GLS strengthens its footprint in North America with the acquisition of Altimax Courier

• GLS acquires Altimax Courier, an important transportation player in Canada, as part of the strategy to further expand its footprint.
• The move strengthens GLS Canada’s integrated parcel and freight and freight player position.

Amsterdam, 7 June 2023 – GLS, a leading parcel provider, announces the acquisition of Altimax Courier, a prominent air and ground service provider in Canada. This strategic move aligns with GLS' commitment to expanding its footprint and enhancing its position in the Canadian market.

With the integration of Altimax Courier, Canadian customers will benefit from expanded coverage and the strengthened capabilities of an experienced integrated parcel and freight player. The addition of Altimax Courier's network will complement GLS Canada's existing infrastructure, expanding it to a total of 65 terminals across the country, and providing high-quality services to a broader customer base.

This acquisition marks another milestone in GLS’ growth strategy in Canada, following the successful integration of Rosenau Transport in 2021, and Dicom in 2018.

Rick Barnes, President GLS Canada, stated: “It is with much excitement that we welcome the entire Altimax Courier team to GLS Canada. Altimax Courier has been our long-standing partner for the past 17 years. We have always appreciated their exceptional commitment to quality throughout the Atlantic Provinces, contributing to their strong reputation in the industry”.

Wes Penwarden, President of Altimax Courier, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition: "I am very happy about this transaction, as it marks a new chapter in our history by becoming part of a fantastic international network. This is an exciting day for our employees, clients, and partners”. GLS is confident that the acquisition of Altimax Courier will further enhance its ability to meet the growing demands of the Canadian market, while ensuring that customers continue to receive exceptional service and support.

About GLS
GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by approximately 35,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,700 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2022/23, GLS generated record revenues of 5.4 billion euros and delivered 862 million parcels across the markets.

About Altimax

Altimax Courier (2006) Ltd. is an important private Atlantic Canadian transportation company that was founded in 2000 by the Keating Group of Companies. In 2002, Wes Penwarden joined the Altimax leadership team expanding the company’s reach and diversifying its operations. Altimax provides both air and ground services; it is well-regarded for its exceptional ability to tailor its services to successfully meet the logistics and transportation needs of its clients. Altimax is committed to quality and customer service.

GLS Italy strengthens its 2C offering by acquiring one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks

• GLS Italy acquires 100% of ProntoPacco, one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks, with over 6,000 pick-up and drop-off points.
• The move aligns with GLS’ strategy to differentiate in the B2C market by offering greater flexibility and convenience to its customers.
• The acquisition allows GLS Italy to strengthen its position as a partner of excellence in the e-commerce sector.

Amsterdam, 5 june 2023 - GLS, a leading parcel service provider, announces the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of ProntoPacco, one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks with over 6,000 pick-up and drop-off points. The acquisition is part of GLS' strategy, which is focused on providing a distinctive experience and high-quality in the last mile.

The acquisition of ProntoPacco allows GLS Italy to bolster their position as a partner of excellence in the e-commerce sector. Through their extensive and widespread network of parcel shops and the digital solutions offered, consumers will be able to collect and ship their parcels in a more convenient, flexible and digital way.

"This acquisition allows us to strengthen our national and international position in the fast growing B2C and C2C segments”, said Klaus Schädle, Group Area Managing Director of GLS. "Thanks to ProntoPacco's extensive network and the digital solutions offered, we are further cementing our relationships with existing e-commerce customers and attracting new ones looking for a reliable partner.”

“The announcement represents an important step forward for ProntoPacco and we are delighted to join the GLS family.”, said Luciano Colantuono, founder of ProntoPacco. “Our company has always placed the utmost importance on the quality of service provided to our customers and joining forces with GLS Italy will allow us to strengthen this commitment further.”

GLS Italy and ProntoPacco have been in partnership since April 2022. ProntoPacco will remain an open network and continue offering its services to other players in the last mile.

About GLS

GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by approximately 35,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,700 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2022/23, GLS generated record revenues of 5.4 billion euros and delivered 862 million parcels across the markets. For more information, visit www.gls-group.com.

