GLS tracking

What is GLS?

GLS, acronym for General Logistics Systems, is one of the leading parcel carriers in Europe. This Dutch logistics company, based in Amsterdam-Duivendrecht, was founded in 1999 and has established itself as a major player in the express delivery sector on the European continent. A subsidiary of British postal group Royal Mail, which became International Distributions Services (IDS) in 2022, GLS operates a vast network covering nearly the entire of Europe and has also expanded to North America in recent years.

The history of GLS actually dates back to 1989, when Rico Back founded German Parcel by consolidating twenty-five German freight forwarders. This company quickly became a major player in parcel delivery in Germany. Ten years later, in 1999, Royal Mail Group acquired German Parcel and used it as the cornerstone to create a new entity: Global Logistics Systems, later renamed General Logistics Systems. Between 1999 and 2002, the group methodically built a messaging network across Europe through targeted acquisitions and the establishment of subsidiaries in numerous countries. In 2002, the GLS brand was officially launched, unifying all these entities under a common identity recognizable throughout Europe.

GLS developed its presence in many European countries through targeted acquisitions and strategic partnerships. The carrier notably formed alliances with local parcel shop networks and acquired companies specializing in last-mile delivery to strengthen its distribution capabilities in each market where it operates.

• Founding date: 1999 (in its current form), with origins dating back to German Parcel founded in 1989
• Parent company: International Distributions Services plc (formerly Royal Mail plc), now majority-owned by EP Group of Czech entrepreneur Daniel Křetínský since 2025
• Headquarters: Amsterdam-Duivendrecht, Netherlands
• Group revenue: Nearly 6 billion euros annually
• Annual volume: Over 800 million parcels processed annually across the global network
• Workforce: Several tens of thousands of employees worldwide

GLS's market positioning is based on a combination of European expertise and flexibility in delivery options. The company primarily targets e-commerce professionals and companies with regular shipping needs, while also offering services to individuals. The three markets representing the highest revenues for the group are, in decreasing order, Germany, France, and Italy, reflecting GLS's strong foothold in Europe's major economies.

In 2025, a major turning point occurred in the group's history when International Distributions Services shareholders accepted EP Group's takeover offer of 3.6 billion pounds sterling, led by Czech entrepreneur Daniel Křetínský. He is now the majority owner of 80% of Royal Mail and GLS, with a commitment to not dismantle the group and an intention to acquire additional companies to expand GLS's footprint in European and global markets.

What countries does GLS deliver to?

GLS has a particularly extensive geographic coverage, making this carrier one of the most comprehensive parcel delivery networks in Europe. Through its own subsidiaries established in most European countries and a network of trusted partners, GLS ensures genuine cross-border delivery allowing parcels to be sent to virtually any destination on the continent.

In Europe, GLS covers 42 countries through its own companies as well as a network of local partners. This massive presence allows the carrier to offer harmonized services and competitive delivery times across the entire European territory. The group's main subsidiaries are present in Germany, France, Italy, Spain (via ASM), the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and many other Central and Eastern European countries.

• National coverage: In each country where it operates, GLS ensures complete territory coverage with delivery times of 24 to 48 hours depending on destination
• Europe: 42 countries served directly or via partners, including all European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, and post-Brexit United Kingdom
• North America: Presence in nine U.S. states as well as Canada following the acquisitions of Dicom in 2018 and Rosenau Transport in 2021
• Rest of world: Over 160 destinations accessible via the GlobalExpressParcel service and contractual alliances with local partners

GLS's logistics infrastructure is built on a dense and interconnected network. The network comprises approximately 120 international and national hubs, as well as approximately 1,600 agencies and collection points distributed across the different countries of operation. To ensure deliveries, the group has approximately 36,100 last-mile delivery vehicles and approximately 6,500 long-distance trucks that ensure connections between the different sorting centers.

In each country where it operates, GLS has a structured network of sites and local agencies. The group continuously invests in modernizing its infrastructure, with the regular opening of new national hubs equipped with the latest logistics innovations in automation and mechanical sorting, allowing the processing of several hundred thousand parcels daily.

For destinations outside its direct scope, GLS collaborates with correspondents and partner networks to deliver shipments almost anywhere in the world. Daily connections between international sorting centers guarantee smooth parcel circulation across Europe, allowing competitive delivery times to be maintained even for the most complex cross-border shipments.

