GLS Group

General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) is one of the largest parcel services providers in Europe, with a growing presence in North America.

General Logistics Systems B.V.
IndustryPostal service
Founded1999
HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
Area served
Europe, United States, and Canada
Key people
Dr. Karl Pfaff, CEO
ServicesPostal/Parcel delivery/Collecting
RevenueIncrease €5.4 billion (2022/23)[1]
OwnerInternational Distributions Services
Number of employees
about 22,000[1]
Websitewww.gls-group.com

The company was known as German Parcel when it was founded in 1989, by Rico Back. It was subsequently rebranded as GLS and is now a subsidiary of International Distributions Services plc.[2][3]

Operations

GLS seamlessly connects its customers and communities with millions of parcels every day. The company operates directly and via a partnership network within 40 countries from Europe and North America.[1][4]

In 2022/23, GLS Group delivered 862 million parcels for more than 230,000 customers, with annual revenue of €5.4 billion. The company has approximately 35,000 delivery vans and 4,500 long-distance trucks servicing about 120 national and regional hubs as well as over 1,600 depots.

Financial results

GLS delivered a robust financial performance in 2022/23, driven by a combination of better pricing, and the contribution from the Rosenau acquisition in Canada. Revenue growth was achieved in almost all markets, with particularly good performances in Canada, Germany, Italy and Hungary. B2C share of volume was 55%, with B2B share at 45%.

History

Over the years, GLS has expanded its operations across European countries and into North America, with the aim of providing reliable parcel services to both individuals and businesses. Recognised for its international parcel delivery services, GLS has established an extensive network of depots and hubs, facilitating the seamless movement of parcels across countries. GLS has strategically pursued local or regional acquisitions to strengthen its market position and grow its operational capabilities.

GLS is part of International Distributions Services

Between 1999 and 2002, Back developed a cross-European parcel service via acquisitions and startups. In 2002, these companies were unified into the General Logistics Systems (GLS) brand.

Between 2016 and 2017, GLS acquired the California-based next-day parcel delivery company Golden State Overnight (GSO) Delivery Service, as well as the US overnight parcel delivery company Postal Express.[5][6] GSO was renamed GLS-US in December, 2019.[7]

In September 2018 GLS acquired the Canadian parcel delivery company Dicom, expanding operations in North America and Europe.[8] GLS became one of the largest ground-based deferred parcel networks in Europe,[9] growing revenue from £1 billion in 2002 to £3 billion in 2019.[10] In October 2021 GLS acquired the Canadian logistics company Mid-Nite Sun Transportation Ltd, operating under Rosenau Transport, further expanding their reach into the Canadian market.[11]

In 2022, GLS acquired French tech logistics company Tousfacteurs, a last-mile delivery start-up founded in 2015 and specialised in developing digital solutions for e-commerce. In 2023, GLS expanded its footprint and strengthened its position in Eastern Europe by expanding into Serbia. In addition, GLS acquired Altimax Courier, a prominent provider of air and ground services in Canada, and ProntoPacco, one of the largest parcel shop networks in Italy with an extensive network of over 6,000 pick-up and drop-off points.

Rebranding

In 2021, GLS underwent a brand identity refresh, followed by the launch of its first international brand campaign in 2022. This initiative aimed to better communicate GLS' personalised approach to parcel delivery through its seamless solutions, reinforcing the idea that "it's never just a parcel" for either the sender or the receiver. The new brand identity and campaign reflect this commitment in a contemporary, dynamic and friendly way.

Criticism

In mid-September 2016, hundreds of parcel delivery workers took strike action in the Italian cities of Bergamo, Brescia, Piacenza, Bologna and Parma against GLS and its subcontractors to protest against poor working conditions. On the night of 14–15 September 2016, a van broke through a picket line formed by workers in front of the plant operated by GLS subcontractor SEAM in Piacenza. The van struck and killed Egyptian worker Abd Elsalam Ahmed Eldanf. It was reported that eyewitnesses heard the plant's Chief of Staff ordering the driver to break through the picket line.[12] The Piacenza Prosecutor's office concluded that no strike or protest was taking place at that moment and therefore ruled the death was a car accident. The driver was subsequently released, prompting 7,000 workers to take to the streets in Piacenza and at other GLS offices in Italy, as well as from other firms.[12][13]

References
  1. "GLS facts | GLS Parcel Service". gls-group.com. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  2. "Our businesses". www.royalmailgroup.com.
  3. "GLS history | GLS Group | GLS Parcel Service". gls-group.com. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  4. "About us | GLS Group | GLS Parcel Service". gls-group.com. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  5. "GLS buys Postal Express". Post & Parcel. 6 April 2017. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  6. "GLS buys Golden State Overnight Delivery Service for $90m". Post & Parcel. 2016-10-04. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  7. "GSO completes name change To General Logistics Systems US, Inc". GLS-US Website. 23 December 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  8. "Royal Mail buys into Canada with $276 million courier deal". CNBC. 2018-09-03. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  9. Gordona, Michael (2018-09-03). "Royal Mail buys Dicom Canada". Investor Times. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  10. "Royal Mail Share Price Forecast". capital.com. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  11. "GLS buys Rosenau Transport". insidelogistics.ca. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
  12. "Logistics worker killed while on strike". Labournet TV. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  13. Arens, Marianne (4 October 2016). "Italy: Strikes and protests against the Renzi government's "Jobs Act"". World Socialist Web Site. Retrieved 8 December 2016.

External sources

Media related to General Logistics Systems at Wikimedia Commons

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