About ProntoPacco

ProntoPacco is the online service that offers the opportunity to have eCommerce purchases delivered to a network of retail businesses (Pronto Pacco Points). ProntoPacco was created in 2014 from the idea of making it easier to manage the delivery of online purchases, sending parcels and returns. The process is entirely managed through the dedicated web portal www.prontopacco.it, which provides pickup points such as bars, newsstands and stores located throughout Italy. ProntoPacco currently has more than 6,000 PUDOs throughout Italy. The company's Mission is to make package delivery more flexible for those who buy on the Internet and do not have the possibility of having them delivered to their homes offering an effective solution for the user. The benefits also extend to the Collection Points because you will be able to offer and receive benefits from both their usual customers and new ones. ProntoPacco is the only service that allows the coffee shop, store or stationery store to always extend and gain on the flow of people coming to the Collection Point.

GLS Announces Expansion into Serbia

• GLS announces expansion into Serbia as part of its goal to expand its footprint.
• The expansion further strengthens the company’s position in Eastern Europe.
• It allows GLS to capture significant growth opportunities due to a major e-commerce boom in the country.
• Serbian customers across the country can benefit from GLS’ wide range of high-quality services.

Amsterdam, 19 April 2023 – GLS, a leading parcel service provider, announces its expansion into Serbia. The move is part of the company’s goal to further expand its footprint and strengthens its position in Eastern Europe.

Serbia continues to experience a major boom in e-commerce, with a growing need in the region for a wider range of delivery options. Through its strong, international network, GLS offers a reliable logistics alternative to the market, providing high quality services already appreciated by more than 250,000 customers in Europe and North America.

Senders and receivers in Serbia can benefit from GLS’ renowned and convenient solutions such as FlexDeliveryServices, which makes it easy for the recipient to adapt the parcel delivery to his needs. With its central hub in Belgrade and three depots in major cities, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac, GLS now delivers parcels to every address in Serbia and can connect its customers to international locations.

Gergely Farkas, Area Manager for the East Europe Region, said: "With this expansion into Serbia, we strengthen our presence in the Eastern European region and aim to foster growth opportunities. We truly believe that our customers in Serbia will benefit from a new reliable logistics alternative in their market and the same high-quality service for which GLS is renowned.”

About GLS
GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by over 37,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,500 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2021/22, GLS generated record revenues of 5 billion euros and delivered 870 million parcels across the markets.

GLS launches new International ShopDeliveryService to extend its cross-border service portfolio

GLS, leading international parcel service provider, launches its new International ShopDeliveryService for shipments to 15 countries across Europe, with more serviced nations to follow. A European-wide service enabling customers to have their international parcels delivered to a pick-up location of their choice. GLS’ International ShopDeliveryService gives receivers the flexibility to pick up their order when it is most convenient and at a location that best suits their personal wishes.

This new service offers myriad benefits, such as a proactive notification system and suitability for delivering to various pick-up locations. With this offering, GLS has created the ideal cross-border B2C delivery solution that goes beyond standard delivery services.

International ShopDeliveryService

GLS strives to provide its customers with a reliable, high-quality service. By using the International ShopDeliveryService, parcels up to 20kg can be delivered to more than 33,000 pick-up points throughout Europe, ensuring that a delivery point is always close by. Due to the convenient opening hours of GLS' Parcel Shops and pick-up locations, recipients can use their time efficiently and decide when and where the parcel will be picked up, without having to worry about missing a parcel at a specific delivery time.

In addition to the benefits it brings the receiver, the International ShopDeliveryService enhances the senders' experience and capabilities. It no longer matters where their customers are based - GLS can offer the delivery solution that fits their needs. This enables senders to enhance their customer experience and service as well as increase their business offerings.

Strengthening of cross-border service portfolio

GLS is extending its cross-border consumer service portfolio by introducing this new service. As part of its flexible business approach, GLS continues to tailor its delivery and services to the needs of consumers. The International ShopDeliveryService enhances an already impressive customer service portfolio, including various existing delivery options. In addition to this new solution, GLS customers can take full advantage of services such as delivery at home, Parcel Shops and ParcelLockers. GLS' cross-border parcel service ensures a reliable and high quality of service across its international network. This new service gives customers increased flexibility when it comes to arranging deliveries. From businesses to individuals, GLS customers can tailor their experience depending on their preferences and requirements.

