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Glossary

Here we have summarized some important terms for you at a glance.

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Private shipping

Convenient & affordable:

send parcels flexibly from just 3.50 €. With GLS it's easy, reliable and quick.

Business shipping

We are your business partner!

It doesn't matter whether you are a bulk shipper sending several thousand parcels per year or if you regularly send at least 250 parcels per year. GLS has the right solution for every business customer!

Allow our business team to advise you.

Have you got questions about parcel shipping or receipt?

Visit our extensive FAQ service center.

πŸ“ Brexit

On 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) got the status of a third country from the perspective of the European Union. This means that the movement of goods and thus the dispatch of parcels between the EU and the UK has been subject to customs supervision from this date. Customs formalities are therefore required, but no customs duties will be levied on goods of EU origin.

Hence, only shipments for which the shipper provides the full parcel and customs data will be processed.

πŸ“ Bulky goods delivery

Large and unmanageable parcels? Send as bulky items with GLS

GLS will sort and scan these consignments manually at its distribution centers and depots. This is because they are not suitable for the automated sorting equipment. GLS deploys these so-called sorters for quick, reliable parcel shipping. A parcel's dimensions or shape or the outer packaging can all contribute to it being non-conveyable and thus being shipped as a bulky item.

πŸ“ BusinessParcel

Our reliable basic product for national parcel shipping: we transport parcels weighing up to 40 kilogrammes within Germany.There are no distance limits: the standard GLS delivery time of under 24 hours applies across the whole of Germany.

πŸ“ CashService

GLS Paketdienst CashService

The allows you to extend your range of payment options. The consignee pays for their items conveniently when the parcel is delivered. This also minimises your risk of non-payment.

  • GLS takes receipt of the money and transfers it securely and swiftly into the consignor's account
  • Cash-on-delivery sums from Germany are usually transferred to your account on the 5th working day after delivery
  • The maximum cash-on-delivery sum and the liability limit is 2,500 €

πŸ“ ConsignmentService

GLS Paketdienst ConsignmentService

With the , you can consolidate items from one shipping point and have them delivered to a destination address in a single consignment. Your complete consignments will be delivered on the next working day, incomplete consignments will be stored by us for one day and then delivered.

πŸ“ Corona virus

As a parcel service provider, GLS is an important element within the supply chain. The current situation makes the responsibility that we bear even clearer. Up-to-date information on Corona virus measures and ensuring of parcel logistics and operations can be found on our information page about the Corona virus.

πŸ“ Customs Portal / Customs Interface

The export of goods to countries that are not part of the European Union (e.g. Switzerland) requires customs clearance. GLS offers for this purpose simple customs data entry via the Customs Portal and the Customs Interface.

πŸ“ DeliveryAtWorkService

GLS Paketdienst DeliveryAtWorkService

We will delivery your parcel not only to a business address, but direct to the consignee's workplace – to a specific department, an office or an individual.

πŸ“ Diesel surcharge

GLS charges an index-oriented surcharge (percentage) "Diesel" because of the fluctuation of the crude oil prices which has a significant impact on the transport costs.

πŸ“ Downloads

Always well-informed - important documents to download for GLS customers, including guidelines, templates and manuals.

πŸ“ eDeclarationService

GLS Paketdienst eDeclarationService

We take responsibility for customs clearance: before shipping the parcel, our central customs clearance department will create the electronic export declaration for you.

We will support you in this process:

  • You will receive a checklist, which is a detailed summary of all the information required
  • Customs-compliant creation of the export declaration based on the details in the invoice and the checklist
  • Application of a two-stage process. Exception: flight relations – here a single stage process is applied.

πŸ“ EuroBusinessParcel

We offer reliable parcel delivery all over Europe

The countries are connected thanks to our precisely coordinated transportation services and modern distribution centres. This enables GLS to deliver parcels to all important European markets in standard delivery times of 24 to 48 hours. More remote areas outside large cities can generally be supplied by GLS within 72 to 96 hours.

πŸ“ EuroExpressParcel

Express shipping in Europe: we deliver time-critical consignments internationally; before close of business on the next working day in many countries (Saturdays optional). Next-day delivery is also possible for commercial centres in many other countries.

Urgent goods and documents reach their destination reliably and quickly via express shipping within Europe.

πŸ“ ExchangeService

GLS Paketdienst ExchangeService

A chance to handle returns as part of an efficient goods exchange. We make the delivery and collect the return at the same time, bringing the goods to the returns depot or to a business address of your choice.

Repairs are a classic application for our : the consignee gets the replacement device immediately; the defective device is collected at the same time and transported to your premises or to a different address you have specified.

πŸ“ ExpressParcel

Reliable national express transportation: we deliver parcels all over Germany by the next working day (Saturdays optional) and always by close of business.

Speed and punctuality are the top priorities for express delivery with GLS. Urgent consignments, from spare parts to documents, reach their destination on time.

πŸ“ Firewood shipping

It is possible to ship firewood in a parcel if you follow a few tips on packaging. You can find out how to pack your firewood so that everything goes smoothly during shipping here.

