GLS (General Logistics Systems) is a leading European parcel delivery network, wholly owned by Royal Mail Group. Operating in 41 European countries with a network of 1,300+ depots and 45,000+ parcel shops, GLS delivers 850+ million parcels annually. GLS is particularly strong in Central and Eastern Europe, where it is often the preferred carrier for cross-border e-commerce. Track at GLS-group.eu or your country's GLS website.
Track GLS Package
Track GLS parcels in Europe. Get real-time delivery status for GLS domestic and cross-border shipments across 41 European countries.
GLS Tracking
Key facts about GLS
GLS tracking
GLS tracking numbers are typically 11-13 alphanumeric characters.
GLS (General Logistics Systems)
GLS (General Logistics Systems) is a subsidiary of Royal Mail Group.
GLS operates in 41
GLS operates in 41 European countries and ships to 200+ countries via partners.
GLS ParcelShop network provides
GLS ParcelShop network provides 45,000+ pickup points across Europe.
GLS Tracking Statuses Explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Data collection (Preadvice) | The sender has created electronic shipment data but the parcel has not yet been physically handed to GLS. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Cancelled | The pickup order was cancelled because the goods were not ready in time for collection. | Contact the sender to reschedule the pickup. |
| In transit | The parcel has been physically handed over to GLS and is being routed through parcel centres towards the destination. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Destination parcel center | The parcel has arrived at the final GLS parcel centre and will proceed to delivery. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| In delivery | The parcel has left the final parcel centre and is in a GLS delivery vehicle, expected today. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Delivered | The parcel has been successfully delivered to the recipient or to a GLS ParcelShop or neighbour. | Monitor the next scan event. |
GLS Tracking Number Formats
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
GLS standard (8-digit parcel ID)
356388678 digits
Common domestic GLS parcel number (no leading zeros).
GLS international (11-digit)
5326011236511 digits
Used for cross-border European GLS shipments.
GLS Italy (alphanumeric)
Y15500124672 letters/letter+digit + up to 9 digits
Format used by GLS Italy.
GLS delivery note
YW12349999999Office code + 4-digit account + note number
Extended reference format used in some country-specific shipments.
How to Track a GLS Package
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any GLS shipment.
Find the GLS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or SMS
Open https://gls-group.eu/track (or your country's GLS website)
Go to https://gls-group.eu/track (or your country's GLS website).
Enter the tracking number
View the real-time delivery status
Use the GLS app for delivery management
Common GLS Tracking Problems
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call GLS directly.
Tracking number not recognised
Cause
Number entered incorrectly, or the sender has not yet handed the parcel to GLS.
What to do
Double-check the number with the sender; allow 24 hours after shipment creation for the first scan.
Escalate when
If still unrecognised after 48 hours, contact GLS customer service or the sender.
Status not updating / parcel seems stuck
Cause
Parcels may go 1-2 days without a new scan between hubs; weekend scans are limited.
What to do
Wait 2-3 business days; check gls-group.com with the full parcel ID.
Escalate when
If no update after 5 business days, open a trace with GLS through their contact portal.
Parcel marked delivered but not received
Cause
Delivered to a ParcelShop, neighbour, or left in a safe place without direct handover.
What to do
Check tracking details for delivery location; look at any letterbox notification card; check with neighbours.
Escalate when
If delivery location confirmed incorrect, contact GLS within 7 days with proof and request a delivery investigation.
Parcel in 'Stored' status after failed delivery
Cause
Address incorrect, recipient repeatedly absent, or access denied.
What to do
Contact GLS or the sender to provide correct address or reschedule delivery promptly.
Escalate when
GLS typically returns to sender after 3-5 business days in 'Stored' status; act quickly to prevent return.
GLS Shipping Services Compared
Compare GLS service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
GLS EuroBusinessParcel
Cross-border European parcel delivery
Everyday shipping 2-5 days
GLS BusinessParcel
Domestic business parcel delivery
Everyday shipping 1-2 days
GLS ParcelShop Delivery
Delivery to 45,000+ pickup points
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
GLS ExpressParcel
Time-definite European delivery
Everyday shipping 1 day
GLS GlobalParcel
International delivery to 200+ countries (via partners)
Everyday shipping 5-15 days
GLS Delivery Times by Service
GLS BusinessParcel (domestic)
1-2 business days
1-2 business days
GLS EuroBusinessParcel (EU cross-border)
2-5 business days
2-5 business days (destination dependent)
GLS ExpressParcel
1 business day
Next business day (select EU lanes)
GLS GlobalParcel
international
5-15 business days
5-15 business days (international)
GLS Tracking FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about GLS tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track a GLS parcel?
Go to gls-group.eu/track or your country's GLS website and enter the tracking number from your delivery notification.
02 What is the GLS tracking number format?
GLS tracking numbers are typically 11-13 alphanumeric characters. The exact format varies by country.
03 What is a GLS ParcelShop?
A GLS ParcelShop is a pickup and drop-off point at a convenience store, gas station, or supermarket. You can collect parcels there if you are not home during delivery.
04 How long does GLS cross-border delivery take?
GLS EuroBusinessParcel delivers in 2-5 business days within Europe, depending on the destination country.
05 Does GLS deliver on Saturdays?
Saturday delivery is available in most GLS markets, including Germany, Austria, and others. Check the GLS website for your country.
06 What happens if GLS cannot deliver my parcel?
GLS will redirect to a GLS ParcelShop or hold at a depot. You receive a notification with collection instructions.
Get Help from GLS
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact GLS directly with your tracking number ready.
About GLS
GLS was founded in 1989 by Royal Mail Group as German Parcel, operating initially in Germany. The brand was rebranded as GLS (General Logistics Systems) in 1999 following expansion across Europe. GLS has grown into Royal Mail's primary European parcel business, operating through a franchise/agency model in many countries. GLS is particularly strong in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and other Central European markets.
- Official site
- https://gls-group.eu/
- Track packages
- https://gls-group.com/track
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- Private Courier
- Country
- DE
- Region
- europe
- Coverage
- GLS operates in 41 European countries directly and ships to 200+ countries via partner networks. Particularly strong coverage in Germany, Austria, Central Europe, Benelux, France, Spain, and Italy.
- Last verified
- Apr 22, 2026
Referenced sources