What are GLS's delivery services and timelines?

GLS offers a complete range of parcel transport services, designed to meet the different logistics needs of companies and individuals. From economical standard service to guaranteed express delivery, the carrier offers a palette of solutions allowing each shipper to find the option best suited to their time and budget constraints.

GLS's flagship service is Business Parcel, a standard delivery offer that allows parcels up to 30 kilograms to be sent to any address in served countries. This service benefits from particularly competitive delivery times: the vast majority of parcels are delivered in 24 hours, and nearly all shipments reach their destination within 24 to 48 hours depending on geographic location. Regions closest to the dispatch point generally benefit from next-day delivery, while more distant areas or island territories may require additional time.

• Business Parcel: Standard service for parcels up to 30 kg, delivery in 24 to 48 hours at national level, ideal for regular shipments by companies and individuals
• Business Small Parcel: Optimized service for small parcels up to 2 kg with maximum width of 40 cm, delivery in less than 24 hours
• National Express: Guaranteed next business day delivery before 1 p.m. for urgent shipments requiring priority distribution
• Euro Business Parcel: European delivery service allowing parcels to be sent to major European countries in 48 to 72 hours for large urban centers, and up to 120 hours for countries requiring customs formalities
• GlobalExpressParcel: International service allowing parcels to be delivered to over 160 destinations worldwide

For national deliveries, GLS generally operates on business days, Monday through Friday. Delivery driver schedules generally span between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with time slots varying depending on routes and geographic areas. Saturday delivery is possible in certain cases, but depends on the type of service selected and options subscribed to by the shipper.

Internationally, delivery times naturally vary depending on the destination. For shipments to neighboring European countries such as Belgium, Germany, or Spain, parcels generally arrive within 48 to 72 hours. For destinations further away in Europe or countries requiring customs clearance such as Switzerland, Norway, or the United Kingdom, expect 72 to 120 hours. Intercontinental shipments via GlobalExpressParcel involve longer timelines, varying depending on final destination and any customs formalities.

GLS places particular importance on delivery reliability and adherence to announced timelines. The company rigorously monitors its performance indicators, notably on-time delivery rate and percentage of parcels distributed without incident. Standardized processes at each stage of the logistics chain limit errors and delays, guaranteeing consistent service quality regardless of the volume of shipments processed.

What are GLS's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

GLS delivery rates are calculated based on several criteria, including parcel weight, dimensions, destination, and type of service selected. Like most professional carriers, GLS uses a pricing structure based on fixed weight brackets, with supplements applicable for certain destinations or particular options.

GLS rates vary depending on the country of shipment and destination. For national shipments with the standard FlexDeliveryService, indicative rates generally range from 30 to 40 euros for parcels of 1 to 10 kilograms. These rates correspond to public prices and can vary significantly for professionals with negotiated contracts with GLS. Regular shippers generally benefit from preferential pricing conditions based on their shipping volumes.

• Standard maximum weight: 30 kilograms per parcel for Business Parcel service
• Maximum weight for heavy parcels: Up to 40 kilograms for specific shipments
• Maximum length: 200 centimeters
• Maximum width: 80 centimeters
• Maximum height: 60 centimeters
• Maximum value: Parcels valued above 5,000 euros require special arrangements

For international shipments, rates are naturally higher. As an indication, a parcel of 1 to 2 kilograms shipped to a European country costs approximately 51.85 euros, and a 5-kilogram parcel amounts to approximately 53.75 euros. These prices can vary considerably depending on the destination country, any customs formalities, and the service level selected.

Supplements apply for certain particular situations. Deliveries to islands or island territories generally incur a significant surcharge. Mountainous or difficult-to-access areas are subject to a supplement. The FlexDeliveryService at-home option, which offers maximum flexibility to the recipient, generates a supplement compared to standard parcel shop delivery.

GLS also offers basic coverage included in its rates, with insurance capped at 690 euros per parcel, limited to the actual value of the product. For higher-value merchandise, it is possible to take out supplemental ad valorem insurance covering the full declared value of the shipment. This option is particularly recommended for shipments of fragile, electronic, or high-value products.

