GLS

GLS is one of Europe's largest ground-based parcel-delivery networks, founded as a Dutch holding and now part of a large postal group. It's set apart by an asset-light model — rather than employing all couriers and running all shopfronts itself, it runs its dense depot-and-ParcelShop network largely through independent transport partners and local retail partners under the GLS brand and its quality standards.

There are two ways in. A transport partner — an independent carrier or sole trader — runs pickup, delivery, or line-haul on GLS routes, owning the vehicles and employing drivers, while GLS supplies the volume, the brand, scanning and IT systems, and the route framework. A ParcelShop partner — an existing shop (kiosk, convenience store, café, petrol station) — becomes a pickup and drop-off point; GLS supplies the equipment, signage, training, and a listing in its location finder. HQ owns the brand, network, hubs, IT, and customer contracts; the partner provides local labor, vehicles, or the retail premises.