"We make e-commerce delivery a great experience for consumers by being close to our senders and receivers. With this service, GLS is expanding its international B2C service portfolio, aiming for a customer-focused approach," says Saadi Al-Soudani, Chief International Officer at GLS Group. "We will continue to cover the needs of GLS' receivers and senders – because we understand that our customer's time is precious."

The new service will be available for deliveries in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia and Slovenia. GLS will expand the list of serviced countries in the upcoming months.

The acquisition allows GLS to further optimise customer experience with digital last-mile solutions

Amsterdam, 2 June 2022 – GLS, leading international parcel service provider, has signed the acquisition of French tech logistics company Tousfacteurs. The Paris-based last-mile delivery start-up, founded in 2015, specialises in developing digital and sustainable solutions to support its e-commerce offering. The acquisition of Tousfacteurs will enable GLS to further optimise the last mile customer experience and to strengthen its sustainable delivery services.

GLS has partnered with Tousfacteurs since 2019, utilising their sustainable last-mile bike deliveries in Paris. The partnership extended to GLS implementing Tousfacteurs’ innovative digital solutions, including the company’s proprietary Track & Engage service. This provides receivers with a fully digitalised and visual delivery experience including a unique qualified marketing channel to engage customers.

GLS will now further scale up Tousfacteur’s services, providing its customers with a sustainable and digital last-mile delivery experience.

Tousfacteurs will continue to serve its existing clients under the leadership of the two founders, Benjamin Levine and Youssef Tagemouati.

“With the acquisition of Tousfacteurs, we will further strengthen our digital and sustainable capabilities,” says Nicolas Robert, MD GLS France. “Tousfacteurs will give us fast access to great innovative solutions, allowing us to further improve one of our main aspirations: customer experience.”

“We are very excited to open this new chapter in our journey,” says Benjamin Levine and Youssef Tagemouati, the two co-founders of Tousfacteurs. “We now have access to GLS' large international network and will be able to scale much faster, while keeping our DNA from day one: developing innovative, sustainable and efficient solutions for carriers and their customers.”

About GLS Group
GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across around 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by approximately 37,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,500 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2021/22, GLS generated record revenues of 5 billion euros and delivered 870 million parcels across the markets. For more information, visit gls-group.com .

About Tousfacteurs
Founded in 2015, Tousfacteursw is a startup specializing in the last mile delivery experience. It develops a technological approach to the delivery market. Its business is built around 3 axes: green deliveries, with several thousand deliveries per day in 3 cities in France; the licensing of its delivery technology through its Proxipick© software, which enables other carriers to digitalize their business and gain operational efficiency; and more recently its Track & Engage© customer experience and branding solution. More information on: https://www.tousfacteurs.com/

GLS launches its international brand campaign

• The campaign demonstrates GLS’ unique personality: its personal approach to parcel delivery
• The campaign, created in collaboration with dentsuACHTUNG!, follows GLS’ last year’s brand refresh

Amsterdam, 30 May 2022 – Today, GLS starts rolling out an international brand campaign. After last year’s brand refresh, GLS aims to set the next step in building its brand. With the campaign, created in collaboration with creative agency dentsuACHTUNG!, GLS demonstrates one of its most important characteristics: its personal approach towards parcel delivery.

The campaign is constructed from GLS’ belief that for both senders and receivers ‘it’s never just a parcel’. The campaign is built around key interaction moments with customers: the pick?up or delivery of a parcel. It illustrates that any shipment contains so much more than just its contents: the hopes, dreams and ambitions in each GLS parcel. The short-format videos revolve around a special delivery displaying the meaning of GLS’ services in people’s everyday lives.

The campaign, rolled out across Europe and North America, actively communicates GLS’ refreshed brand, that was recently revealed. “The campaign reflects GLS’ personal approach to parcel delivery and it will help us even more to show our customers who we are”, says Marleen Rooders, Senior Manager Group Strategy, Marketing & Communications at GLS. “In the past year, we have made some important steps to further strengthen our brand and to stand out in the market, sharpening our brand promise to become people’s favorite parcel partner. An international brand campaign is an important next step in telling the GLS story across our markets.

