Skip to content

GLS Connector – Overview

The merchantCENTRAL Shipment GLS Connector integrates the GLS ShipIT REST API v3 directly into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It enables the creation of shipping labels, shipment tracking, cancellations, and end-of-day manifests β€” all from within Business Central.


Feature Overview

Feature Supported Details
Create Labels βœ… Single + Bulk (sequential)
Label Formats βœ… PDF, PNG, Zebra ZPL (200/300 dpi)
Cancel Shipment βœ… Until pickup by GLS
End of Day (Manifest) βœ… PDF document for the GLS driver
Shipment Tracking βœ… Status + History
Connection Test βœ… Via AllowedServices endpoint
Dashboard βœ… Labels Today + last error
Value Added Services (VAS) βœ… 8 services (see below)
International Shipping βœ… Customs declaration with HS codes
Return Labels ⚠️ Only via ShopReturn service
Re-download Label ❌ Only available at creation time

GLS Products

Product Description Use Case
GLS Parcel BusinessParcel β€” the standard National, EU, International
GLS Express ExpressParcel β€” fast delivery Time-critical shipments
GLS Freight General cargo β€” heavy/bulky goods Palletized goods, large shipments

Value Added Services

Service Description
ShopDelivery Delivery to a GLS ParcelShop
ShopReturn Return label via GLS ParcelShop
FlexDelivery Recipient chooses delivery options
Guaranteed24 Guaranteed delivery within 24 hours
AddresseeOnly Delivery only to the named recipient
Deposit Drop-off authorization (e.g., garage, mailbox)
Cash on Delivery Cash on delivery (payment upon delivery)
AddonLiability Additional transport insurance

Quick Start (5 Steps)

  1. Prepare GLS credentials (Username, Password, Contact ID)
  2. Open Setup: Search β†’ GLS Shipment Setup
  3. Enter credentials: Username + Password + Contact ID
  4. Test connection: Action β†’ Test Connection
  5. Create first label: merchantCENTRAL Dashboard β†’ Create Shipping Label β†’ Select GLS

β†’ Detailed Initial Setup


Technical Details

Property Value
API GLS ShipIT REST API v3.2.9
Authentication HTTP Basic Auth (Username + Password)
Protocol REST/JSON
Content-Type application/glsVersion1+json
Country Codes ISO alpha-2 (DE, AT, FR)
Weight Unit Kilograms (decimal)
Max. Weight 31.5 kg
Sandbox Yes (dedicated URL)
BC Version 27.0+

Key Differences from Other Shipping Carriers

Feature GLS DHL UPS DPD
Auth Basic Auth API Key + Basic Auth OAuth 2.0 SOAP Login
Country Codes ISO-2 (DE) ISO-3 (DEU) ISO-2 (DE) ISO-3 (DEU)
Errors HTTP Headers JSON Body JSON Body SOAP Fault
Manifest βœ… EndOfDay βœ… ❌ ❌
Returns ShopReturn βœ… Return API βœ… Return Service ❌
Cash on Delivery βœ… Cash Service ❌ ❌ ❌

Further Reading