To obtain a precise quote suited to your situation, GLS provides pricing simulation tools on its website. By entering the weight, dimensions, departure address, and destination of your parcel, you instantly get an estimate of the cost for different available services.

What are GLS's delivery options?

GLS stands out for the richness of its delivery options, offering recipients remarkable flexibility in receiving their parcels. The carrier has developed over the years a complete ecosystem of solutions allowing everyone to choose the delivery mode best suited to their schedule and personal constraints.

Home delivery is the basic service offered by GLS. The driver presents at the address indicated by the shipper during delivery hours, generally between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. In case of the recipient's absence, several options are available: the driver can leave the parcel with a trusted neighbor with the recipient's consent, leave the parcel in a safe place if specific instructions were given, or return the parcel to the agency for a new delivery attempt or on-site pickup.

• Home delivery: Direct distribution to the recipient's address with signature upon receipt or placement in safe location according to stated preferences
• Parcel Shop delivery: Thousands of pickup points available in each country of operation, including partnerships with local parcel shop networks, with retention period generally of 10 days
• Locker delivery: Automated lockers accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for lockers located outdoors, allowing pickup at any time
• GLS agency pickup: Possibility to pick up your parcel directly at the local GLS agency during business hours
• Neighbor delivery: Option allowing designation of a trusted third party to receive the parcel in case of absence

FlexDeliveryService represents GLS's premium offering in terms of flexibility. Introduced in 2014, this service allows recipients to be informed throughout the delivery process by email and SMS. The day before the scheduled delivery, the recipient can modify the delivery terms: change the delivery address, reschedule the date, or request redirection to a GLS Parcel Shop. On the actual delivery day, the recipient can see their parcel's progress in real time through delivery vehicle geolocation, and can still change their mind up to the last minute to redirect their parcel to a shop or give specific instructions to the driver.

GLS's parcel shop network is particularly dense in Europe, with over 94,000 shops and 30,000 lockers available across the continent. In each country, the carrier relies on partnerships with local parcel shop networks to offer optimal coverage. ParcelShops, as they are called in GLS terminology, are generally located in neighborhood retail stores with extended opening hours, facilitating parcel pickup outside traditional business hours.

GLS lockers offer a particularly convenient solution for people with busy schedules. These automated lockers allow you to pick up your parcel at any time of day or night for outdoor installations. The recipient receives a unique code by SMS or email which they enter on the locker's touch screen to open the compartment containing their parcel. Some lockers located in shopping centers follow the shopping center's opening hours.

In case of absence during a home delivery attempt, GLS generally makes a second presentation at no additional charge. If this second attempt also fails, the parcel is held at the local agency or redirected to a nearby parcel shop, where the recipient has 10 days to pick it up with a valid ID and the delivery notice.

What should I do if my GLS parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite the rigorous procedures implemented by GLS, it can happen that a parcel is lost or damaged during transport. In these situations, the carrier has a structured complaint process allowing shippers and recipients to report problems and obtain compensation if applicable.

If you notice that your parcel has visible damage at the time of delivery, the first thing to do is report it immediately to the driver. The mention "parcel damaged" must imperatively be written on the delivery receipt before signing, to have official proof of the parcel's condition upon receipt. It is also strongly recommended to take photos of the parcel and its packaging before even opening it, then of the contents once opened if damage is found. If the parcel has significant external damage, such as a hole in the cardboard or crushing marks, you are entitled to refuse delivery. GLS will then return the parcel to the agency and inform the shipper of the situation.

• Damage complaint deadline: 48 hours after parcel receipt to report damage, failing which the complaint will be rejected
• Damaged contents deadline: 72 hours to contact the shipper by registered mail in case of content damage, with supporting photos
• Lost parcel deadline: A loss complaint must be filed within 3 months of shipment, beyond which the parcel becomes GLS property
• Customer service contact: Each country has its own GLS customer service, accessible by phone and email via the local GLS website

The complaint procedure at GLS follows a precise protocol. You must first contact GLS Customer Service in your geographic area, either by phone or via the contact form available on the local GLS website. If your complaint is validated, a complaint number will be communicated to you. You then have a limited time from the complaint opening to submit all supporting documents to the claims department. This file must include invoices attesting to the merchandise value, your insurance file if you had taken out one, and a detailed complaint letter describing the facts and damage suffered. Non-compliance with this deadline results in automatic rejection of the compensation request.

