ZIP code sequence

Computerized file-maintenance technique that numerically sorts the name and address records in a file by ZIP code; also called ZIP sequence; ZIP sort. Direct marketers sort mailing lists by ZIP code to facilitate the printing of address labels or mailing pieces in ZIP code sequence as required by the U.S. Postal Service for bulk mail. Sorting a customer file by ZIP code sequence makes it easier to locate a record based on the customer's address, which, unlike customer account numbers or matchcodes, appears on most order forms and correspondence. See also presort.