What is a zone chart used for in USPS services?

A zone chart is essential for determining the prices of shipping services based on the distance between the origin and destination of a package. It assigns specific zones to various geographical regions, allowing postal employees to quickly identify the correct zone based on where the package is coming from and where it is going. This zone-based system is integral to pricing calculations, as the farther the distance falls into various zones, the more the shipping costs change.

The use of a zone chart means that postal workers can accurately assess shipping costs by matching the origin and destination pairing with its corresponding zone, ensuring that pricing reflects the actual distance involved in the shipment. This approach streamlines the shipping process and provides clear pricing structures for both the USPS team and the customer. The accurate assignment of zone codes is fundamental to maintaining consistency and clarity in postal rates across different regions.