UPS Address Validation is a web-service that checks addresses to ensure they are correct. This helps to increase delivery predictability and reduce delivery failures. In addition, it can also be used to improve customer experience.
UPS address validation is used by eCommerce stores and other businesses that ship packages. Using UPS Address Validation can save time and money by eliminating the need to manually check addresses and verify them. Moreover, UPS Address Validation can improve customer service by providing suggested alternatives for an invalid address.
UPS provides an address validation API that is available to developers. It includes a developer kit that enables programmers to code and integrate UPS functionality into their applications. The API requires a valid XML access key.
Unlike other address validation services, the UPS address validation API does not perform comprehensive address data intelligence. This means that it does not validate building numbers, secondary units, or suites. However, it still does return multiple candidates for a given address.
When integrating UPS Address Validation into an application, it is important to understand the limitations of the service. UPS assumes no liability for the accuracy of its address validation services. Also, it does not offer any CASS certification.
UPS provides two endpoints for its Address Validation API. One endpoint allows you to search for addresses using a ZIP/City/State lookup. Another endpoint allows you to perform a street level validation. Both endpoints are provided via HTTPS.
Although the UPS Address Validation API does a great job at identifying invalid addresses, it is not ideal for shipping packages. The address validation results that are returned may include a number of other details. For example, the validation output may include timestamps and detailed tracking information.