Why Can't UPS Validate My Address?

UPS Address Validation is a software tool that helps in verifying, correcting, and standardizing addresses for mails and parcels. It works in real time and allows businesses to reduce the risk of delivery errors, delays, and additional costs. Its advantages include a simple implementation, easy integration, and the ability to be used by individuals and business organizations alike. However, it has some drawbacks like high response times, complex implementation, and compatibility issues. Some of these limitations can be overcome by leveraging alternatives to the UPS address validation API such as Smarty.

Why Can't ups Validate My Address?

Inaccurate or missing data is a common reason why UPS fails to recognize an address. For example, if the street name is misspelled or if the postal code does not match the city or state, it will be rejected. Moreover, sometimes an area is simply not serviced by the post office. From PO box-only ZIP codes in the US to war-torn areas of third world countries, some locations are just not reachable by postmen.

In some cases, the UPS address validation API ignores secondary address elements like building numbers and secondary unit numbers. This is a big problem for e-commerce and online retail as it leads to inaccurate orders. For instance, 205 Devonwood Drive does not exist in real life but the UPS API treats it as a valid address because it has a range between 135 and 285. As a result, the order is shipped to an incorrect place.