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    GLS Group

    GLS Group: Leading International Parcel and Logistics Provider Connecting Europe and North America

    Revenue:$6.3B
    GLS Group logo
    GLS Group global carrier services and logistics operations

    Company Overview

    GLS Group (General Logistics Systems B.V.) is a leading international logistics provider headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, operating primarily in Europe and North America. Founded in 1999 and now a subsidiary of International Distributions Services plc (formerly Royal Mail Group), GLS offers comprehensive parcel, logistics, and express services for B2B, B2C, and C2C customers across over 40 countries.

    Key Leadership

    Executive Team:

    • CEO: Dr. Karl Pfaff
    • CFO: Millard Crane

    Employee Demographics:

    • Global Workforce: 23000

    Equipment & Infrastructure

    Specialized Equipment:

    • Ground Vehicles: Operates a large fleet of delivery vans and trucks for parcel distribution across Europe, numbering in the thousands.
    • Aircraft Fleet: Utilizes contracted cargo aircraft for international express shipments, though GLS does not own a dedicated aircraft fleet.

    Technology Platforms:

    • GLS Shipping Portal: Online platform for generating shipping labels, selecting delivery options, and automating order processing for e-commerce integrations

    Warehouses & Logistics Hubs

    Major Facilities:

    • Ontario Hub: Major GLS US facility in Ontario, California, featuring automated sortation systems capable of processing over 5,000 parcels per hour and more than doubling previous capacity

    Certifications:

    • ISO 9001:2015: Quality management system standard that certifies organizations for meeting internationally recognized requirements for consistent quality in products and services.

    Operational Capabilities:

    • Countries Covered: 21 countries with own entities
    • Number of Hubs: More than 120 hubs (including franchisees and agencies)
    • Number of Depots: More than 1,600 depots (including franchisees and agencies)
    warehouses and logistics hubs showcasing modern distribution centers, automated facilities, and supply chain infrastructure

    Global Locations & Network

    Extensive global network connecting businesses worldwide with reliable logistics solutions.

    Geographic Scope:

    GLS Group provides parcel delivery services across **45 countries** through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and partner companies, with a primary focus on Europe, the United States, and Canada. Its network includes over **120 hubs and 1,600 depots**, enabling the delivery of more than **900 million parcels annually** and ensuring extensive geographic reach and operational scale.

    Strategic Hubs:

    • Phoenix, USA: The Phoenix hub serves as a major operational depot for GLS US, enhancing network density and service speed in the Southwest while providing crucial logistics support for businesses in the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond.
    • Portland, USA: The Portland hub supports the region's diverse industries by providing efficient and reliable shipping services, acting as a gateway for goods moving through the Pacific Northwest.
    • North Las Vegas, USA: The North Las Vegas hub provides essential logistics services to the entertainment, hospitality, and growing e-commerce sectors in Southern Nevada.
    • San Ramon, USA: The San Ramon location functions as the central command for strategic planning, administrative functions, and executive leadership for GLS US operations, coordinating expansion and service delivery across the Western United States.
    • Budapest, Hungary: The central transhipment centre in Budapest is the core of GLS Hungary’s network, enabling fast and smooth parcel delivery nationwide with a standard delivery time of less than 24 hours.
    • Zagreb, Croatia: The Zagreb headquarters coordinates GLS Croatia’s operations across all major cities, serving as the central hub for domestic and international logistics solutions.

    Partnerships:

    GLS Group has established strategic partnerships with SF Express to enhance global distribution between Europe and Asia, with Keba to expand its automated parcel locker network across Europe, and with Quadient to access and utilize France’s open parcel locker infrastructure.

    Carrier Partners & Alliances

    Strategic partnerships and alliances that enhance our global reach and service capabilities.

    Strategic Partnerships:

    PartnerType
    SF ExpressAlliance
    Bloq.itStrategic Partnership
    Tusk LogisticsService Partner
    Interlogistica Ltd.Service Partner
    GLS SpainSubsidiary/Service Partner

    Service Portfolio

    Comprehensive range of logistics and transportation services tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

    Core Services:

    • Parcel Delivery: Reliable domestic and international parcel shipping services for businesses and individuals, focusing on timely and secure delivery across Europe, the US, and Canada
    • Express Services: Fast, time-definite delivery options for urgent shipments, ensuring parcels reach their destination quickly and efficiently

    Value-Added Services:

    • FlexDeliveryService: Allows recipients to choose alternative delivery options such as a specific delivery day, delivery to an alternative address, parcel shop, or depot collection, enhancing convenience and flexibility for customers.
    • AdditionalInsuranceService: Provides insurance options to guarantee goods against damage during transport, offering peace of mind and financial protection to shippers.

    Digital Offerings:

    • Digital Freight Experience: User-friendly self-service portal for streamlined freight booking, instant quotes, and real-time shipment tracking

    Industry Reputation & News

    Recognition and achievements that demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation.

    Awards & Recognition:

    • EcoVadis Silver Rating: Recognizes GLS Group's strong performance in sustainability, with a silver medal awarded for policies and actions in environment, sustainable procurement, ethics, and labor and human rights. GLS achieved an environmental impact score of 90/100, placing it in the top 2% of its industry.

    Recent Developments:

    • SBTi-Approved Decarbonisation Targets: GLS Group received official approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for its near-term and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 and to transform its transport fleet to zero- and low-emission vehicles, significantly advancing its environmental strategy and impact.

    Analysis & Future Outlook

    Strategic vision and future initiatives that will shape the next generation of logistics services.

    Strengths:

    • Reliable Logistics Network: GLS Group is recognized as one of the most reliable and high-quality parcel service networks in Europe and North America, consistently prioritizing reliability and customer satisfaction in every shipment.

    Weaknesses:

    • Poor Customer Service: GLS Group has received numerous complaints about unresponsive and unhelpful customer service, with customers reporting difficulty resolving delivery issues and lack of support when problems arise.

    Opportunities:

    • GLS Market Connect Expansion: By rolling out its award-winning GLS Market Connect platform, GLS can capture growing demand for unified multichannel sales solutions among e-commerce SMEs, potentially increasing parcel volumes and revenue.

    Risks:

    • Aging Infrastructure: GLS Group faces risks related to the need for ongoing renewal and rehabilitation of its aged workplace and storage facilities, as well as critical infrastructure such as locks and electrical systems, which could impact operational reliability if not addressed.

    Strategic Initiatives:

    • Net-Zero by 2045: GLS Group has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, with science-based targets approved by the SBTi, including a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions compared to 2021 levels.