FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers

Parcels within the Republic of Ireland are usually delivered within less than 24 hours. To all major European markets parcel usually reach their destination within 24 to 48 hours. Delivery to more distant European countries usually takes between 3 and 5 days, in remote areas up to 7 days. GLS delivers Monday to Friday during normal business hours. Parcel tracking shows you the expected delivery date.
 

How do I find out where my parcel is right now?

With online parcel tracking function you can track your parcel at any time. Please note that GLS uses distribution centres, so the dispatch route may not always seem direct to you. To see where your parcel is right now, simply enter the parcel number or the Track ID.
 

What happens if I’m not at home at the time of delivery?

First, GLS will attempt to find a neighbour willing to accept and sign for your parcel. If no neighbour can accept your parcel, GLS will leave a notification card and take the parcel to the nearest GLS ParcelShop. You then have nine working days to collect your parcel, showing your photo ID (e.g. passport or identity card). If there is no ParcelShop nearby, GLS will take your parcel back to the depot (distribution centre) – and then undertake a second delivery attempt. In any case, you will receive a notification card.

If the second delivery attempt is also unsuccessful, GLS will store the parcel in the depot for a period of ten working days. During this period you have the possibility to contact GLS or pick the parcel up in the depot. Otherwise the parcel is returned to the sender.

When ordering online you can often enter an alternative delivery address. This, for example, can be your place of work if your employer agrees to this. You can issue GLS with a signature release authorisation. This way the driver can leave the parcel at a freely-accessible location of your choice at your address. If you did not choose one of these options in advance, a neighbour might accept your parcel. Or GLS may take it to the nearest GLS ParcelShop.

Yes. If you are not at home, the driver may leave your parcel with a neighbour. They will naturally have to sign for it. The driver will leave a notification card with the relevant information.

Yes. If your parcel cannot be delivered to you or a neighbour, the delivery driver will automatically take it to the nearest ParcelShop and leave a notification card for you. You then have nine working days in which to collect it from the ParcelShop. Note: To collect a parcel you will need an official photo ID (e.g. passport or identity card).

Simply use the GLS ParcelShop finder to search for a shop and directions

ParcelShop finder

Yes. Just hand the person an informal written authorisation. It should include your name and address, as well as the name and address of the collector. You can also fill out the form on the notification card. The authorised person must bring the authorisation and an official photo ID (e.g. passport or identity card).

Yes, you can authorise GLS to leave a parcel at an agreed place, for example, in your garage. To do this, simply download the signature release authorisation as a PDF, print it out, fill it in and send it to your GLS depot – or hand it directly to the delivery driver. The signature release authorisation can be a once-off or general authorisation. You can also revoke it at any time in writing.

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If your parcel is externally damaged, you can refuse to accept it. GLS will then return the parcel to the depot and inform the sender. If the contents are damaged, please contact the sender. GLS cannot and may not check the contents of sent parcels.

First of all check the status of your parcel using the parcel tracking function of GLS. To do this, enter the parcel number the sender has given you – if not, ask the sender for the number. Secondly, look for the notification card that a delivery driver leaves behind if no-one is at home at the first delivery attempt. The notification card will tell you where your parcel is – for example, with a neighbour or in a GLS ParcelShop. The Track ID will also be included on the card, enabling you to use the parcel tracking function.

If shipment tracking does not help you, get in touch by calling GLS directly at 01860 6200 (standard rate charged, mobile phone calls may cost more). We will gladly try to answer your question. The parcel number or Track ID is necessary for us to assist you, so please have one of these ready.