USPS Error Detection Identifying Data Entry Errors Questions and Answers Flashcards

A mail carrier's route sheet shows a delivery to '1247 Oakwood Blvd, Apt 3B, Springfield, IL 62704.' The package label reads '1274 Oakwood Blvd, Apt 3B, Springfield, IL 62704.' What is the error?

Answer: The street number is transposed from 1247 to 1274

The digits in the street number have been transposed, changing 1247 to 1274.

A certified mail log entry lists the sender as 'Johnson & Whitfield LLC' but the receipt copy shows 'Johnson & Whitefield LLC.' Which type of data entry error is present?

Answer: A spelling error in the company name

The name 'Whitfield' was misspelled as 'Whitefield' by adding an extra letter 'e'.

A parcel tracking entry shows weight as '5.3 lbs' but the scale reading documented on the intake form is '5.8 lbs.' What error has occurred?

Answer: A numeric substitution error in the weight

The digit 8 was incorrectly entered as 3, constituting a numeric substitution error.

A forwarding address form lists the new ZIP code as '90210' but the corresponding city is listed as 'Phoenix, AZ.' What data entry error is most likely?

Answer: The ZIP code does not correspond to Phoenix, AZ

ZIP code 90210 belongs to Beverly Hills, CA, not Phoenix, AZ, indicating the wrong ZIP was entered.

An Express Mail label shows the delivery date as '02/30/2026.' What type of error does this represent?

Answer: An invalid date entry since February does not have 30 days

February never has 30 days, making this an impossible date and a clear data entry error.

A postal clerk enters a customer's PO Box as 'P.O. Box 4456' on the receipt, but the application form clearly shows 'P.O. Box 4465.' What error occurred?

Answer: The last two digits of the PO Box number are transposed

The digits 65 were transposed to 56, changing PO Box 4465 to 4456.