A well-consolidated network over time
GLS Portugal is one of the main ordering services nationwide, with a vast network of more than 50 branches and more than 500 Parcel Shops. Founded at the end of 1999, GLS created, in a few years, a stable and sustained European parcel transport network. Today it covers 41 European countries and 8 US States.
Throughout all these years of the company’s history, there have been several milestones. Our service portfolio has also grown continuously, offering innovative transport solutions that meet the needs of customers and respond to the development of the parcel market and society, particularly with regard to online commerce.
Learn more about the landmarks of GLS Portugal’s history.
1999-2004
General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) founded as a subsidiary of the English Royal Mail Group.
Establishment and/or expansion of the company’s activities in Germany, Hungary and Ireland.
2005-2010
2005
GLS Portugal is founded, based in Lisbon. The company is a joint venture between GLS and Kislog. It takes over all divisions of the subsidiary Kislog Personalis, which was previously the partner of the GLS network in Portugal. All systems are reconciled with those of GLS.
2006
GLS opens a new European Data Center. GLS data from all countries is collected, processed and stored in a central server farm. This centralization allows GLS to make use of synergies across the Group. In addition to digitization and shipping systems, communication (e-mail), process control and billing systems are also implemented through the European Data Center. Modern technology and security thus go hand in hand.
2008
The GLS Group is increasingly focusing on environmental protection activities across Europe and launches the ThinkGreen initiative (Climate Protect).
2010
GLS acquires the remaining shares of GLS Portugal. The joint venture with Kislog is dissolved. After its foundation in 2005, GLS Portugal adapted its production processes and IT systems to those of the group, expanding its capacity to operate in the country.
2011-2015
2013
With the new certifications and re-certifications, GLS completes the certification of the entire group for its quality management system according to ISO 9001 and for its environmental management system according to ISO 14001.
2014
GLS publishes its first sustainability report. In the documentation for 2012/2013, the Group provides information on its environmental activities and respective reports and its social commitment.
2015
DB Schenker Logistics and GLS signed a strategic partnership agreement at European level (non-exclusive) for mutual support in their transport services for orders and shipments respectively.
2016-2019
2016
The GLS mobile application arrives in Portugal, thus bringing the company closer to its customers through the services available in the app.
It was also this year that the GLS group saw its sustainability management system revised for the first time. GLS achieves bronze in the independent EcoVadis certification program.
2018
The GLS Group again receives the CSR audit certificate from the company EcoVadis – this time with a silver rating, having improved in all categories.
Since 2020
Introduction of the FlexDeliveryService service in Portugal.
For greater proximity to its customers, GLS Portugal renews its website and creates its accounts on the social networks Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
GLS progresses towards the future with the continued strong investment in innovative solutions for its customers and the commitment to an even stronger network in the coming years.