The demand for flexible delivery options is growing fast, and GLS is responding strongly. In just 24 months, GLS has expanded its European out-of-home network from 70,000 to 130,000 pick-up and drop-off points. This positions the organization as one of the fastest-growing players in last-mile delivery within Europe.

For you as a shipper or e-commerce party, this means one thing: the way your customers receive their shipments is changing at a rapid pace.

Strong growth in OOH deliveries

More and more consumers are choosing to receive their parcels at a pick-up point or via a locker. Currently, nearly 29 percent of all GLS B2C shipments are delivered or collected via out-of-home locations. Compared to the end of 2024, these volumes have even more than doubled.

Growth is particularly strong in countries such as Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Poland. In some markets, the increase even exceeds 100 percent. During peak periods, such as the holidays, volume increased by a further 43 percent compared to the previous year.

This development shows that flexibility and freedom of choice for the end customer are becoming increasingly important.

Focus on quality and reach

GLS is not just focusing on expansion, but specifically on building a high-quality network. The network now consists of:

• approximately 100,000 service points, often located in shops at strategic locations
• around 30,000 parcel lockers, including smart lockers

This combination creates a high-density network that fits perfectly into consumers’ daily lives. Think of locations close to residential areas, shopping districts, and transport hubs.

At the same time, home delivery remains an important part of the service, featuring real-time tracking and flexible delivery options.

Ambition towards 2030

GLS has clear plans for the future. The organization aims to grow to 30,000 of its own parcel lockers in Europe by 2030. This should contribute to an even more accessible and efficient network.

Collaborations play an important role in this. In various countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, GLS works with local partners to expand the network faster and smarter.

What does this mean for your logistics?

The growth of out-of-home delivery is changing your customers’ expectations. Fast delivery remains important, but flexibility is increasingly becoming the deciding factor.

By making smart use of OOH solutions, you can:

• reduce the pressure on home delivery
• plan deliveries more efficiently
• reduce the chance of failed deliveries
• respond to customers’ desire to determine the delivery time themselves

At Van der Helm Logistics, we work with you to see how these developments fit within your supply chain. Whether it concerns fulfilment, distribution, or last-mile optimization, we provide a solution that aligns with your growth plans.

Want to know how we make your logistics future-proof? View our solutions and discover what we can do for you.