The GLS story was translated into a campaign by dentsuACHTUNG!. Diederik Mulder, Art Director at dentsuACHTUNG! says: “To show GLS’ people-centric attitude, we chose to use a different perspective of parcel delivery: the person receiving the parcel. For them it’s not just a parcel, because its content brings value to their lives. In all situations that we show in the campaign, something as simple as a parcel delivery means the world to a specific person. The brand line ‘Parcels to People’ sums that up in three words.”

The campaign consists of video, print, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, social channels, and digital advertising, and will be rolled out across Europe and North-America, with first markets starting from May 30th .

Campaign videos:

Video 1: GLS Campaign 2022 - This is not a parcel (Father and son time) - YouTube
Video 2: GLS Campaign 2022 - This is not a parcel (High score) - YouTube
Video 3: GLS Campaign 2022 - This is not a parcel (Electric revolution) - YouTube

CREDITS:

Client: GLS
Agency: dentsuACHTUNG!
Creative Directors: Samyr Souen & Bern Hunter
Creatives: Diederik Mulder & Daniel Bunde-Pedersen
Strategy Director: Gerben van der Zwaard
Account Directors: Ralph Balk, Manon Patty
Agency Production: Joze Rikken, Marc Elbers
Production house: Halal
Director and photographer: Noel Loozen
Offline: 21jumpcut/ Arthur Ivens
Music: Sjam Sjamsoedin Sound: Sharkee HaaiFaai
Grading: Laurens Orij/ Crabsalad
DOP: Tim Kerbosch

About GLS
GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by approximately 37,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,500 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2021/22, GLS generated record revenues of 5 billion euros and delivered 870 million parcels across the markets. For more information, visit: https://gls-group.com

About dentsuACHTUNG!
dentsuACHTUNG! operates at the intersection of brand and experience bringing together four disciplines: Positioning & Identity, Products & Experiences, Social & Content and Campaigns & Activations. With ‘fearlessly forward’ as their steering principle they are a partner for brands that want to move forward away from the status quo. The agency has been awarded for creativity and effectiveness with a.o. Dutch Creativity Awards, ADCN, Esprix, Effie, D&AD, Eurobest, Cannes Lions and Webby. dentsuACHTUNG! is part of dentsu.

The company’s environmental impact puts it in the top 7% of the postal, courier and multimodal freight transport activities industry

Amsterdam, 7 March 2022 – GLS Group’s efforts to connect people across the world whilst protecting the environment for future generations have been rewarded with the EcoVadis Gold Certificate. EcoVadis is an international sustainability ratings provider for more than 90,000 companies offering the leading solution for monitoring and optimising sustainability in global supply chains. EcoVadis holds companies to the highest possible standard, which means that GLS’ placement in the 93rd percentile makes it one of the most sustainable parcel carriers in Europe. EcoVadis looks at a range of metrics under the categories: Environment, Sustainable Procurement, Ethics and Labour & Human Rights. GLS Group’s high rating from EcoVadis thus reflects the company’s efforts across the spectrum of corporate social responsibility.

Unifying network strategy for environmental sustainability
GLS Group’s environmental impact score of 80/100, particularly, puts the company among the 7% top-rated companies in the sector. This stand-out environmental score is the result of the company’s long-term environmental sustainability strategy. For more than ten years, GLS Group has been actively seeking and implementing ways to reduce its environmental impact, as have its local transport partners. GLS Group launched a unifying strategy to maximise its impact and ensure that know-how and effort are being shared across its entire international network. The evolving success of the strategy is reflected in the fact that last year’s Silver rating from EcoVadis has been raised to Gold this year.

An encouraging sign
GLS Group’s environmental sustainability strategy is based on the reduction, avoidance and compensation of emissions, with priorities weighted to emission reduction and avoidance. “We are committed to creating a sustainable organisation that meets the needs of the world around us”, says CEO Martin Seidenberg. “I’m proud that we at GLS Group are taking direct steps that create such a positive impact and help us move towards our shared goal of creating the sustainable world of the future. The EcoVadis Gold Certificate is a recognition that we are on the right track, as well as an encouragement to improve our sustainability efforts even more”.

