At the same time, usage has risen significantly: 29 percent of all B2C parcels are now delivered to ParcelShops or parcel lockers for customer collection. During the 2025 peak season, OOH volumes increased by 43 percent compared to the previous year. The network expanded particularly dynamically in Austria’s neighbouring countries such as Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
Development has also accelerated considerably in Austria. Within two years, the number of parcel lockers doubled from around 600 to more than 1,200. “Out-of-Home delivery is no longer an additional service, but an integral part of efficient parcel logistics”, says Christian Schöninger, Managing Director of GLS Austria. “It relieves delivery routes, reduces second delivery attempts and creates predictable processes – for both recipients and shippers.”
Infrastructure as an economic factor
The expansion of the OOH network does not follow the principle of maximum reach, but rather targeted densification in high-demand locations. GLS combines ParcelShops, its own parcel lockers and partner networks to improve accessibility for end customers and stabilise delivery costs.
“For many Austrian B2C shippers, European markets such as Germany or Italy are natural growth steps”, emphasises Schöninger. “A well-developed Out-of-Home network lowers market entry barriers and makes cross-border delivery economically predictable.”
Such structures are becoming increasingly important in cross-border e-commerce. Consolidated deliveries to Out-of-Home points save time, distance and resources, helping to safeguard shipping processes economically even as volumes continue to rise.
Expansion of parcel lockers by 2030
At European level, GLS aims to operate a total of 30,000 own parcel lockers by 2030 at the latest. This network is complemented by ParcelShops and open partner solutions in several markets. Traditional home delivery will remain a core part of the service portfolio. “The parcel market is undergoing structural change”, Schöninger summarises current developments. “What is needed are solutions that combine customer orientation, scalability and cost control. Out-of-Home networks make a measurable contribution to this.”
About GLS Austria
GLS Austria is a subsidiary of GLS, General Logistics Systems B.V., headquartered in Amsterdam. The GLS Group is one of the largest independent parcel service providers in Europe, with a strong local presence. In addition, the company operates subsidiaries in Canada and on the U.S. West Coast. With over 35 years of experience, GLS runs proactive network management, connecting markets flexibly and efficiently. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the GLS Group generated record revenues of 5.9 billion euros, delivering around 926 million parcels across all markets.
Press contact:
GLS Austria
Melanie Klausriegler
Supervisor Marketing & Communications
Traunuferstraße 110
4052 Ansfelden
T +43 664 808 64 1113
E:
melanie.klausriegler@gls-austria.com
Kommunikation im Zentrum
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E:
christina@kommunikation-im-zentrum.at