In a move that might have you reaching for the carrier pigeons (or at least checking your email more often), PostNL, the Dutch postal service with a not-so-stellar 1.4-star rating on TrustPilot, is considering switching to an alternate-day delivery system. This means that post will only be delivered every other day instead of the current daily schedule.
PostNL’s decision stems from a combination of factors, including a decrease in traditional mail volume and a shortage of delivery personnel. Director of PostNL’s Postal Service, Maurice Unck, says that the company has reached a point where it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain reliable, affordable, and accessible daily delivery, which, let’s be honest, some might argue hasn’t exactly been their strong suit lately.
“With alternate-day delivery, you can at least count on the postman coming every other day,” Unck was quoted by news website NU as saying. He believes that customers will quickly adapt to the new system and that it will not significantly impact their daily routines.
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To ensure a smooth transition, PostNL plans to provide clear information on its website and through other channels, detailing which postcodes will receive deliveries on which days. They’re basically trying to avoid a situation where everyone waits by the mailbox all day, only to be disappointed. Additionally, options for express delivery will remain available for those who require it, albeit at an additional cost (because sometimes that birthday card really can’t wait).
While the decline in traditional mail volume has been a gradual trend for several years, the number of small packages delivered through the postal system has been on the rise. Unck acknowledges that this growth does not compensate for the overall decrease in mail volume, hence the need for the proposed change.
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To implement the alternate-day delivery system, PostNL will require an amendment to the Postwet, the Dutch postal law. Unck expresses optimism that the government will be receptive to this change, given the evolving nature of the postal landscape. However, this shift raises concerns for some customers who rely on daily mail delivery for important documents, bills, or even birthday cards.
While the immediate focus is on implementing alternate-day delivery, PostNL does not rule out the possibility of introducing mail collection points in the future, similar to the existing parcel pick-up points. However, Unck emphasizes that for the time being, most customers still prefer the convenience of having their mail delivered directly to their homes. This preference for home delivery highlights a potential disconnect between PostNL’s cost-saving measures and customer needs.
PostNL’s proposed alternate-day delivery system reflects the need for postal services to adapt to changing consumer habits and technological advancements. By embracing these changes, PostNL aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations. However, it remains to be seen if these changes can be implemented while still meeting the evolving needs (and potentially the frustration tolerance) of its customers.
Image: a PostNL deliverer on a PostNL ‘stint’ vehicle. Image via Wikimedia user Loesoe90. License here
