History

February

GLS Netherlands delivers 100% CO2 neutral

GLS Netherlands introduced climate neutral delivery for all parcels sent within the Netherlands. In addition to reducing and avoiding CO2 emissions, GLS is committed to full compensation.

February

New opened depot in Amsterdam

A new GLS depot in Amsterdam is taken into operation. The new building more than doubles the capacity compared to the former location.

March

Expansion in Wijchen

Twice the capacity, more sustainability: GLS is modernising and expanding the depot in Wijchen. Two new distribution halls are built.

March

FlexDeliveryService now connects 21 countries

Bulgaria, Finland, Italy and Portugal have recently been added to the international FlexDeliveryService. The number of countries connected across borders via the service thus rises to 21.

May

New depot in Amsterdam

A modern, sustainable GLS location is being built in Atlas Park, Port of Amsterdam. Parcel handling capacity will be more than doubled.

June

Estafeta becomes GLS partner in Mexico

The GLS Group has expanded its commitment on the American continent with a new partnership. From June 2019, Estafeta will deliver GLS consignments in Mexico and, in a second step, will feed parcels for Europa and North America into the GLS network.

December

GLS delivers parcels emission-free

GLS Netherlands deploys electric vans in the city centres of Apeldoorn, The Hague, Utrecht and Zwolle – for emission-free and quiet deliveries.

February

GLS Purchases Redyser Transporte in Spain

Following the acquisition of ASM Transporte Urgente in 2016, GLS takes over Redyser Transporte. Redyser primarily serves the express sector. The acquisition expands the domestic service of GLS Spain and strengthens its position as the second-largest express parcel network in Spain.

March

Third sustainability report

In line with the G4 GRI, the GLS Group publishes its third sustainability report, entitled "ThinkGLS. ThinkResponsible." The Focus is on economy, responsibility for climate and the environment, and social engagement.

April

Rico Back new CEO of the Royal Mail Group

The supervisory board of Royal Mail names Rico Back its next Chief Executive Officer. He had already been Senior Executive of the British postal organisation since 1999. After a career of almost 30 years in parcel logistics, the former CEO of the GLS Group takes on his new position on 1 Juni 2018.

James Rietkerk new CEO

James Rietkerk, previously Group CFO, succeeds Rico Back as CEO of the GLS Group. Thorsten Pruin becomes the new CFO of the GLS Group.

June

Ivan Hofmann manages US activities

GLS names Ivan Hofmann as CEO of GLS US Inc. Hofmann supports the GLS Group in its activities in the USA. He is also in charge of the integration of GSO and Postal Express, which GLS acquired in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

July

British Isles connected to international FlexDeliveryService

GLS has now fully connected the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to the international FlexDeliveryService. The service now links a total of 17 European countries in all directions.

August

EcoVadis silver certification

The GLS Group again receives the CSR certificate of the auditing company EcoVadis - this time with a silver rating, having improved in all categories.

September

GLS acquires Canadian parcel service

GLS takes over Dicom Canada, headquartered in Montreal. The company offers parcel, freight and logistics services across Canada, mainly in the B2B segment.

January

GLS App updated

The GLS App for recipients and private consignees receives a comprehensive update. In eight countries, the new version goes live simultaneously: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal and Spain. GLS Hungary also launches an update of its Mobile App.

February

GLS receives EcoVadis certification

The GLS Group has its sustainability management system reviewed for the first time. GLS achieves a bronze status in the independent EcoVadis certification program.

April

GLS Group buys overnight parcel service

GLS acquires the regional overnight parcel service Postal Express. The company operates in the US states Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

May

International delivery service expanded

GLS expands the international FlexDeliveryService, connecting twelve countries in Central and Eastern Europe. As a result, receiving parcels according to choice is also possible when ordering online beyond borders. Now connected in all directions: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

June

GLS launches international returns service

GLS now offers its ShopReturnService cross-border between seven countries. This allows online shoppers to also return goods ordered abroad. The service connects Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg and Poland.

November

GLS Group renews and expands certification

18 GLS subsidiaries have their quality and environmental management systems recertified in line with ISO 9001 and 14001. GLS also receives GDP certification for the transportation of medicinal products in Denmark and Ireland.

Ready for autumn business

The GLS Group invests over 100 million euros in the expansion of its European network. Thanks to the expanded capacity, GLS can provide its usual high quality even in peak periods.

December

FlexDeliveryService available in Spain

With the introduction of the FlexDeliveryService in Spain, recipients can now decide where and when they receive their parcel in 15 countries.