Regarding compensation amounts, GLS applies the rules of road transport of goods. Basic compensation is limited to 23 euros before tax per kilogram of merchandise, with a maximum of 690 euros per parcel. This compensation corresponds to the actual value of the merchandise, upon presentation of the purchase invoice. A fixed profit margin of 30% is deducted from the invoiced price to calculate compensation. For merchandise that is not new, a depreciation rate is applied to the original value. To these amounts is generally added an additional indemnity equivalent to 20% of the product's overall price to compensate for commercial damage.

For high-value merchandise, it is strongly advised to take out ad valorem insurance at the time of shipment. This supplemental insurance allows you to cover the full declared value of the parcel, well beyond the standard 690-euro limit. In case of claim, the compensation will then correspond to the actual value of the merchandise as declared when the insurance was taken out. It is important to note that it is generally the shipper who takes out this insurance, not the recipient. In case of a problem, you should therefore also contact the seller or shipper of the parcel who will be able to assert their rights with GLS.

All compensation validated by GLS is made by bank transfer. If after following the entire procedure your complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily, you can appeal to a mediator specializing in consumer disputes to attempt to find a friendly solution with the carrier.

Does GLS handle international shipments and customs formalities?

GLS has recognized expertise in handling international shipments, both within the European space and to distant destinations requiring customs formalities. The carrier assists its customer shippers in these sometimes complex administrative procedures, offering integrated customs clearance services and tools facilitating the entry of required information.

For shipments within the European Union, formalities are simplified thanks to the absence of customs barriers between member states. Parcels circulate freely from one country to another without systematic control or additional taxation. However, since Brexit, shipments to the United Kingdom now require customs declarations, as do shipments to Switzerland, Norway, or other countries outside the European space.

• Intra-EU shipments: Free movement of goods without particular customs formalities, with Euro Business Parcel service for deliveries in 48 to 72 hours
• Shipments to Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom: Customs formalities managed via GLS's AEB customs portal, with 72 to 120-hour timelines including customs clearance
• Shipments outside Europe: GlobalExpressParcel service to over 160 destinations with full handling of export formalities
• Required documents: Commercial invoice mandatory with handwritten signature, CN22 and CN23 customs forms depending on shipment nature, EORI number for identification with customs

GLS offers its professional clients a dedicated customs portal allowing them to enter all data necessary for export formalities. This portal, developed in partnership with AEB, offers two possibilities for entering information relating to exporter, importer, and merchandise: data import via Excel or CSV file for regular shippers handling large volumes, or manual entry for occasional shipments. GLS's central customs department then takes care of completing the electronic export declaration and sending it to the competent authorities before parcels are shipped.

The commercial invoice is the key document for any customs operation. It must imperatively include a handwritten signature and precisely detail the nature of goods, their quantity, unit and total value, as well as their country of origin. For shipments with no commercial value, such as free samples or gifts, a pro forma invoice can be established to account for the declared value of the shipment for tax and customs purposes.

For shipments to countries outside the European Union, it is mandatory to include CN22 customs forms for low-value shipments and CN23 for more significant shipments. These documents, available from GLS or downloadable from the customs website, describe parcel contents and allow customs authorities in the destination country to assess applicable duties and taxes. The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is also essential to identify yourself with European customs services. Absence of this number or its incorrect entry can result in penalties and delays in parcel delivery.

In accordance with GLS's general conditions, the carrier performs customs formalities on behalf and for the account of the client according to the principle of direct representation defined by the European Union Customs Code. In case of customs clearance of goods benefiting from preferential treatment, the client must ensure that all required conditions are met and provide GLS with any supporting documents attesting to the merchandise's preferential origin. Any customs duties and import taxes are generally the recipient's responsibility, unless otherwise agreed as stated in the shipping documents.

Additional timelines related to customs clearance are variable depending on the destination country and nature of goods. For European destinations outside the EU such as Switzerland or Norway, customs clearance generally adds one to two days to the standard delivery time. For intercontinental shipments, customs formalities can take several days depending on file complexity and controls performed by local authorities. GLS keeps its clients informed of customs clearance progress via tracking statuses updated in real time.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a GLS parcel online, different statuses can appear to inform you of your shipment's progress through the logistics network. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: