Nordic logistics giant PostNord is undergoing a major restructuring in Norway that will affect 450 employees, including the dismissal of 150 workers. The reorganization, confirmed on April 2 by both internal sources and local media such as Vårt Oslo and Logistikk Inside, will see the company exit several non-core business areas and concentrate solely on parcel and logistics operations.
PostNord’s Nordic footprint
PostNord was established through the merger of the former postal services of Denmark and Sweden. It currently employs around 1,500 people in Norway. Just last month, PostNord also announced the layoff of approximately 1,500 employees in Denmark—another move driven by restructuring efforts across the Nordic region.
The latest changes mark a decisive shift in the company’s operational strategy, with a renewed emphasis on efficiency and core competencies amid mounting financial and competitive pressures.
End of Express & Courier services affects 300 employees
The most significant change is the termination of PostNord’s Express & Courier (Ekspress & budtjenesten) division, impacting approximately 300 staff members. Many of them are based at the company’s headquarters in Alfaset, in the Alna district of Oslo. These services currently represent just 3% of PostNord’s total transport volume in Norway.
According to PostNord spokesperson Haakon Nikolai Olsen, the decision reflects a strategic pivot aimed at streamlining operations and regaining competitiveness in a challenging market:
“It is a demanding situation that we are reducing such a significant number of positions. It is not an easy decision. But it is necessary to strengthen our competitiveness in a tough market.”
150 job losses in administrative restructuring
In addition to service closures, around 150 employees—mainly in administrative roles—will be laid off as part of an internal reorganization. The company has initiated a review process to identify which positions will be cut, and Olsen confirmed that the process is expected to take several months.
“We have started mapping, and the pieces will fall into place over the next few months.”
Post-pandemic market shift and economic pressure
PostNord experienced a boom in parcel demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, subsequent economic shifts—especially interest rate hikes—have altered the logistics landscape, requiring the company to reassess its operations.
“Corona was positive for us. But later, with interest rate increases, the market situation changed.”
Although Olsen declined to reveal specific financial losses, he acknowledged that the company is phasing out services that are no longer profitable.
Outsourcing and sale of business divisions under negotiation
PostNord is currently in talks with external parties to sell the InNight and self-transport departments. If the negotiations succeed, many of the 300 Express & Courier employees could transition to the new company.
“Going forward, we want only subcontractors to carry out this service,” Olsen said.
CEO: “A difficult but necessary decision”
In a press release, Leif Hultman, CEO of PostNord Norway, emphasized the difficulty of the decision but stressed its necessity for long-term viability:
“Reducing the number of positions affecting our employees is a difficult decision to make. However, it is necessary to strengthen our competitiveness in a challenging market. We have many skilled employees in PostNord Norway, and that is precisely why I am confident that those affected by the structural changes will be attractive to other employers.”