January

New partner in south-east Europe

GLS cooperates with A2B Express in the Balkan countries Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Second sustainability report

The GLS Group publishes its sustainability report for the fiscal years 2013/14 and 2014/15. The report titled “ThinkGLS. ThinkResponsible.” provides information about the growing commitment in environmental and social issues.

February

GDP certification in France

As the first GLS company, GLS France is certified according to the European GDP guideline (2013/C 343/01) for the transportation of pharmaceuticals.

March

Start of the parcel partnership with DB Schenker in Germany

DB Schenker and GLS launch their planned partnership. GLS Germany now delivers national parcels for Deutsche Bahn’s logistics subsidiary and handles international parcels.

June

Network in Spain strengthened

GLS Spain acquires the Spanish express parcel delivery company, ASM Transporte Urgente (ASM).

October

GDP certificate and PharmaService in Germany

GLS Germany is certified for the transport of pharmaceuticals according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines and launches a PharmaService.

Regional expansion in an attractive market

GLS acquires the regional next day parcel delivery company Golden State Overnight Delivery Service Inc. (GSO), based in California.

November

Parcel partnership with DB Schenker in Italy

The parcel partnership between GLS and DB Schenker is also launched in Italy. GLS Italy delivers parcels for Deutsche Bahn’s logistics subsidiary across the country.

Further expansion of FlexDeliveryService

GLS Denmark launches the FlexDeliveryService. The service is now available in 14 countries.

December

ISO certificates in 2015 standard

GLS Group raises the ISO certificates of the quality and environmental management system of operative subsidiaries in 18 countries to 2015 standards (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015).

January

GLS extends international service for recipients

ShopDeliveryService is now possible across the borders of Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Austria and Poland. Thereby consignees select a GLS ParcelShop as their direct delivery address when placing an order.

April

Further expansion of FlexDeliveryService

Launch of FlexDeliveryService in further countries: Luxembourg and Croatia. Hence this service is now available in 13 countries.

May

Israel Post is new GLS partner

The GLS Group delivers parcels for Israel Postal Company Ltd. throughout Europe.

September

Strategic partnership with DB Schenker

DB Schenker Logistics and GLS sign a strategic partnership agreement on European level (non-exclusive) to support each other in transport services for parcel and freight respectively.

February

Sustainability report

GLS publishes its first sustainability report. In the documentation for 2012/2013, the Group provides information on its environmental activities, the results of these activities, and its social commitment.

May

Transaction in Italy

In Italy GLS strengthens its presence in the metropolitan area of Rome and takes over the businesses of three franchisees and their five depots.

October / December

New hub in Rome

GLS Italy again invests in its capacities in the region of Lazio and opens a new hub in Rome. In addition, countrywide seven new depots are connected to the network.

November

Recertification

Recertification according to ISO 9001 and 14001: The GLS Group renews all of its quality and environmental certificates for the next three years. GLS Croatia is now also certified.

Expansion of FlexDeliveryService

FlexDeliveryService is now available in eleven countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Parcel recipients can influence deliveries according to their wishes. In four countries the selection options are also available for international shipping. In 2012, GLS Germany was the first GLS company to introduce the service.

February

Transaction in Italy

In Italy GLS takes over the depot of a franchisee in Modena in the Emilia Romagna region.

April

Copenhagen largest GLS depot

GLS Denmark finalises the expansion of the Copenhagen site. The parcel depot, which also functions as a regional hub, is now the largest depot of the GLS Group in Europe – only surpassed by the national and international hubs. In a new additional building in Copenhagen, express shipments now are handled separately.

August

Start-up in Croatia

GLS Croatia becomes operative on 1 August. From now on GLS Croatia provides country-wide parcel service in the new EU member state. After the foundation of the company in May 2013 GLS had established its own network of locations. Until then GLS had covered Croatia in cooperation with a network partner.

October

Transactions in Italy

GLS takes over the two depots of a franchisee in Parma and Fidenza.

December

Group-wide certification

With new certifications and re-certifications GLS completes Group-wide certification – for its quality management system according to ISO 9001 and for its environmental management system according to ISO 14001.

January

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the business of a franchisee in Rimini as well as the depot of a franchisee in Cremona.

May

The Baltic with Itella

Itella Logistics is the new GLS partner in Lithuania and Latvia. The long-standing cooperation in Estonia is expanded to all Baltic states. The three countries are served via Itella’s central hub in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas.

