In the first quarter of 2026, PostNL experienced a 7.1% reduction in the number of parcels handled compared to the same period in the previous year. Concurrently, the company observed a 4.1% rise in the average revenue generated per parcel. This data suggests a deliberate strategic adjustment by PostNL to emphasize the value of each shipment rather than focusing solely on increasing overall volume.
This shift by PostNL reflects a broader trend emerging within the logistics industry, extending beyond just the parcel delivery market. Transport companies are increasingly evaluating the profitability of individual shipments and optimizing their operations to secure higher-value contracts, potentially moving away from high-volume, low-margin business.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this trend could mean a continued focus on optimizing service offerings for higher-value goods, potentially leading to more specialized services and pricing models. It might also indicate a tightening of capacity for lower-margin, high-volume shipments as carriers and integrators prioritize more profitable cargo. Forwarders should anticipate a market where service quality and value-added solutions become even more critical differentiators.
