GLS InSight

Network
Estafeta is GLS partner in Mexico
The GLS Group has expanded its commitment on the American continent with a new partnership. Since June 2019, Estafeta delivers GLS consignments in Mexico and, in a second step, will feed parcels for the European, US and Canadian markets into the GLS network.   Estafeta is the second-largest logistics, courier and parcel service provider in Mexico and covers the fifth-largest country in the Americas with an extensive network and over 6,500 employees. The company’s infrastructure includes three hubs and 57 operating centres. Six airplanes and 3,600 vehicles are deployed for transportation and delivery.
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Network
Germany: new depot in Essen with European hub function
In June 2019, construction on a new location in Essen began. GLS is investing about 16 million euros in the depot, which will also serve as a European hub. It is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2020.
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People
“Delivering as promised – that’s our strength”
He comes across as modest and likeable in the interview. It soon becomes clear that Gergely Farkas, Managing Director Europe East, has ambition in spades – although not for himself. His goal is outstanding quality in the region he manages.
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Network
GLS Denmark opens ninth depot
In July 2019, GLS Denmark opened a new site in Horsens, thus expanding its network from eight depots to nine. The new site enables the company to serve the growth region of East Jutland whilst considerably easing the strain on the hub in Kolding and the depot in Aarhus.   The new site offers 3,200 square metres transhipment area and can handle up to 25,000 parcels a day. 83 bays and an optimal layout of the loading and unloading area contribute to efficient processes and good working conditions.   Horsens also offers long-term scope for sustained growth, with further extension work possible. Some 6.3 million euros have been invested in the new-build facility, which is part of a nationwide investment programme to boost capacity.
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Big Picture
France: e-commerce at the heart of Europe
The third-largest country, the third-largest e-commerce and parcel market: France has a unique place in the history of Europe and, as a founding member, played a leading role in the establishment of the EU. The French are also very European when it comes to online shopping, with GLS France developing new solutions to cater for the thriving e-commerce sector. 
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Network
Capacity soon to be doubled in Amsterdam
In spring 2019, construction work started at Atlaspark, the logistics hotspot in the port of Amsterdam. Here, a state-of-the-art GLS depot is being built that will double capacity in the Dutch capital – with a handling area of 6,200 square metres, 140 loading bays and a powerful sorting system. GLS Netherlands will thus be ready for rising parcel volumes. The depot will also boast sustainable highlights such as solar thermal collectors, heat pump-based heating and charging stations for electric vehicles. The more than 200-strong workforce will benefit from larger office spaces and a new works canteen. Drivers can look forward to improved ergonomics, as the depot floor will be at the same height as the loading areas of the vehicles.
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Services
Evening delivery by bike in Paris
In parts of central Paris, GLS is testing a new premium service in cooperation with the start-up Tousfacteurs. Private parcel recipients who have been informed of a pending delivery, for example via the FlexDeliveryService, have the option of selecting evening delivery by bike until the very last minute. They can choose between two delivery windows: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. GLS France hands over the premium parcels in bulk at the Tousfacteurs hub in central Paris. Using the technology of the specialists for evening deliveries, recipients can then, for example, locate their delivery driver and schedule their delivery. Using electronic means, they also pay the small surcharge for evening delivery straight to Tousfacteurs. This additional service doesn’t result in any extra work for senders.
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Big Picture
GLS active in North America
With the acquisition of a regional parcel service provider, GLS commenced its careful geographic expansion into a new continent in 2016. The GLS Group is now active in western USA and in Canada, and is thus expanding into strong markets with great potential.
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Network
GLS Belgium is building in Tongeren
GLS is building a new, environmentally friendly depot in Tongeren, Belgium, at a cost of 20 million euros – two buildings for separate cargo and parcel processing on a site of around 60,000 m². They are scheduled to be in operation at the beginning of 2020.
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Services
GLS launches pharmaceutical services in Belgium
GLS Belgium now offers the transport of medicinal products in accordance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. The national subsidiary has launched the PharmaService, which is already available to GLS customers in France and Germany.  As a basic service, the PharmaService ensures the safe and hygienic transport of non-temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and medicinal products.  With the extended version – PharmaService Plus – GLS offers its customers the delivery of passively temperature-controlled medicines on request. Here, senders make their products available in validated thermal packaging. GLS will deliver the goods solely to the specified recipient, whether a pharmacy, a hospital or a private individual.  Alternative delivery options – such as delivery to a neighbour, delivery to a ParcelShop or dropping off – are not possible.
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Network
Anniversary in Ireland
More than two decades on the move: In 1999, the GLS Group expanded to Ireland by purchasing the Williames Group. The newly acquired Irish company underwent substantial restructuring and by 2004, the brand GLS Ireland was established. Today, the hub in Dublin serves as an international gateway while the six depots are strategically located throughout the country. In July 2019, a seventh depot opened in Kerry.   In the course of growing e-commerce, GLS Ireland has continuously expanded its range of national and international B2C services. Almost 400 ParcelShops were opened or integrated into the network. Another service with added value for customers: In Ireland, GLS delivers in accordance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. Standard delivery times are less than 24 hours, not only countrywide but also to Northern Ireland.
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Big Picture
Subscription boxes – sent by parcel
More and more consumers have a regular product subscription, with a box sent to their homes at set intervals. The subscription commerce sector is booming – and represents a new line of business for parcel companies.
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People
Responsibility personified
When Dr Anne Wiese talks about her work at GLS, commitment out of conviction is in the air. It barely takes a minute for her expertise, organisational talent and passion to become apparent. 
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Services
AEO certification for GLS Austria
GLS Austria has been registered with the customs authorities as an “authorised economic operator”. This means that international consignments can be handled more quickly and easily.   To obtain the certification, companies need to meet stringent security requirements. Alongside solvency, firms also have to demonstrate established processes and appropriate customs management procedures.   Speedier shipping – including to Switzerland   AEO status, and the lower risk rating that results from it, will ensure swifter customs clearance. Thanks to the simplified declaration procedure, there will be much fewer checks on goods and paperwork. This is also good news in light of the increasing number of exports to Switzerland handled by GLS Austria.
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Services
FlexDeliveryService now connects 22 countries internationally
Shop online abroad and flexibly adapt delivery to individual wishes, just as with purchases in the home country. With the international FlexDeliveryService, GLS is making this possible for more and more consumers.
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Network
GLS Spain: new hubs, expanded locations
E-commerce in Spain continues to grow strongly. To actively accompany this trend and meet customers' increasing demands, GLS Spain expanded its distribution network considerably in 2018. In Madrid, GLS Spain relocated its hub in San Fernando de Henares, quadrupling its capacity at this strategically important site.
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Big Picture
Automated delivery – is it already a reality?
Robots and automated solutions are gradually doing more of the work. Automation already enables more efficient logistics, but can it streamline the process all the way to the customer?
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ThinkResponsible
EcoVadis Silver rating for GLS
In 2018, GLS took part in the independent EcoVadis certification programme for the second time in a row, achieving a Silver rating. Compared with the previous year, the Group improved its performance in all four categories, thus moving up from Bronze to Silver. As a result, GLS was amongst the top 21 per cent in the logistics sector – and even amongst the top 18 per cent when it comes to environmental issues. In 2019, GLS is also taking part in the programme, again striving for a good rating.   EcoVadis evaluates a company’s sustainability management across the four themes of environment, social, ethics and sustainable procurement. The evaluation is based on international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative and the UN Global Compact. EcoVadis attaches equal importance to the strategy, actions and results of the management system across all four themes.   The analysis makes it easier for customers to assess sustainability activities – and allows GLS to validate and continuously improve them.   <a href="https://gls-group.eu/DE/en/gls-group/sustainability">More about sustainability at GLS </a>
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Estafeta is GLS partner in Mexico

