___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sustainability
When sourcing a service that delivers correct address data, ensure it has information from postal operators. For example, in the US make sure they are Coding Accuracy Support System( CASS) certified for the United States Postal Service( USPS). This ensures that correct, standardized addresses are obtained.
Additionally, in the UK and US run the National Change of Address( NCOA) databases provided by the Royal Mail and USPS respectively, against held customer data, because they highlight those who have moved or passed away. Other countries have similar data sets.
By having quick access to the new addresses of customers who have changed residence, couriers will be able to maintain a speedy fulfilment process that helps meet their sustainability targets, while ensuring a consistent positive customer experience.
Geocoding is invaluable
Once you have an accurate address this can be used to inform geocoding, which enhances last-mile delivery efficiency, further reducing delays in fulfilment and returns, and supporting efforts in sustainability.
Geocoding technology provides latitude and longitude( rooftop level) coordinates, which is important when different properties may share an address, such as a plot of land or the street edge of a driveway- helping those in logistics to plan the most efficient delivery routes, while reducing carbon emissions.
Geocoding is particularly important when it comes to global deliveries due to different conventions for address formats around the world. For instance, the UK uses city, street and house number, but in Japan buildings are referenced by the number of the block they belong to, and within each block buildings are numbered as well. Sometimes it’ s done by order of construction, so the numbers don’ t necessarily follow each other.
In summary
Because of the role it plays in improving delivery efficiency, minimizing waste and lowering carbon emissions, address verification must be at the heart of any sustainable logistics process in 2026. It’ s more important than ever with looming challenging environmental targets and the growth in global warming, as well as increasing costs in the supply chain. ■
Barley Laing www. melissa. com / uk
Barley Laing is UK Managing Director at global data quality and ID verification business, Melissa. The company has 40 years of experience in providing UK and global data quality, address and identity verification services. Via its wide range of award-winning web services, SaaS, apps and on-premises software solutions, organizations can improve their customer data management, reduce fraud and comply with regulatory requirements. G2 consistently ranks Melissa as‘ leaders’ in data quality, including address verification, based on user feedback of the business’ products and services.
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