GLS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND SPECIAL FEATURES THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED WITH THE SHIPPING SERVICE PROVIDER GLS
What do you do when shipping with GLS should pay attention
GLS (General Logistics Systems) is one of the leading parcel and express service providers in Europe and beyond. With a network that covers more than 40 countries in Europe and selected regions in North America and Asia, GLS offers both private and business customers a wide range of shipping solutions. GLS offers standard and express delivery, international deliveries, as well as tailor-made logistics solutions for companies.
GLS places particular value on quality, flexibility and sustainability. For example, the company invests in innovative technologies and environmentally friendly solutions to meet the growing demands of e-commerce and the global economy. With a network of parcel shops, modern logistics centers and digital shipment tracking, GLS enables a smooth and efficient shipping process that guarantees customers a high level of transparency and reliability.
general information
The range of services offered by GLS includes a variety of shipping solutions for private individuals and companies. This includes standard and express delivery, reliable delivery of parcels nationally and internationally, and tailor-made logistics solutions for business customers. E-commerce companies in particular benefit from services such as returns management, timely deliveries or the transportation of special goods. With a network of more than 70 regional hubs and over 1,600 depots, GLS ensures fast and efficient deliveries to over 40 countries, with a growing presence in North America and Asia to complement its offering.
In addition to the reliability of its services, GLS places great value on sustainability. The company invests in low-emission vehicles, alternative drive technologies and energy-efficient logistics centers. In addition, GLS is involved in climate protection programs and offers customers the opportunity to send parcels in a climate-neutral way.
SERVICES
Different shipping methods
Standard delivery from GLS is a reliable and economical solution for daily parcel delivery. With typical delivery times of 24 to 48 hours, this service offers an ideal option for national and European shipments. Customers benefit from simple processing, reliable delivery and the ability to digitally track parcels at any time. Standard delivery is particularly suitable for regular shipments that require a balance of price and performance.
For urgent shipments, GLS offers express delivery, which combines fast delivery times with guaranteed delivery options. Within national borders, delivery usually takes place the next working day. International shipments can also be treated with priority so that important deliveries reach their destination safely and on time.
GLS's national shipping service is characterized by a dense network and a high level of reliability. Within a country, parcels are usually delivered within 24 hours, although remote regions can also be easily reached thanks to the extensive infrastructure. Flexible services such as redirection to GLS parcel shops or alternative delivery addresses offer recipients additional convenience.
Thanks to its Europe-wide network and strategic connections to North America and Asia, GLS enables efficient international shipping. Shipments can be delivered to over 40 countries, often within 48 to 96 hours. Thanks to modern technologies such as digital shipment tracking and transparent customs processing, cross-border deliveries are processed easily and securely. With additional services such as shipping dangerous goods or express options, GLS offers tailor-made solutions for worldwide deliveries.
shipping information
When shipping with GLS, it is important to note the permitted package sizes and weight limits, as these can vary depending on the shipping method and destination country. GLS offers various package sizes and weight classes for shipping parcels within Germany and internationally.
National package prices
- XS package: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may be max. 35 cm
- Package S: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may not exceed 50 cm.
- Package M: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may not exceed 70 cm.
- Package L: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may not exceed 90 cm.
- XL package: up to a weight of 40g and the belt size may be max. 300cm.
International package prices
- XS package: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may be max. 35 cm
- Package S: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may not exceed 50 cm.
- Package M: up to a weight of 40kg. The sum of the longest and shortest sides may not exceed 70 cm.
- Package L: up to a weight of 40g and the belt size may be max. 300cm.
With GLS, parcels can be shipped within Germany starting at a price of €3.29. International packages can start at a price of just 9,70€. Shipping prices with GLS vary depending on the country, package size, weight and service selected.
GLS has clear packaging guidelines which are intended to ensure that shipments reach recipients undamaged and on time. Careful packaging is crucial to ensure the safety of the goods during transport. These guidelines concern the choice of packaging material, the correct sealing of the shipment and the identification of sensitive contents.
