GLS Germany adds flexible re-delivery options to last mile

Package delivery company GLS Germany has launched a new online facility for consumers to re-arrange delivery for e-commerce shipments. The new service has been in operation since last month, allowing package recipients to choose where and when GLS should attempt a re-delivery, if they were unable to receive the item the first time.

Drivers are leaving “Way to the Web” notification cards when a first delivery cannot be completed, providing a tracking ID for the package and instructions to visit the uni-track.de website to manage their re-delivery.

GLS said thanks to internet shopping, the number of packages it is shipping to private individuals is growing, but they often cannot be at home when the goods arrive, meaning that drivers must return to the depot with the package.

With the new service, recipients can specify an alternate address within Germany, re-order delivery for the original shipping address, or have the package delivered to one of the 5,000 GLS parcel shops around Germany, for collection in person.

Package recipients can also nominate a safe location on their property for the driver to leave a package, or signal their intent to refuse delivery outright.

Klaus Conrad, managing director of GLS Germany, said: “With online shopping, people always want to be flexible. Our goal is to get packages to recipients as quickly and conveniently as possible. This is best when they let us know what is the best solution for them.”

GLS, the German subsidiary of Amsterdam-based General Logistics Systems BV, said that as had been the case before the new web-based re-delivery option, recipients will also be able to change the address or date of the second delivery by telephone.

The company said it is also looking to provide further improvements for package recipients in future.