The GLS Group was founded at the end of 1999 and emerged from German Parcel, an association of German freight forwarders. Within a few years, GLS built up a European parcel network which today is one of the largest on the continent. In 2016, GLS began a focused geographic expansion in North America.
 
Milestones
 

2020

• Martin Seidenberg becomes the new CEO of GLS Group.
• The GLS Group has been awarded Silver status from EcoVadis for the second time

2019

• Mexico: Estafeta becomes GLS partner.
• USA: GLS buys the LTL provider Mountain Valley Express (MVE).
• USA: Change of name from GSO to General Logistics Systems US (GLS US).

 
2018

• Spain: GLS acquires express parcel service provider Redyser Transporte.
• Rico Back, CEO of GLS Group from 1999 to 2018, is appointed CEO of Royal Mail Group.
• James Rietkerk becomes the new CEO of GLS Group, Thorsten Pruin the new CFO.
• Canada: GLS acquires the parcel service provider Dicom Canada.

 
2017

• EcoVadis certification of the sustainability management system of the GLS Group
• USA: GLS takes over the overnight parcel service Postal Express
• GLS Group invests 100 million euros in the European network.

 
2016

• Spain: GLS acquires the express parcel service provider ASM.
• USA: GLS takes over the Californian parcel service GSO.

 
2014

• The first sustainability report of the GLS Group is published, with information on environmental activities and social commitment. Further reports will follow in 2016 and 2018.

 
2013

• Croatia: GLS founds its own company, which offers nationwide service right from the start.
• Completion of the group-wide certification of the quality management system (ISO 9001) and the environmental management system (ISO 14001)

 
2008

• Strengthening of environmental protection activities: GLS launches the ThinkGreen initiative.

 
2007

• Romania: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service.

 
2006

• Belgium: GLS takes over the freight and parcel service ABX Belgium Distribution.

 
2005

• Czech Republic: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service

 
2004

• Slovakia: GLS founds its own company with nationwide service

 
2003

• GLS introduces a uniform quality management system throughout Europe.

 
2002

• Start of the Europe-wide uniform GLS branding and renaming of numerous GLS companies.

 
2001

• Poland: GLS acquires shares in Szybka Paczka Spólka and enters the Polish parcel market.
• Finland: GLS takes over General Parcel Finland.

 
2000

• Acquisitions and start of activities in Austria, Denmark, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and the Netherlands.

 
1999

• Foundation of General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) as a subsidiary of the English Royal Mail Group
• Establishment and expansion of activities in Germany, Hungary and Ireland.

 
To the complete GLS history