November

Transaction in Italy

In Italy GLS strengthens its activities in Piemont and takes over the depot of a franchisee in the South of Turin.

April

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the depot of a franchisee in the North of Turin.

Partners in Serbia and Croatia

GLS links Serbia and Croatia via network partners. AKS Express Kurir is the partner of GLS in Serbia. ZUMEx (ZUM 2010) is its new partner in Croatia. Both companies rank among the leading private parcel service providers in their respective countries. They are connected to the GLS network via daily scheduled transports.

September

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the business of a franchisee in Imola.

September / October

Italian depot network strengthened

In Italy, GLS takes over the business of two franchisees in the Emilia Romagna region (one depot) and in Venice (two depots). GLS Italy sets up its own depot in the Civitanova Marche region.

November

100% ownership in Portugal

GLS acquires the remaining shares in GLS Portugal. The joint venture with Kislog is dissolved. Following its foundation in 2005, GLS Portugal had adapted its production processes and IT systems to those of the Group, expanded capacity and modernised its sites.

May

Partner in Russia

The new partner of GLS, EMS Garantpost, is one of the leading parcel and express delivery service providers in the largest country on earth. The collaboration enables GLS to distribute parcels through the entire Russian Federation. With its own customs terminal at Moscow Airport, Garantpost is able to clear international consignments swiftly.

August

New partner in Estonia

Itella Logistics becomes the new partner of GLS in Estonia. The company has an efficient distribution network in the country; its headquarters and central hub are in Tallinn. With its new partner GLS is able to offer international customers reliable and rapid delivery in Estonia too.

Partner in the Near East

MIDEX International becomes a GLS partner in the Near East. The company covers 14 countries for GLS: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

February

Partner in India

Gati Limited, one of the leading providers of logistics solutions in India, becomes the new partner of GLS, allowing it to offer high quality delivery services in India too. Gati in turn is able to offer new services in Europe to its customers.

April

Rebranding in Belgium

ABX Belgium Distribution now operates under the name GLS Belgium Distribution. GLS begins introducing specialised processes for parcels and cargo and has its two companies in Belgium operate from the same building.

ThinkGreen initiative launched

The GLS Group launches the ThinkGreen initiative to strengthen European environmental protection activities. The main aims: lower emissions, reduction in the use of resources, use of alternatives and the optimisation of waste disposal.

May

New partner in Turkey

MNG Kargo becomes the new network partner of GLS in Turkey. The company is the third largest provider in the Turkish CEP market and has a dense delivery network. This cooperation shortens the standard delivery time of GLS in Turkey by one day.

August

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the depots of two franchisees in Padua and Belluno.

Partner in Hong Kong

TF Logistics becomes the new partner of GLS in Hong Kong. The international logistics service provider’s range of services comprises solutions for air and sea freight as well as express delivery services.

February

Partner in Bulgaria

Interlogistica becomes the new network partner of GLS in Bulgaria. With its headquarters in Varna, the company ranks among the leading providers in the Bulgarian CEP market. The new GLS partner distributes parcels for the entire GLS Group via its dense network.

August

GLS start-up in Romania

GLS founds GLS Romania and thus expands its network in Eastern Europe. With its headquarters in Sibiu, the new subsidiary starts off with ten sites and offers a nationwide, comprehensive service from day one.

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the operations of a franchisee in Milan with six depots.

January

Introduction of UniQue

With UniQue, GLS introduces a uniform hardware and software system. GLS develops and implements the UniQue components step by step. Existing systems are replaced without interrupting day-to-day operations. The aim is to harmonise all IT systems across Europe.

March

New EU Computer Centre

GLS opens a new European computer Centre. GLS data from all countries is gathered, processed and stored in a central server farm. This centralisation enables GLS to make use of synergies across the Group. In addition to scanning and shipping systems, communications (email), process control and billing systems are also run via the EU Computer Centre. Modern technology and security thus go hand in hand.

April

Improved delivery times

The introduction of new day sorting activities at the GLS Europe hub in Neuenstein (Germany) shortens the delivery times of parcels. Consignments that cross two national borders and do not come from Germany now reach their destinations one day earlier. Customers in numerous countries benefit from the new standard delivery times for international parcels.

August

Transaction in Italy

GLS acquires the operative business of its franchisee in Cesena.

September

Rebranding in Denmark

The Danish GLS company Stafetten adopts the name GLS Express. In May 2005, the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLS Denmark and offers both national and international express delivery and courier services.

