The state of Denmark’s postal service, known as PostNord, has announced a significant shift in its operations, effectively ceasing the delivery of letters at the close of the year. This decision marks an end to over four centuries of letter deliveries provided by a state-owned entity, amid the backdrop of a dramatic decrease in mail volumes due largely to the rise of digital communications. As recipients embrace electronic means of communication, the traditional postcard and letter appear increasingly obsolete in a society that prides itself on innovation.
Herman Moyano, a postman who has served Denmark’s postal service for seven years, expresses a common sentiment among postal workers: the types of mail being delivered have shifted dramatically over time. Once consisting of heartfelt letters and personal messages, the modern mail consists predominantly of bills and bank statements, with Herman noting, “I have seen the mail going down gradually.” This decline in personal correspondence reflects a wider trend in Denmark and beyond, as the younger generation opts for instant messaging and emails over handwritten letters.
PostNord’s decision, announced back in March 2023, aligns with a larger relocation of focus towards its highly successful parcel delivery business instead of its struggling letter services. As part of this transition, PostNord will reduce its workforce by about 2,200 employees while simultaneously creating around 700 jobs in its parcel segment. According to Kim Pedersen, the head of PostNord Denmark, the average Dane now receives only one letter per month, highlighting the stark contrast between traditional postal services and the modern, digitally-driven marketplace where consumers prefer online shopping.
The logistics following this significant change will involve the removal of 1,500 red post boxes from Danish streets, although many locals seem unperturbed, rarely utilizing them in their daily lives. Resident Nikolaj Brøchner Andrès admits, “I don’t think I’ve sent a letter in years,” as the technological shift towards mobile payments and online communication becomes ingrained into society’s fabric. Denmark has astutely adopted a “digital by default” policy, leading to correspondence with governmental institutions being primarily electronic for over a decade.
Furthermore, a recent law effecting changes in the postal market opened the gates to private competition, while also lifting the exemption from the country’s 25% VAT on postal services. As a result, the cost per letter has increased sharply to 29 Danish krone (about $4.55). This price surge only exacerbates the decline in mail usage, with fewer individuals seeing value in sending letters when digital alternatives are readily available and significantly cheaper.
The decrease in letter volume is not confined to Denmark but is reflective of a wider European trend, with experts indicating that letter volumes have contracted across the continent. Countries like Germany and Switzerland report a slow rate of decline compared to Denmark’s steep fall, where letter volume has plummeted by over 90% since the early 2000s—from 1.4 billion letters in 2000 to just 110 million in 2022. This universal decline coincides with a notable drop of around 30% in physical mail sent in prominent global markets.
Despite these shifts, some individuals still cherish the act of sending and receiving physical letters, with anecdotes from residents demonstrating that a portion of society continues to value the sentimental aspects of traditional correspondence. As PostNord’s operations wind down, a private firm, DAO, has stepped in to bridge the gap, aiming to sustain nationwide letter deliveries despite skepticism from groups advocating for the elderly or those living in rural areas.
Each change in the postal landscape reveals not just an evolution in communication preferences but a broader narrative on how society adapts to an increasingly digital world, underlining the necessity for responsive postal systems that address current societal needs. As Doh explains, this evolution signifies that Denmark is at the forefront of a digitalized society, perhaps five to ten years ahead of many other nations. While the cessation of traditional letter deliveries signifies a loss for some, it also serves as a reflection of the natural progression towards an era dominated by digital communication.