Germany: new depot in Essen with European hub function

<p>In June 2019, construction on a new location in Essen began. GLS is investing about 16 million euros in the depot, which will also serve as a European hub. It is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2020.</p>

“Delivering as promised – that’s our strength”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He comes across as modest and likeable in the interview. It soon becomes clear that Gergely Farkas, Managing Director Europe East, has ambition in spades – although not for himself. His goal is outstanding quality in the region he manages.</p>

GLS Denmark opens ninth depot

France: e-commerce at the heart of Europe

Capacity soon to be doubled in Amsterdam

Evening delivery by bike in Paris

GLS active in North America

<p>With the acquisition of a regional parcel service provider, GLS commenced its careful geographic expansion into a new continent in 2016. The GLS Group is now active in western USA and in Canada, and is thus expanding into strong markets with great potential.</p>

GLS Belgium is building in Tongeren

<p>GLS is building a new, environmentally friendly depot in Tongeren, Belgium, at a cost of 20 million euros – two buildings for separate cargo and parcel processing on a site of around 60,000 m². They are scheduled to be in operation at the beginning of 2020.</p>

GLS launches pharmaceutical services in Belgium

Anniversary in Ireland

Subscription boxes – sent by parcel

<p>More and more consumers have a regular product subscription, with a box sent to their homes at set intervals. The subscription commerce sector is booming – and represents a new line of business for parcel companies.</p>

Responsibility personified

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong>When Dr Anne Wiese talks about her work at GLS, commitment out of conviction is in the air. It barely takes a minute for her expertise, organisational talent and passion to become apparent. </strong></p>

AEO certification for GLS Austria

FlexDeliveryService now connects 22 countries internationally

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shop online abroad and flexibly adapt delivery to individual wishes, just as with purchases in the home country. With the international <em>FlexDelivery<strong>Service</strong></em>, GLS is making this possible for more and more consumers.</p>

GLS Spain: new hubs, expanded locations

Automated delivery – is it already a reality?

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Robots and automated solutions are gradually doing more of the work. Automation already enables more efficient logistics, but can it streamline the process all the way to the customer?</p>

EcoVadis Silver rating for GLS