Our story
Most people know us as GLS. The parcel distributor that has been delivering parcels to Danes for more than 20 years. The ones with Parcel Shops in every city.
But our story goes back more than 40 years. It all started when 25 hauliers joined forces to grow even stronger.
Here you can read the story of how we've grown from small and national to large and international over the course of four decades, and how that development has made us the best-rated parcel distributor in Denmark on Trustpilot.
1982
Pakke-Trans amba is founded
25 Danish hauliers establish Pakke-Trans. On the roads, Danes recognise us by the jumping kangaroo in the logo.
1989
German Parcel is founded
German Parcel is founded in Germany. It is the start of a dynamic development of the parcel industry and the history of GLS.
1992
General Parcel is founded
General Parcel, the European franchise system, is founded.
1993
Pakke-Trans becomes a General Parcel partner
Pakke-Trans becomes a General Parcel partner and thus part of a well-functioning international cooperation with local anchoring.
1999
GLS is founded
General Logistics Systems B.V. (GLS) was founded by Royal Mail following its acquisition of German Parcel, which was the main shareholder in the General Parcel partnership.
2000
Pakke-Trans becomes part of GLS
Pakke-Trans is now part of GLS. This is also the year, Pakke-Trans buys shares in the Danish company Stafetten A/S, which offers express and courier services, and Pakke-Trans' head office moves into Kokmose in Kolding.
2002
Pakke-Trans changes name to GLS Denmark A/S
GLS has grown into an international company with strong national roots. Therefore, the implementation of a consistent branding effort is launched, which signals that GLS is now one big European company.
2006
Stafetten turns into GLS Express
GLS acquires the remaining shares in Stafetten in 2005, which is renamed GLS Express in 2006. In the same year, a new and future-oriented sorting facility is implemented in Kolding.
GLS introduces Denmark's first Parcel Shops
GLS makes life easier for Danes by establishing Denmark's first Parcel Shop.
2008
From franchises to GLS-owned depots
GLS depots transition from being operated by franchisees to being mainly owned by GLS. This leads to increased efficiency, uniform procedures, and higher delivery quality across national borders.
2013
Europe's largest depot is constructed in Denmark
GLS builds Europe's largest GLS depot in Copenhagen. The newly constructed building handles both GLS Parcel and GLS Express deliveries.
2017
GLS bliver EcoVadis-certificeret
GLS’ bæredygtighedsstyring bliver vurderet for førstegang og opnår bronze-status i det uafhængige EcoVadis certificeringsprogram, som er baseret på internationale standarder.
2018
GLS becomes EcoVadis certified
GLS' sustainability management is assessed for the first time and achieves bronze status in the independent EcoVadis certification programme, which is based on international standards.
2019
GLS tests electric vehicles
As part of GLS' green strategy, the first tests of electric vehicles are launched to enable climate-friendly delivery of future parcels.
2021
New logo and brand identity
GLS launches a new logo and brand identity under the slogan 'If it matters to you, it matters to us', which is introduced on all digital platforms in the autumn. 2021 is also the year that GLS becomes Denmark's best-rated parcel distributor on Trustpilot, with a score of 4.7. At the same time, the GLS app for private customers is launched, making life easier for parcel consignees and consigners.
2022
GLS sets the pace for an updated climate strategy
All GLS countries join forces for a new ClimateProtect strategy that puts further focus on the climate. As part of this, the electric transport fleet gets expanded and charging points are installed at all locations. The strategy means that GLS will now compensate for the CO2 emissions that cannot yet be reduced.
As a result of its climate efforts, GLS receives EcoVadis gold certification.
In parallel, the new logo and brand identity are rolled out at all physical touchpoint