A Look at Our History
The history of GLS – when did we begin? What has driven us for decades? Get to know us better here!
A storied history
It all began in 1989, when 25 courageous freight forwarders had a bold idea: to establish a national parcel service provider in the geographical centre of Germany. German Parcel was born, laying the foundation for the extraordinary story of the GLS Group.
German Parcel began operations with 30 depots in western Germany and its national hub in Neuenstein. By the end of 1989, 2 million parcels had been delivered within Germany.
Today, GLS Germany is the GLS market with the highest revenue, and we are proud to be among the most successful parcel networks.
To optimally connect locations, circles of approximately 400 km were drawn around the depots. Common intersection: Neuenstein, the central hub.
Following reunification, the parcel network was rebuilt, and processes were standardised and industrialised. In 1995, deliveries to private recipients began, followed by the first ParcelShops in 1997.
Royal Mail became the new shareholder, and German Parcel was integrated into the newly established General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS). Entry into the express market began with DER KURIER.
German Parcel became GLS Germany. A Europe-wide branding was introduced. GLS IT Services and the ThinkGreen initiative for enhancing environmental protection across Europe were launched.
Launch of PharmaService and FlexDeliveryService. GLS-ONE portal for private customers launched. GLS KlimaProtect begins — enabling climate-neutral deliveries through offsetting.
During the coronavirus pandemic, GLS fulfilled its supply responsibilities while doing everything possible to protect the health of all involved.
New look, same passion: the GLS Group unveiled its brand in a fresh, modern design.
The sustainable EcoHub in Essen hosted the international environmental conference of the GLS Group for the first time and was equipped with a 1,800 square metre green roof.
GLS buys fulfilment service provider Versandmanufaktur
DPD and GLS launch joint network of ParcelShops and Parcelstations
GLS bundles its networks in the USA and Europe
We've been doing this perfectly for over 30 years
Your parcels have been, are, and will remain in the best hands with us. Yesterday, today, tomorrow. For business or personal shipments.
Give it a try and start your parcel shipping with GLS now!
30 years of successful parcel logistics in retrospect
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Our facts
A dense national parcel network in the heart of Europe: figures and facts about our business in Germany.
Our responsibility
We are aware of our special responsibility towards the environment and society.
GLS Group
GLS Germany is a subsidiary of the GLS Group. Find out what our strong network in Europe and North America consists of.
Any questions? Visit our FAQ service center.