Denmark ending letter deliveries is a sign of the digital times
3 days ago
- #digitalization
- #postal services
- #Denmark
- Denmark's national postal service PostNord will cease letter deliveries by the end of 2024 due to a steep decline in letter volumes driven by digitalization.
- PostNord is shedding 2,200 jobs in its letter arm and focusing on its profitable parcel business, creating 700 new roles.
- Danes receive an average of one letter per month, with online shopping and digital communication becoming the norm.
- The volume of letters handled by PostNord has declined by over 90% since 2000, from 1.4 billion to 110 million annually.
- Denmark is one of the world's most digitalized nations, with a 'digital by default' policy for government correspondence.
- The high cost of sending a letter in Denmark, including a 25% VAT on stamps, has further accelerated the decline in letter volumes.
- Similar declines in letter volumes are seen across Europe and the US, with Germany and Switzerland experiencing slower declines.
- Private delivery firm DAO will take over nationwide letter deliveries in Denmark, with plans to expand its workforce and services.
- Concerns have been raised about the impact on elderly and rural populations, but DAO assures comprehensive coverage.
- Despite the digital shift, some individuals still value the personal touch of physical letters.