October / December

Transactions in Italy

GLS takes over a total of four depots from two franchisees in the regions of Lombardy (Northern Italy) and Emilia Romagna (Central Italy).

December

Acquisition in Belgium

GLS takes over the Belgian freight and parcel service provider ABX Belgium Distribution. Together, GLS Belgium and ABX Belgium Distribution are the market leaders in the national business-to-business parcel sector. With this acquisition GLS strengthens its presence in the Benelux region and enters the Belgian freight sector.

January

100% ownership in Poland

GLS takes over the remaining share of GLS Poland. As a result, the company, which is based in Poznan, becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLS.

February

GLS enters the Baltic States

GLS acquires a new network partner in the Baltic States – LEX SYSTEM. LEX SYSTEM serves Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Full area-coverage in the Baltic region is achieved.

March

Formation of GLS Spain

The Spanish subsidiary of GLS, Extand Sistema, is renamed GLS Spain. GLS gradually builds up its own network in Spain. In areas not yet covered it continues to work with local partners.

GLS in the Czech Republic

GLS Czech Republic is founded. A hub in Humpolec and eight depots form the basis of the company’s national network in the Czech Republic – with full-area coverage from day one.

May

100% express in Denmark

GLS Denmark acquires the remaining shares of Stafetten. The company becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the GLS Group.

November

GLS Portugal founded

GLS Portugal is founded, headquartered in Lisbon. The company is a joint venture between GLS and Kislog. It takes over all the divisions of the Kislog subsidiary Personalis, which was previously the network partner of GLS in Portugal. All systems are reconciled with those of GLS.

New scanning technology

GLS begins the step-by-step introduction of new scanning technology. 18,000 new handheld scanners and 5,000 scan stations are rolled out across Europe. Using mobile data transfer systems, information can be transmitted in almost real time.

February

General Parcel ceases operations

The international General Parcel cooperation ceases operations. Direct responsibility for operative management is immediately transferred to GLS International. Nationwide delivery in all affiliated countries is ensured by the GLS national companies and through collaboration with strong local partners.

April

GLS in Slovakia

GLS Slovakia begins operations. As a subsidiary of GLS Hungary, it operates from its headquarters in Zvolen. With this new national parcel network, the GLS Group consolidates its market position in Eastern Europe.

May

Partner in Sweden

Schenker AB becomes the network partner of GLS in Sweden. The company is Sweden’s leading private parcel carrier.

August / October

Transactions in Italy

GLS acquires the parcel business of two franchisees in the regions of Tuscany (three depots) and
Veneto (four depots).

January

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the operations of a franchisee with depots in Genoa, Chiavari, Savona and Imperia.

March

Systematic quality

GLS develops a harmonised quality management system across Europe. The aim is to create uniform national and international standards within the GLS Group network.

May

Partner in Norway

Nor-Cargo (nowadays a subsidiary of Posten Norge) becomes the partner of GLS in Norway. GLS customers thus have access to comprehensive delivery services throughout the entire country.

June

Partner in Greece and Cyprus

ACS - Air Courier Service S.A. becomes the new partner of GLS in Greece and Cyprus. ACS was founded in 1981 and is today one of the leading providers of local courier services in the two countries.

July

Partner in Switzerland

Swiss Post International Logistics AG and GLS sign a network partner agreement. Under the name Swiss Post GLS, an independent competence centre is established within the Swiss Post that markets the European services of GLS, delivers in Switzerland and feeds parcels into the GLS network. Swiss Post was an existing partner in the European General Parcel cooperation.

November

GLS IT Services is launched

GLS IT Services is launched in Neuenstein. Its most important task is to harmonise IT systems across all the GLS Group companies.

December

Transaction in Italy

GLS takes over the parcel business of an Italian franchisee in the regions of Verona, Mantova and Bussolengo.

100% ownership in Hungary

GLS Hungary becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLS. For more than a year now General Parcel Hungary has been operating under the name GLS Hungary.

October

Uniform branding

GLS introduces uniform branding across Europe to make it externally clear that it is a European company with strong national networks. In the subsequent months, several GLS companies undergo rebranding.

December

GLS Belgium founded

GLS founds a new subsidiary, GLS Belgium. The company takes over the operations of GLS subsidiary Extand Belgium and offers comprehensive services throughout Belgium and Luxembourg.

January

Market entry in Poland

GLS acquires stakes in Szybka Paczka Spólka and so enters the Polish parcel market. The company, founded in 1997, is a General Parcel partner and offers its customers both national and international parcel solutions.