- choice of packaging material
GLS recommends choosing robust and sturdy outer packaging for every shipment. The packaging should be neither too big nor too small and sturdy enough to withstand loads during transport. For heavy or sensitive goods, it is recommended to use double-walled cardboard, which provides additional protection. Packaging that has already been used and shows signs of wear such as cracks or dents should be avoided as it is less stable and increases the risk of transport damage.
- Padding and protecting the content
The contents of the shipment should be protected from shocks using suitable cushioning materials — such as bubble wrap, foam or wrapping paper. GLS recommends upholstery sensitive goods in such a way that they have no room for movement within the packaging. There should be a gap of at least five centimeters between the contents and the packaging wall to provide protection against shocks and pressure.
- Seal the package correctly
Securely closing the package is another important point. It is advisable to secure the package connections with strong adhesive tape, especially at the edges and openings of the box. For heavy packages, wide, reinforced adhesive tape is recommended, which provides additional stability and prevents the shipment from being opened unintentionally. An “H” closure, which covers both the edges and the central surfaces, ensures optimum safety.
- Correct labeling
If the shipment contains sensitive or fragile content, this should be clearly visible on the outside with an appropriate sticker (“Be careful with glass” or “fragile”). GLS points out that although such information encourages careful handling, it does not guarantee particularly gentle transport. Good padding is therefore still essential. Bulky packages or packages that are not rectangular (e.g. rolls or very large items) are treated as bulky goods at GLS and cost extra. Such packages should be securely packaged and marked so that they can be handled correctly in the depot.
- packaging for special requirements
GLS also offers special packaging solutions for special requirements, for example for shipping electronics, liquids or other sensitive goods. Customers can also purchase mailing bags, shipping boxes and boxes directly from GLS that comply with the guidelines and are optimally designed for transport.
- Place the address label clearly
Place the address label in a prominent place and make sure that it is completely legible and not damaged. Remove old mailing labels or other labels to avoid confusion.
Customs & import regulations
GLS helps its customers comply with customs and import regulations for international shipping in order to ensure smooth transport across national borders. When shipping to countries outside the EU, additional documents are required, such as commercial invoices, customs declarations or proofs of origin. GLS offers assistance in preparing and reviewing these documents in order to avoid delays or additional fees.
GLS also ensures that all shipments comply with the destination country's specific import regulations, including restrictions on certain goods or required customs declarations. For companies, GLS offers tailor-made solutions that enable seamless customs processing. Thanks to digital tools and professional advice, customers can efficiently comply with customs regulations, speeding up the shipping process and minimizing additional costs.
Insurance and liability
With GLS, parcels are automatically covered by basic liability during transport, which covers damages up to a certain amount in accordance with legal requirements. For national shipments within Germany, this liability is usually up to 750€ per package, based on the actual value of the goods. If this amount is not sufficient, GLS offers the option of taking out additional transport insurance. This insurance increases protection and covers the full value of the shipment, provided that it has been correctly declared.
GLS is liable for damage or loss that occurs during transport, as long as these are not due to inadequate packaging, incorrect address information or other omissions by the sender. Customers are advised to carefully pack valuable or sensitive goods and take out additional insurance if necessary to ensure full protection of their shipments.
Shipping & delivery service
GLS delivery times vary depending on the service selected, shipping distance and destination country. With national standard shipping, delivery is usually within 24 hours on working days, although deliveries to remote regions can take up to 48 hours. Express delivery offers even faster options, including guaranteed next-business day deliveries with time slots such as 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM. For international shipments within Europe, the delivery time for standard delivery is between 24 and 96 hours (1 to 4 working days). Countries in the immediate vicinity, such as Austria or the Netherlands, are usually delivered within 1 to 2 working days, while more distant destinations such as Spain or Scandinavia require 3 to 4 working days.
International express delivery in many European countries allows delivery within 1 working day, often with guaranteed time windows. Additional services such as Saturday Service also offer the option of delivering parcels on Saturdays as well, while deliveries to very remote regions or islands can take a little longer. The GLS delivery time calculator on the website can be used for precise planning.