About GLS Group
GLS Group is an international parcel services provider with a strong local market expertise. Each day, GLS delivers millions of parcels through its seamless cross-border network. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with a hassle-free experience and high-quality service that suits their needs best. With a sharp eye on what matters most - the customer - GLS has a presence in almost all European countries and operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast, all within one GLS network. The GLS network consists of 88 central and regional transhipment points and about 1,600 depots, which are supported by approximately 35,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,600 long-distance trucks. The way GLS actively manages its network and connects its markets gives the company the agility and flexibility to respond to fast-changing conditions in the industry. In 2020/21, GLS generated record revenues of 4.5 billion euros and delivered 840 million parcels, despite global challenges

About EcoVadis
EcoVadis provides the leading solution for monitoring sustainability in global supply chains. Using innovative technology and sustainability expertise, EcoVadis strives to engage companies and help them adopt sustainable practices.

Addition of Rosenau Transport unlocks significant growth opportunities for GLS in North America

Amsterdam, 8 October 2021 – General Logistics Systems (GLS), a leading parcel service provider, has agreed to acquire a Canadian logistics company Mid-Nite Sun Transportation Ltd that operates as Rosenau Transport. Rosenau Transport is one of the largest independent freight carriers in Western Canada and has a complementary service area to GLS’s existing Canadian business. The combination of the two businesses will unlock significant growth opportunities for GLS with new and existing customers in both the Canadian and US markets. The acquisition is subject to the customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1957, Rosenau Transport has 24 owned hubs and depots throughout four provinces, generating unaudited revenue of C$175 million in the 12 months that ended on 31 August 2021. With this expansion of its existing operational activities in Canada, the service area of GLS now covers most of the Canadian population. It also provides a link to GLS operations along the US West Coast, as the Rosenau Transport network moves to GLS’s combined freight and parcel model. The total consideration is C$360 million, approximately €245 million on a debt- and cash-free basis.

Canada is the world’s ninth-largest economy, with a combined parcel and freight market of approximately C$25 billion that’s growing about 5% per year. GLS entered this market in 2018 through the acquisition of Dicom and operates a network of about 30 hubs and depots, with 1,400 employees. The company has delivered revenue growth of around 8% per year since the acquisition.

"The addition of Rosenau Transport to GLS complements and enhances our Accelerate strategy. With this acquisition, GLS expands its service in Canada significantly and aims to play a significant role as a national logistics provider for parcels, LTL, FTL and customers brokerage with US reach”, says Martin Seidenberg, CEO of GLS Group. “With its strong presence in Western Canada, high quality and entrepreneurial culture, as well as freight capabilities and parcel potential, Rosenau Transport’s model is similar to our existing Canadian business and provides an excellent fit. I look forward to welcoming Ken and the Rosenau Transport team to GLS and capturing the significant opportunities ahead of us."

Rick Barnes, President of GLS Canada says: “As we link two regional carrier networks together, with direct service to most cities and towns in the country, we will produce one of the most integrated transportation systems in Canada. The extended geographical reach will provide our 30,000 clients with a new national and international alternative for all of their shipping needs.”

Rosenau Transport will continue to be led by Ken Rosenau, President of Rosenau Transport, and will be fully consolidated within GLS for reporting purposes once the transaction closes. Ken Rosenau says: “Rosenau Transport is excited to join the GLS family and align with an industry-leading organisation that will open new opportunities and markets on a global scale. The combined transportation networks of GLS and Rosenau Transport will allow us to offer a comprehensive Canadian solution to better serve our clients. We look forward to working closely with Rick Barnes and the GLS Group to continue to champion our company’s motto – “Our Business is Built on Service, For our Customers, For Each Other and For our Communities.”

GLS, a leading parcel service provider, reveals its updated brand identity today. The brand refresh builds upon what has made GLS successful in the fast-changing world of parcel services and supports the company’s growth ambitions. At its core, GLS makes every parcel delivery personal with its seamless solutions. The refreshed brand identity reflects the company’s undertaking with a fresh, dynamic and digital-friendly look.

