The Official National Zone Charts identify the appropriate distance code assigned to each origin and destination ZIP Code pairing for every ZIP Code number in the nation. These distance codes, referred to as zones, are designated as "Local" and "1 through 9".
Zone charts create a matrix for each originating ZIP Code number with the following (matched) information:
- Destination ZIP Code range.
- Associated zone for the distance.
Zone charts are produced by the United States Postal Service using the centroid of each 3 digit ZIP Code area to determine the distance between origin and destination ZIP Code pairings. Zone charts are updated on a quarterly basis.
Postage meters also use these charts to determine printed postage. Any questions on these must be answered by the manufacturer of the meter.
To calculate the zone chart based on the first 3 digits of any ZIP Code number you may use the Postal Zone Chart lookup tool (free of charge) at Zone Charts.
International Service Center Zone Chart
In May 2015, USPS created new price zones for Priority Mail International® service to Canada. These zones are based on the distance of the origin ZIP Code™ to the serving International Service Center (ISC). To clarify this zone-based pricing structure, an ISC Zone Chart was produced to help mailers determine the applicable pricing zone of their mailpiece(s) based on the origin ZIP Code. Once the mailer knows the zone and weight of the item, they can calculate the applicable postage price.
The ISC Zone Chart is now available for a subscription fee from the National Customer Support Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
National Customer Support Center
If you wish to inquire further on purchasing a chart, contact the National Customer Support Center by:
- Email at incsc@usps.gov.
- Telephone at 1-800-238-3150. Select “Option 6” followed by “Option 2” to speak with a customer service representative between 7:00am and 5:00pm CT (between 8:00am and 6:00pm ET).