Shipment tracking at GLS gives customers transparent and easy control over the status of their parcels. With the help of the shipment number that senders and recipients receive when they drop off the package, they can check the current location and expected delivery time of the shipment online at any time. This service ensures maximum transparency and planning security, as all steps — from parcel shipping to sorting to delivery — are completely documented.
The GLS website and GLS app offer user-friendly tools for shipment tracking, including detailed status reports. In addition, recipients can flexibly adjust delivery if required, for example redirect the package to a GLS parcel shop or choose another delivery day. This combination of reliability and flexibility makes shipment tracking at GLS a central element for seamless parcel delivery.
GLS delivery options offer recipients maximum flexibility and convenience to receive parcels tailored to their individual needs. In addition to traditional delivery to the home address, customers can actively control their delivery. With the FlexDeliveryService, recipients have the option of diverting their parcels to an alternative address, choosing a GLS parcel shop as a pick-up location, or choosing another delivery day.
For working or hard-to-reach recipients, GLS offers the practical option of Saturday delivery or delivery to pick-up stations that are also accessible outside regular delivery times. In addition, with the ContactlessDelivery service, GLS enables contactless delivery that does not require a signature to further increase security and convenience.
These diverse delivery options make GLS a flexible solution for both private and business recipients and offer a high level of user-friendliness throughout the delivery process.
GLS offers its customers practical return and return options, which are particularly important for the e-commerce sector. With the ShopReturnService, recipients can easily drop off their returns at one of the numerous GLS parcel shops without the sender having to arrange a collection. This convenient return option ensures that customers can return their goods easily and quickly, without additional logistics costs. In addition, many online retailers can also offer their customers the option of making returns using ready-made return labels, which are already sent with the package. This solution saves time and effort for both customers and retailers, as returns can be made directly and without further formalities.
For business customers who regularly process returns, GLS also offers tailor-made solutions to make returns management efficient. Using digital tools, companies can track the status of returns and optimize their processes. These flexible and simple return options from GLS help ensure that returns are processed quickly and easily, which is a huge relief for both end customers and companies.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
It is important to find out about possible additional costs before shipping to ensure transparent pricing and an optimal selection of services.
Shipping costs for prohibited or restricted items
Sending items that violate legal or customs regulations may be punished with fines or penalties. The amount of these penalties is governed by legal regulations and depends on the extent and seriousness of the infringement. In addition, customs and security authorities can initiate investigations, which may result in further costs and legal consequences.
Prohibited or undeclared restricted items may be confiscated and destroyed by the GLS or the relevant authorities. The costs of destroying the shipment may be charged to the sender. These depend on the costs of disposal and can be significant, especially for dangerous goods or special materials.
If a shipment is sent with prohibited or restricted items, any claim for compensation is waived. This means that neither GLS nor insurance companies are liable for losses, damage or other disadvantages. Supplementary insurance also does not apply in this case, as it is excluded for prohibited content.
contact
Telephone customer service
GLS Germany is a leading parcel service provider that offers a wide range of shipping solutions for private and business customers. For general inquiries, you can contact GLS Germany's customer service by telephone on the hotline +49 180 6 888 888, which is available from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00. Customers can also contact us via email at info@gls-germany.com.
GLS is an internationally active company that is represented in many European countries. To find specific contact details or information for other countries, visit the GLS international website. Here you can view all information about the various GLS subsidiaries in Europe and find out about shipping and customer service in the respective countries.
Online contact:
GLS is also active on various social platforms to communicate with its customers and share up-to-date information. You can get in touch with the company, receive updates on new services and take part in discussions via the GLS Germany Facebook page. GLS also regularly presents content on the topics of logistics, shipping solutions and innovations in parcel delivery on Instagram. Customers can also contact us by e-mail at info@gls-germany.com. If there is a detailed request, customers can use the contact form on the official GLS website to resolve their concerns quickly and efficiently.
With the GLS ParcelShop search, customers can easily find a GLS ParcelShop near them. This makes it possible to pick up, drop off parcels or make shipping orders. To find the closest ParcelShop, customers can use the GLS website and enter their address. The ParcelShops are spread across Germany and offer a flexible solution for sending or receiving parcels at a convenient location and time for customers.