πŸ“ FlexDeliveryService

GLS Paketdienst FlexDeliveryService

Optimum flexibility for your consignees: we let consignees know about their delivery and provide them with a large variety of delivery options.

Consignees receive email information about pending GLS parcel deliveries – including details of the predicted delivery time window.

πŸ“ General Terms and Conditions

The currently valid General Terms and Conditions of the General Logistics Systems Germany GmbH & Co. OHG.

πŸ“ GlobalExpressParcel

International shipping: GLS conveys documents and parcels quickly to all countries around the world.

We supply goods to over 160 countries1. Parcels and documents are transported to important business centres all around the world in a standard delivery time of just 2-5 working days – for example to the USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

1 No deliveries to countries where the political situation is very unstable

πŸ“ GLS Klima Protect

With GLS Klima Protect, we deliver parcels climate-neutral through compensation.
We offset all our CO2 emissions – both parcel-related emissions and those accrued through our depots, at our headquarters and on business trips. Produced emissions are offset through certified climate protection projects in cooperation with ClimatePartner.
In addition, we rely on 100% green electricity and our own, sustainable power generation and we are investing in the development of emission-free technologies (e.g. e-vehicles, charging infrastructure etc.) to actively avoid CO2 emissions in the long term. Furthermore, we are equipping our buildings following an environmentally friendly approach, e.g. using heat pumps, LED lighting, rainwater utilisation systems etc.

πŸ“ GLS SameDay

GLS Paketdienst GLS SameDay

With you can offer your consignees same-day delivery. Provided your end customer orders their item before a designated cut-off time, with GLS , it will be delivered the same evening between 5.30 and 10 pm. This offer is currently available in 10 metropolitan areas in Germany1.

  • Goods availability and delivery area checks are already conducted during the online ordering process
  • If the consignee is not at home, GLS will make a second delivery attempt the next working day (except Saturdays). If there are any questions, the consignee can contact the special GLS telephone service until 11pm.
  • 1Hamburg, Hanover, Berlin, Dortmund, DΓΌsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Munich

πŸ“ GLS transport partner

Rely on the reliability and quality of GLS transport partners! We only work with partners who meet the highest standards in terms of safety and environmental protection. Read more about how the cooperation works.

πŸ“ Guaranteed24Service

GLS Paketdienst Guaranteed24Service

We deliver parcels with the guaranteed on the next working day (except on Saturday) throughout Germany (excluding islands).

The is the ideal upgrade for the , if urgent items need to arrive at the consignee in a guaranteed delivery time.

πŸ“ HazardousGoodsService

GLS Paketdienst HazardousGoodsService

GLS can ship hazardous goods in certain categories within Germany by arrangement with the responsible depot. Trained staff at these locations will provide advice on the issue of transporting hazardous items. If you are interested, please get in touch.

Extremely dangerous substances are excluded from hazardous goods shipping, such as radioactive, explosive or highly toxic substances or where there is a risk of contagion.

πŸ“ IdentPINService

GLS Paketdienst IdentPINService

An additional service to ensure handover to an authorised individual. We will only deliver the parcel following successful entry of a PIN number.

The parcel can only be handed over to the authorised person thanks to a direct IT system check.

  • Greater security thanks to delivery requiring correct PIN entry and successful visual ID card inspection
  • Reliable IT system check – ideal e.g. for online shops that must ensure age checks to maintain their Trusted Shop status
  • Optional date of birth check

πŸ“ IdentService

GLS Paketdienst IdentService

We will only hand over the parcel to the person specified by the sender – and only on presentation of proof of identity.

On delivery, the driver checks the consignee`s identity based on their identity documentation and compares these with the details provided by the sender. The parcel must only be delivered following successful verification of identity.

πŸ“ InboundService

GLS Paketdienst InboundService

We are here as your reliable B2B partner for procurement logistics. By combining the with our other shipping services we are able to cover your specific procurement logistics setup. You will gain many benefits from this collaboration.

πŸ“ IntercompanyService

GLS Paketdienst IntercompanyService

We simplify your internal parcel handling. If you receive a GLS consignment at one of your locations, we will take any GLS parcels with us from that location that need to be delivered to other locations within your business.

This optimises transportation links and reduces your costs. We also supply special parcel labels, which simplifies shipment handling.

This service can be used for lots of applications, especially in chain stores.

πŸ“ LetterboxService

GLS Paketdienst LetterboxService

With the , we deliver small consignments directly to the consignee`s letterbox. This service is ideal for sending small items, mailshots or catalogues, where the consignee`s signature is not required.

  • Reliable delivery to the consignee`s mailbox within a standard delivery time of 24 hours
  • Online parcel tracking included
  • Generous maximum dimensions: 28 x 40 x 5 cm (minimum dimension: C5 format)
  • Maximum weight: 1 kg, no minimum weight limit
  • Includes liability in accordance with the statutory provisions, at least 10 € 1

1 in accordance with statutory liability of 8.33 SDR but at least 10 € per parcel

πŸ“ Overlength

Do you want to send parcels in overlength? Send parcels up to 2.00 m with GLS

GLS sorts and scans oversize parcels manually at its distribution centers and depots. The reason for this is that they are not suitable for the automatic sorting systems. In addition, these parcels cause increased effort in delivery due to their length dimensions. For this reason, parcels with a length of 1.50 m or more are sent as overlength parcels.