The brand refresh catches the eye with a striking blue and yellow. The yellow arrow that has long represented the company is incorporated into the letter G with a more compact design, punctuated by a dot symbolising GLS’s expertise, point-to-point mission and connection with its customers in the digital age. The polished look is strengthened by clear language with a fun, witty tone and style.

The brand refresh comes at a time of great change for the company. Customers are increasingly looking for easy, transparent and sustainable shipping solutions. In response to this growing need, GLS has been tailoring its network and services for more international, convenient, digital and sustainable solutions. The company aims to reinforce its cross-border leadership with a focus on growth in B2C services, whilst maintaining the company’s strong footprint in B2B. Because of its dedicated cross-border network with significant local market knowledge, GLS is confident in reaching its growth goal by 2025.

“At GLS, we have been delivering the most personal and seamless service in the markets and have built a strong foundation with our people and customers for more than 30 years. As customers’ needs and the parcel market are changing rapidly, it is time for us to change as well”, says Martin Seidenberg, CEO of GLS Group. “The updated brand identity reflects our work and ambition in a brighter and more leading-edge way. It’s dynamic, bold, modern, vivid and personal. It reflects perfectly who we are and who we will be.”

The updated brand will be rolled out gradually across all markets in Europe and North America, with an official start on 4 October.

• Commitment to zero-emissions delivery in twenty city centres
• Full compensation through acknowledged projects
• Building of sustainable depots

Utrecht, 4 February 2021 – Since this year, GLS Netherlands has introduced climate-neutral shipping – for all parcels sent within the Netherlands and abroad. Beyond its measures to avoid and reduce CO2 emissions, the company focuses on full compensation through VCS or Gold Standard projects.

"Climate protection is the central issue that will affect economy, logistics and society in the coming decades", says Milo Kars, Managing Director GLS Netherlands. "This makes it all the more important for us to continue to drive forward the ecological transformation of our company. In keeping with our commitment to offer a fully climate-neutral service, we offset 100 per cent of our remaining environmental footprint."

This is achieved in cooperation with the Climate Neutral Group via projects that meet the Verified Certification Standard (VCS) or the Gold Standard, the world's strictest certification standard . These specifically selected projects demonstrably ensure environmental and social sustainability. GLS Netherlands, for example, invests in the local production of efficient wood stoves in Uganda, in the protection and preservation of the biodiversity of the Jacundá forest in Brazil and in a biogas project to reduce methane in the Netherlands. In addition, GLS supports sustainable forest projects in the Netherlands through the organisation Trees for All .

Reducing emissions systematically

As part of the ThinkGreen sustainability initiative launched throughout the Group in 2008, GLS Netherlands avoids and reduces its impact on the environment. This year, the focus is particularly on switching to fully sustainable and emission-free parcel delivery in the twenty largest Dutch city centres. Tthe logistics provider is investing in electric vehicles and a charging infrastructure at the depots. In four cities, eVans are already on the road.

Last mile solutions such as GLS' FlexDeliveryService and ShopDeliveryService help to ensure that parcels are delivered successfully at the first attempt and that no additional kilometers have to be driven. GLS Netherlands also uses environmentally friendly long trucks on long routes, uses new planning and simulation tools to optimise routes and is making its depots increasingly sustainable and efficient, for example with solar panels and recyclable building materials.

The ISO 14001 certified environmental management system is a cornerstone for the company to improve systematically and continuously. In addition, GLS Netherlands participates in Connekt's Lean & Green programme to optimise logistics processes and become more sustainable at the same time. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20 percent from 2020 to 2025.

Customers' contribution required

"Especially in view of the increasing demand for parcel services, our industry is playing an increasingly important role in tackling climate change", says Milo Kars. "However, climate-neutral parcel delivery also implies higher investments and costs – for new technologies, processes and concepts. This can only be achieved in close cooperation with our customers; sustainability also requires partnership."

After GLS Germany, GLS Netherlands is the second national company within the international GLS Group to transport all its parcels in a climate-neutral way.