In a significant change marking the digital era, PostNord, Denmark's national postal service, has announced it will stop traditional letter deliveries by the end of this year. This decision culminates in the removal of Denmark's iconic red post boxes and nearly four centuries of state-operated letter deliveries. As the volumes of mail continue to decline, PostNord attributes the drop primarily to the rise of digital communication and online shopping.
Herman Moyano, a mail carrier for PostNord, notes that the types of letters he's delivering have drastically changed, with most packages now comprising bank statements and bills rather than personal correspondence. The volume of letters processed has plummeted over 90% since the year 2000, with estimates suggesting that Danes now receive only one letter per month on average.
Kim Pedersen, head of PostNord Denmark, highlights the success of online commerce in Denmark, which has seen an increase in parcel deliveries while letter volumes are swiftly decreasing. “With correspondence increasingly conducted through electronic means, we are adapting to this inevitable shift,” he noted.
The decision comes amid efforts from the Danish government to push for a "digital by default" policy, with e-correspondence becoming the norm for interaction with the public sector. This push coincides with increased postal costs, including VAT implications, leading to further declines in letter use.
While many may celebrate the move towards digital solutions, concerns remain regarding access, especially for the elderly. Organizations like DaneAge are warning that rural communities could face challenges with reduced post box accessibility and reliance on letter delivery.
PostNord plans to retain relevance by pivoting to parcel deliveries, yet it will lay off around 2,200 staff members. In contrast, new private delivery company DAO aims to fill the gap left by PostNord, promising robust nationwide letter services and already handling a significant volume of mail.
As Europe witnesses a similar trend of declining physical mail, Denmark’s experience highlights the rapid transformation occurring across the globe, pushing nations to evolve along with the digital landscape while still recognizing the sentimental value of traditional letter writing. For those who cherish the tangible connection of handwritten notes, like Copenhagener Jette Eiring Williams, the nostalgia for letters remains a cherished aspect of personal communication, even as society moves forward.
