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Planet Money
Planet Money

ZIP Codes!

Jan 8, 2025 · 28m
AI Summary
  • ZIP codes originated after WWII as a mail organization system but have become ubiquitous in modern life, appearing in credit card verification and rental searches.
  • The ZIP code system contributes approximately $10 billion annually to the US economy and has expanded far beyond its original postal purpose.
  • The episode explores why ZIP codes were created, how they transformed mail delivery, their broader economic and social impact, and whether their current usage has overreached.

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