πŸ“ Parcel delivery

Reliable, fast and safe - that's how you want your parcel delivery to be. At GLS, we make sure that parcel delivery runs as smoothly as possible so that you and your customers are completely satisfied. What do we do for this?

πŸ“ Parcel status

The parcel status indicates where your parcel is currently located. To expedite parcel receipt, here is an overview of the most important information.

πŸ“ PharmaService

GLS Paketdienst PharmaService

The is our option for GDP-compliant pharmaceutical shipping. We transport non-temperature-sensitive / non-temperature-controlled medicinal products with the required quality standards throughout the transportation chain.

The service is adapted entirely around the customer's requirements. We will only hand over consignments to the designated consignee.

πŸ“ Pick&ReturnService

GLS Paketdienst Pick&ReturnService

Optimise your returns management with this convenient returns solution. Parcels will be collected from any address (including private customers) at a time specified by you, and then returned directly to you.

The consignee ensures the parcel is ready to send at the specified time; the parcel label will be provided by the delivery driver.

πŸ“ Pick&ShipService

GLS Paketdienst Pick&ShipService

We fetch parcels from an address of your choice and deliver them directly to the desired consignee. This service avoids unnecessary diversions. For example, a parcel will be transported directly from the supplier to the end customer, or vice versa. This deals with your very specific shipping requirements.

πŸ“ Returns solutions

From shipping to returns - all from a single provider

Give your customers the perfect shopping experience by setting up and managing your own individual returns strategy. Assertive, restrictive, concealed or prominent - the choice is yours!

πŸ“ SaturdayService

GLS Paketdienst SaturdayService

If you want to offer your customers the maximum in shipping options, our is just right. Within the scope of express shipping, we deliver the package on Saturdays at your request. You can even choose between different times! Does this also apply to shipping abroad?

πŸ“ Season

The entire parcel industry is facing special challenges: Steadily growing and, above all, strongly fluctuating parcel volumes make it necessary to plan the deployment of additional manpower and vehicles with particular flexibility.

πŸ“ Season tyres

During the tyre season from 12 September to 16 December and from 1 March to 31 May, the surcharge "Season tyres" is calculated according to the price list.

πŸ“ Shipping planner

When sending goods with GLS, you can combine standardised products and services as you wish. This means that parcel delivery can be adapted to your specific needs and naturally also to those of your customers. Find out which combination is best for you.

πŸ“ ShopDeliveryService

GLS Paketdienst ShopDeliveryService

GLS delivers the parcels (except tyres) direct to a ParcelShop. The consignee decides in advance which ParcelShop their parcel will be sent to.

As soon as the parcel arrives, GLS will let the consignee know via email or SMS. From the day after this delivery, the consignee has eight working days in which to collect their item from the ParcelShop.

πŸ“ ShopReturnService

GLS Paketdienst ShopReturnService

With this practical returns solution, your customer hands over their return consignment (pre-franked and free of charge) at a GLS ParcelShop.

The sender can choose whether to include a pre-prepared GLS returns label with the shipped parcel, or to provide a label on request from the consignee. Convenient online returns solutions are available to create return shipping labels. Return labels can be sent as an attachment to the consignee as a PDF file or QR code. If a QR code is provided, the customer doesn't even have to print the label themselves at home, they can simply get the QR code scanned at the GLS ParcelShop and they will get a printed return label there when they hand over the parcel.

πŸ“ Standard delivery times

Consignors can send their parcels to numerous European countries with GLS. Thanks to its extensive network, GLS offers fast, high-quality shipping all over Europe at an attractive price. Parcels generally arrive in all important markets within 24 to 48 hours. Consignments to countries that are further afield generally have longer delivery times.

πŸ“ TimeDefiniteService

GLS Paketdienst TimeDefiniteServices

Our scheduled delivery options for express shipping: GLS delivers consignments punctually on the next working day (except Saturdays).

You have various scheduled options to choose from:

Nationally: before 8 am, before 9 am, before 10 am or before midday.

Internationally: before 9 am, before 10 am or before midday.

πŸ“ Toll traffic

Pursuant to Section 1 of the Federal Trunk Road Toll Act, all domestic and foreign motor vehicles or vehicle combinations with a permissible total weight of at least 7.5 tonnes that are intended for or used for road haulage are subject to the toll.

πŸ“ Track & trace log

According to the German VAT law, deliveries within the European Union are generally exempt from VAT.

πŸ“ Tyre delivery

Send tyres for cars, bikes or motorbikes.

Tyres are among the frequently sent bulky items. Lots of customers are already taking advantage of the ability to send tyres with GLS.

Sorting is done manually

GLS sorts complete wheels and tyres manually at its distribution centers and depots. Due to their size and weight, these items are not suitable for the automated sorting equipment. GLS always ships these non-conveyable parcels as bulky items.

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