The GLS Group and DB Schenker Logistics have signed a strategic partnership agreement on European level.

With the non-exclusive cooperation, the companies are supporting each other in their transport services. GLS will deliver parcels for the DB subsidiary DB Schenker Logistics (DB SL), whilst DB SL will be handling part-load transports (pallets) for GLS. The framework agreement was signed at the beginning of September and the partners will begin implementing their cooperation step by step in January 2016, initially in Germany.

All-in-one approach to benefit customers

GLS has already been working with many freight companies and networks, including DB SL in some countries. The cooperation allows GLS to expand its services in this segment for customers in the European economic area. A whole host of transport services from a single source: this customer demand is only growing and is the focus of the cooperation for both companies.

The GLS Group now delivers parcels for Israel Postal Company Ltd. (Israel Post) throughout Europe. Bilateral expansion of the collaboration is planned.

The cooperation began in May of this year, initially for Israeli B2B deliveries. With Israel Post and GLS, parcels from Tel Aviv reach numerous European markets within two to five days.

The parcels – arriving by airmail – are taken on by the IATA-licensed GLS Airport Office in Frankfurt. Most deliveries clear customs on the day of arrival, enter the GLS network and are then forwarded to their final destinations.

Interfaces between the partners’ IT systems allow continuous parcel monitoring via the GLS or Israel Post Track & Trace systems.

The next level of cooperation between the two companies includes deliveries of GLS parcels in Israel and the development of a pick-up solution in EU countries for Israeli clients.

GLS has opened new depots in Budapest and Milan. Good for the climate: parcels are delivered by bicycles and electric vehicles.

GLS Hungary operates the new Budapest location in cooperation with the capital’s first bicycle courier company. The delivery drivers transport most of the parcels for the city centre by cargo bikes or e-bikes. In case of heavy loads GLS uses an electric minivan with a range of 130 kilometres. It is the first of its kind in the Hungarian post and parcel market.

GLS Italy also delivers emission-free to parcel recipients in the inner city of Milan – using 12 electric vehicles and eight e-bikes. An additional plus for the new depot: the environmentally friendly LED lighting.

Green – and efficient

One of the sustainability goals of GLS is to continually reduce energy consumption. Bicycles are also used by GLS in other Italian city centres and in Belgium.

Another advantage: narrow, bustling downtown streets and areas with restricted access can be reached quickly and easily.

ThinkGreen initiative

GLS Romania has expanded its domestic network: depots were recently opened in Zalău and Piatra Neamt.

Both locations have a handling capacity of 800 to 1,000 parcels per day.

The depot in Zalău, in the north-west of the country, serves the Sălaj district, while the Piatra Neamt location, in north-east Romania, takes on collections and deliveries in the district of Neamt.

The new depots get GLS Romania even closer to its customers and improve collection and delivery times.

The Romanian network