The Correct Way to Use Suites in Addresses

How to Properly Use Suites in Addresses

Even in the digital age where email, text, messaging and social media allow people to communicate instantaneously, it is sometimes necessary to mail a traditional letter. Some people even prefer mailing letters because it is nostalgic or romantic. Of course, sending letters requires a specific set of skills. You need to know how to properly address a letter, especially if the address contains a suite number. When writing an address for a mailed necessity, remember to check proper abbreviations for the mailing addresses as well as addressing it correctly in an address line.

Address formats are pretty consistent across the USA, but the correct way to address something will be needed for business letters and business mail. Most people have to use the U.S. postal service, or usps.com, for their mail and can find their delivery address needs online, but for physically writing addresses, watch for your needs. Some mail, for business purposes, needs to include a company name and a p.o. Box, post office box, number for proper directional delivery.

International addresses may vary in their written physical address needs, but the mailpiece should still be addressed similarly in needs. Try to write the addresses in the proper way, but paying attention to state abbreviations, postal codes, the person’s name spelling, and any grammatical necessities, like hyphens, abbreviations (like blvd or Main St), and capital letters.

General Requirements for Addresses

All letters that ship through the United States Postal Service (USPS) or a private courier service like United Parcel Service (UPS) or Federal Express (FedEx) should bear complete addresses. Generally, this includes a destination address printed near the middle of the envelope. This destination address should include the recipient’s name on the first line; the street number and street name on the second line; and the city name, state name and postal zip code on the third line. A correctly addressed letter should also contain a return address located in the upper left corner of the envelope. The return address, which allows the post office to return a letter that is undeliverable or refused by the recipient, should use the same three line format as the destination address.

Suites and Apartment Numbers

Some addresses contain additional information. Usually this means that the destination is part of a larger building or cluster of offices that share the same street address. In these cases, the destination should include an apartment or suite number, which will allow the person delivering the letter to pinpoint its precise destination. The apartment number (abbreviated apt) or suite number (abbreviated ste and pronounced “sweet”) should always occupy the second line of the destination address, following the street name and set apart using a comma. For example:

• Recipient Name
• Street Number Street Name, Suite Number
• City Name, State Zip code

Suite Number Position

The location of the suite number on the envelope is very important. Never write the suite number on the third line (or below the second at all). Because the post office reads destination addresses from the bottom of the envelope up, they may misconstrue a suite number or apartment number written below the second line as a street number without a street name. If this happens, there could be a delay in the delivery of your letter. If there is insufficient space on the second line for the suite number or apartment number, you should write that number above the second line to avoid this problem.

Writing and sending letters through the mail is sometimes necessary, and it can also be fun. By following the proper protocol for addressing your letters, you can ensure that your mail will reach your recipient without delay.