BERKSHIRE
RG1 1AT
UNITED KINGDOM
In France, the postal code precedes the town or city name:
RECEIVER’S NAME
APARTMENT 2
47 ANYTOWN RUE
01234 ANYVILLE
FRANCE
And in India, it’s common to include the state before the postal code:
RECEIVER’S NAME
47 ANYTOWN ROAD
CHENNAI
TAMIL NADU 600 002
INDIA
The Universal Postal Union, which governs postal standards worldwide, provides a handy online directory of address formats for countries around the world.