The GLS Group has published its latest sustainability report, giving a comprehensive overview on progress and challenges.

Economic considerations, environmental and climate responsibility and social issues are at the heart of the sustainability report. It presents developments in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years under the title “ThinkGLS. ThinkResponsible”.

Compliant with GRI guidelines

GLS reports in accordance with the G4 guidelines published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which means, for example, carrying out a materiality analysis. Together with internal and external stakeholders, GLS thus identified the key areas for action in terms of sustainability.

Innovative urban logistics

First and foremost, GLS is working to minimise the ecological impacts of parcel transport. One key area in this regard is urban logistics, the aim being to ease the strain on urban infrastructures whilst reducing both emissions and noise. GLS city depots, coupled with e-bikes and electric vans, are helping to achieve this aim.

Responsible and committed

The report also covers the various forms of social commitment in different countries. These projects are often directly linked to parcel services: volunteering days, support for fund-raising campaigns, free transports for charitable organisations or sponsorships of sporting or cultural events.

Expanded capacities for the peak season: in the last twelve months the GLS Group has invested more than 100 million euros into the development of its European network.

GLS has built a new international hub in Slovakia (Zvolen). The parcel service provider has also opened nine new depots in the GLS region Europe East – in Romania (Tulcea and Târgu Jiu), Slovenia (Slovenska Bistrica), the Czech Republic (Klatovy and Šumperk), Croatia (Zaprešić and Bjelovar) and Hungary (Kazincbarcika and Budapest). Modern new constructions were also put into operation by GLS Germany (Offenburg), GLS Austria (Rankweil) and GLS Poland (Radom).

The major investments also include comprehensive depot expansions, for example in Habay (Belgium), Taastrup near Copenhagen (Denmark), Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Bydgoszcz (Poland). In Neuenstein, Germany, the hub of the express subsidiary DER KURIER has been expanded. In Italy, three GLS depots moved to larger buildings (Pesaro, La Spezia, Imperia).

Parcel volume increased by 30 percent

These measures allowed GLS to increase capacity in time for the autumn and Christmas business. In recent years, the number of parcels transported each day has been around 30 per cent above the annual average from October onwards. In some countries, the volume has even doubled shortly before Christmas. To be able to offer customers the high-quality service they are used to, GLS will not connect any new customers to its system during this period.

The GLS European network

The ISO certificates for quality and environmental management at the GLS Group have been renewed for the next three years. GLS has also achieved GDP certification for the transportation of medicinal products in two more countries.

GLS operating companies in 18 countries had their quality and environmental management systems recertified in accordance with ISO 9001 and 14001. The certification contributes to the transparency of GLS products and services in the eyes of the customers. The management systems help the national organisations to achieve their environmental and quality goals.

GDP-certified medicinal transport

GLS also obtained GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification in Denmark and Ireland. The GDP guideline is binding for pharmaceutical wholesalers across the EU. Following Germany and France, GLS companies in four countries now meet the stringent safety and hygiene requirements for the non-temperature-controlled transport of medicinal products for human use.

GLS contracted DQS – one of the largest international providers of management system certification – for almost all the certificates.

GLS now offers its flexible delivery service between 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In this area, online shoppers receive information in advance about parcel delivery and can play a role in deciding where and when they receive their goods ordered abroad.

As of now, the Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, Poland and the GLS region Europe East – which includes Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Romania – are linked with each other in all directions.

Integration into an interconnected region is another milestone on the road towards a Europe-wide FlexDeliveryService. Progress is already being made in linking Denmark and France. The FlexDeliveryService is also available at national level in each of the countries listed.

International e-commerce made easier

Those who shop beyond borders in the linked countries can choose from numerous delivery options. Popular choices include parcel delivery on a desired day or at a GLS ParcelShop. Depending on the services available in each region, GLS also delivers in the evening, deposits the shipment at an agreed secure location or, in Europe East, leaves it for collection at a GLS parcel locker terminal.

By expanding the FlexDeliveryService, GLS is accommodating the growth in cross-border online retail and the increased demand for international services.

The GLS Group bought regional US overnight parcel delivery company Postal Express Inc.

Postal Express operates in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The company offers overnight parcel delivery, mainly to business-to-business customers, across a number of industries.

Founded in 1985, Postal Express today operates a network of 15 hub facilities, with around 400 employees. In 2016, Postal Express generated revenue of approximately 42 million dollars and delivered around 8.7 million parcels.

Targeted geographic expansion

GLS acquired 100 per cent of the shares, paying a total consideration of about 12.5 million euros. The company will be consolidated within GLS for reporting purposes but managed as a separate entity. This targeted geographic expansion follows the acquisition of California based Golden State Overnight Delivery Service Inc. (GSO), in October 2016.

GLS Group