How did the Idea of Having zip codes get started?

Question

Did zip codes start back east and get added on as america grew, or are they a more recent invention.
Who Started them and how are they organised.
Best answer gets 10 points

Answer 1

You have to expand the Name to realize the meaning

Zone Improvement Program

The United States Postal Service began the program

they improved it by adding 4 more numbers - which corresponds to the floor of a building - or the side of a street
for one block - AND

by adding just 2 more digits - can nail your house exactly

so look at the next "official" mail from the USPS - that could show you what your extra 2 are

we may not have to use addresses at all - just 11 digits

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easier to read numbers than figure out addresses
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EXCEPT - I had a letter addressed from my friend
at work to my work - - - had it exactly correct - well almost

33881-1210 instead of 3881-1220

and the rascals sent it back as undeliverable

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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yep it was important - so we use e-mail now -
cuts down delivery time from Montana to Florida
send my letter when I get in - and have a reply by lunch
with pictures!
*******************************zero postage

Answer 2

The Zoning Improvement Plan (ZIP) codes were invented by Robert Aurand Moon in the 1950's although they didn't come into use by the Post Office until 1963.
Moon, who was the United States director of mail delivery services for 7 years, originally invented a three-digit code system that he believed was necessary for the Post Office to keep up with the mail volume after WWII. This system was later expanded into the ZIP code system put in use in 1963. Moon's numerical system was designed from the outset for mechanical sorting.

Answer 3

the wikipedia.com zip code definition answers all of your questions.. it was just too much for me to type to explain it to you.. but yes they have expanded as the country grows and more cities spring up.