December

Acquisition in Finland

GLS takes over General Parcel Finland, thereby expanding its network in Northern Europe. Following this transaction, GLS accounts for 80 percent of the shares in the international parcel cooperation General Parcel.

100% ownership in Italy

The Italian company Direzione Gruppo Executive (DGE) becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLS. The franchise system in Italy is retained. GLS acquired its initial shares in DGE in December 2000.

March

Austria beckons

With the acquisition of General Parcel Austria, GLS enters the Austrian parcel market. The roots of the Austrian subsidiary, which is based in Ansfelden, date back to 1992, when ten medium-sized Austrian carriers joined together to form a franchise association able to offer customers high-quality parcel delivery services.

GLS in Denmark

The Danish parcel service provider and General Parcel partner Pakke Trans joins the GLS Group. The company has its headquarters in Kolding. The CEP service provider was founded by several carriers in 1981.

Express in Denmark

GLS acquires a share in the Danish express delivery and courier company Stafetten A/S. The company operates from its headquarters in Kolding. GLS expands the express, courier divisions in parallel to the parcel services.

May

Welcome to the Netherlands

Nederlandse Pakket Dienst becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLS. The headquarters of the Dutch parcel company and General Parcel partner are in Utrecht. Nederlandse Pakket Dienst was started in 1980 as a franchise association. Within a short time GLS restructures it into a centrally-managed company.

Entry into France, Belgium and Spain

With the acquisition of Extand, GLS enters the French CEP market. The express and parcel service provider is based in Toulouse. GLS simultaneously acquires the Belgian subsidiary Extand Belgium and the Spanish subsidiary Extand Sistema.

UK partner Parcelforce Worldwide

General Parcel acquires a partner on Europe’s largest island: Parcelforce Worldwide strengthens the General Parcel network with its range of services in Great Britain. The courier and logistics services company is one of the largest providers in the UK CEP market.

June

Slovenia joins the network

Foundation of GP General Parcel Ljubljana in Slovenia as a subsidiary of the GLS Group, marking a further step in the expansion of the comprehensive parcel network of GLS in Central Europe.

August

Acquisitions in Germany

Acquisition of Domberger Paket Dienst GmbH & Co. KG, Augsburg, and Deutscher Paket Dienst Dachser GmbH, Kempten. The two former DACHSER subsidiaries operate a total of six DPD sites in the south of Germany and Saxony.

December

Investment in Italy

GLS acquires shares in Direzione Gruppo Executive (DGE). DGE started in 1977 as the franchise association Corriere Executive, ultimately becoming Direzione Gruppo Executive. In 1994, it took its first step towards the new networked Europe by becoming a member of the international parcel logistics association General Parcel.

January

Takeover of German Parcel

The success story of GLS begins with the takeover of German Parcel Paket-Logistik GmbH. With this first takeover, GLS wishes to create a centrally controlled pan-European parcel service. Years earlier, in 1989, 25 German transport companies had merged into the 'German Parcel' partnership to offer their services nationwide. In 1999, the company became one of the largest parcel delivery companies on the German market and has international connections through its international partnership 'General Parcel', founded in 1992.

May

Arrival of DER KURIER

German Parcel becomes the sole shareholder of DER KURIER group of companies, which shortly afterwards is restructured and today operates under the name of DER KURIER. This takeover marks the entry of GLS into the express delivery market, with DER KURIER organising overnight transportation services throughout Germany via its own terminal-to-terminal network. The company started in 1979 as an urban coordination centre for couriers based on the London and New York bicycle-courier office model.

June

Hungary joins the network

Acquisition of 85 percent of the company shares of General Parcel Hungary. The Hungarian parcel carrier, founded in 1998, is a partner in the European General Parcel cooperation. The national network is subsequently expanded and the company renamed GLS Hungary. It becomes the leading company for a number of GLS companies in Eastern Europe.

October

GLS is created

Foundation of General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS), headquartered in Amsterdam. Rico Back takes on the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) alongside his function as Managing Director of German Parcel. In combination with its subsidiaries, GLS is the main shareholder in the European General Parcel cooperative association.

Logistics from Ireland

GLS acquires the Williams Group, headquartered in Dublin. In 2004, following extensive restructuring, the Irish parcel and logistics service provider is renamed GLS Ireland. It focuses, in accordance with the core business areas of GLS, on the areas of parcel, logistics and express delivery.