# GLS Tracking: How to Track Your Package

> Track GLS parcels in Europe. Get real-time delivery status for GLS domestic and cross-border shipments across 41 European countries.

- **URL**: https://trackingadvice.com/carriers/gls/
- **Carrier website**: https://gls-group.eu/
- **Region**: europe
- **Last verified**: 2026-04-22

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.

## Quick facts

| Fact | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| 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 Number Formats

| Service | Format | Example | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GLS standard (8-digit parcel ID) | 8 digits | 35638867 | Common domestic GLS parcel number (no leading zeros). |
| GLS international (11-digit) | 11 digits | 53260112365 | Used for cross-border European GLS shipments. |
| GLS Italy (alphanumeric) | 2 letters/letter+digit + up to 9 digits | Y1550012467 | Format used by GLS Italy. |
| GLS delivery note | Office code + 4-digit account + note number | YW12349999999 | Extended reference format used in some country-specific shipments. |

## How to Track a GLS Package

1. **Find the GLS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or SMS**: Find the GLS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or SMS.
2. **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).
3. **Enter the tracking number**: Enter the tracking number.
4. **View the real-time delivery status**: View the real-time delivery status.
5. **Use the GLS app for delivery management**: Use the GLS app for delivery management.

## GLS Tracking Statuses Explained

| Status | Meaning | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Data collection (Preadvice) | The sender has created electronic shipment data but the parcel has not yet been physically handed to GLS. |  |
| 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. |  |
| Destination parcel center | The parcel has arrived at the final GLS parcel centre and will proceed to delivery. |  |
| In delivery | The parcel has left the final parcel centre and is in a GLS delivery vehicle, expected today. |  |
| Delivered | The parcel has been successfully delivered to the recipient or to a GLS ParcelShop or neighbour. |  |

## GLS Shipping Services Compared

| Option | Best for | Main tradeoff | Typical cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GLS EuroBusinessParcel | Everyday shipping | 2-5 days | Quote-based |
| GLS BusinessParcel | Everyday shipping | 1-2 days | Quote-based |
| GLS ParcelShop Delivery | Everyday shipping | Transit times vary by route | Quote-based |
| GLS ExpressParcel | Everyday shipping | 1 day | Quote-based |
| GLS GlobalParcel | Everyday shipping | 5-15 days | Quote-based |

## GLS Delivery Times by Service

| Service | Time | Geography | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GLS BusinessParcel (domestic) | 1-2 days |  | 1-2 business days |
| GLS EuroBusinessParcel (EU cross-border) | 2-5 days |  | 2-5 business days (destination dependent) |
| GLS ExpressParcel | 1 day |  | Next business day (select EU lanes) |
| GLS GlobalParcel | 5-15 days | international | 5-15 business days (international) |

## Common GLS Tracking Problems

| Issue | Cause | What to do | When to escalate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tracking number not recognised | Number entered incorrectly, or the sender has not yet handed the parcel to GLS. | Double-check the number with the sender; allow 24 hours after shipment creation for the first scan. | If still unrecognised after 48 hours, contact GLS customer service or the sender. |
| Status not updating / parcel seems stuck | Parcels may go 1-2 days without a new scan between hubs; weekend scans are limited. | Wait 2-3 business days; check gls-group.com with the full parcel ID. | If no update after 5 business days, open a trace with GLS through their contact portal. |
| Parcel marked delivered but not received | Delivered to a ParcelShop, neighbour, or left in a safe place without direct handover. | Check tracking details for delivery location; look at any letterbox notification card; check with neighbours. | If delivery location confirmed incorrect, contact GLS within 7 days with proof and request a delivery investigation. |
| Parcel in 'Stored' status after failed delivery | Address incorrect, recipient repeatedly absent, or access denied. | Contact GLS or the sender to provide correct address or reschedule delivery promptly. | GLS typically returns to sender after 3-5 business days in 'Stored' status; act quickly to prevent return. |

## GLS Tracking FAQs

### 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.

### What is the GLS tracking number format?

GLS tracking numbers are typically 11-13 alphanumeric characters. The exact format varies by country.

### 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.

### How long does GLS cross-border delivery take?

GLS EuroBusinessParcel delivers in 2-5 business days within Europe, depending on the destination country.

### 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.

### 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.

### Can GLS deliver internationally outside Europe?

Yes, via GLS GlobalParcel using partner carrier networks worldwide. Transit times are 5-15 business days depending on the destination.

### Who owns GLS?

GLS (General Logistics Systems) is wholly owned by Royal Mail Group, the UK's national postal operator.

### How do I file a GLS claim for a missing parcel?

Contact your local GLS depot or the sender. Provide the tracking number and shipment details. Time limits vary by country.

### What is GLS EuroBusinessParcel?

GLS EuroBusinessParcel is GLS's cross-border parcel service for B2B and B2C shipments within Europe, offering 2-5 day delivery across 41 countries.

## Get Help from GLS

- **Help**: https://gls-group.eu/

## 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.

## Sources

- [GLS Group official website](https://gls-group.eu/), GLS Group
- [GLS parcel tracking](https://gls-group.com/GROUP/en/parcel-tracking/), GLS Group
- [GLS contact page](https://gls-group.eu/GROUP/en/contact/), GLS Group
- [GLS parcel status glossary](https://www.gls-pakete.de/en/glossary-private/parcel-status), GLS Germany