Finnish postal operator Itella recorded a decline in mail volumes this year due to thetransition from paper to electronic communication and the economic recession.
During January-May 2010, addressed mail volumes delivered by Itella were 3% down amounting to20 million items compared to the same period of the previous year.
The volumes of letters, magazines, addressed direct marketing messages and parcels shipped byItella have been declining for more than 18 months. At the annual level, the volumes of theaddressed mail have been decreasing by approximately 200 million items, Itella said in a statement.
Kari Kivikoski, Senior Vice President at Itella Mail Communication, commented: “Itella hasbeen doing its best to adapt to the changes by means of efficient cost control. At Itella MailCommunication, the number of personnel has decreased by about 1,500 persons in less than twoyears.”
“Despite this, the unit costs are rising because the universal service obligation – i.e.five-day delivery and an extensive outlet network – creates costs that cannot be easily adjustedaccording to the delivery volumes. At this point, the mail volumes are not showing any clear signsof the improved economic situation, Kivikoski added.
