In a major pivot towards a digital future, Denmark has announced it will cease all letter deliveries by the end of the year, ending centuries of traditional postal services. The state-owned postal service, PostNord, has progressively witnessed a dramatic decline in letter volumes, with letters dropping 90% since 2000, primarily due to digital communication options becoming the norm.
For mail carriers like Herman Moyano, deliveries have become lighter, filled mostly with bills and is a sign of changing times. "Nowadays, it seems... it's going really, really down," he said. The decision to cease letter services will affect around 2,200 workers in the struggling letter segment, while the firm aims to bolster its parcel delivery wing, creating 700 new positions in the process.
According to PostNord's chief, Kim Pedersen, Danes now receive an average of just one letter a month. The rapid decline mirrors a broader European trend, with letter volumes decreasing by 30% across major global markets due to the convenience and emerging dominance of digital communication methods.
In response to these changing consumer habits, PostNord will remove about 1,500 red post boxes from streets, reflecting how rare letter-sending has become in urban areas like Copenhagen. Many residents like Nikolaj Brøchner Andrès admit they can’t even recall the last time they sent a letter, illustrating a shift to electronic correspondence.
The closure of letter services is not unique to Denmark. Similar trends are evident across Europe, with postal giants reducing their workforce and adapting to a more digitally inclined marketplace. Upcoming legislation in Denmark will encourage private operators like DAO to fill the service vacuum, raising concerns about delivery accessibility for rural populations.
While some fear the elderly may struggle with shifting delivery methods, DAO insists it will maintain service levels throughout Denmark. The company plans to expand its workforce and implement new sorting technologies to cater to both letter and parcel deliveries.
Despite the decline of physical mail, some residents still cherish the personal touch of handwritten letters. Copenhagen local Jette Eiring Williams expresses that younger generations also seek the tangible experiences that come with sending real letters to loved ones.
As Denmark transitions away from letter deliveries in a digital-first era, this movement might serve as a glimpse into the postal future across the globe.
