Value Added Services
GLS offers numerous value added services that you can activate individually per shipment. These are configured via the service subpage on the parcel creation page.
Overview
GLS services are applied at two levels:
Shipment Level
Apply to the entire shipment.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| ShopDelivery | Delivery to a GLS ParcelShop |
| ShopReturn | Return label via GLS ParcelShop |
| FlexDelivery | Recipient chooses delivery options |
| Guaranteed24 | Guaranteed 24h delivery |
| AddresseeOnly | Delivery only to the named recipient |
| Deposit / Letterbox | Drop-off authorization / letterbox delivery |
Parcel Level (Shipment Unit Level)
Apply to the individual parcel.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Cash on Delivery | Cash on delivery (payment upon delivery) |
| AddonLiability | Additional transport insurance |
ShopDelivery β Delivery to GLS ParcelShop
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Field | Shop Delivery + ParcelShop ID |
| API Name | ShopDelivery |
The recipient picks up the parcel at a GLS ParcelShop instead of receiving a home delivery.
How to Configure ShopDelivery
- Enable Shop Delivery (check the box)
- Enter the ParcelShop ID (e.g.,
GLS_DE-2761234567)
When to Use?
- Recipient is not home during the day
- More affordable alternative to home delivery
- Reliable delivery without neighbor delivery
Finding the ParcelShop ID
You can find the ParcelShop ID via: - GLS ParcelShop Finder - GLS API (AllowedServices returns available ParcelShops)
Required Field
When ShopDelivery is enabled, the ParcelShop ID must be provided. Without the ID, the connector returns a validation error.
ShopReturn β Return via ParcelShop
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Field | Shop Return |
| API Name | ShopReturn |
GLS Return Concept
GLS does not offer a separate return API like DHL or UPS. Instead, the ShopReturn service is activated when creating the outbound shipping label. GLS then generates a return label that is automatically included with the parcel.
How ShopReturn Works
- Enable Shop Return when creating the shipping label
- GLS generates two labels: a shipping label + a return label
- Include the return label in the parcel
- The recipient can return the parcel at any GLS ParcelShop using the return label
When to Use?
- For shipments that are likely to be returned (e.g., fashion, shoes)
- When you want to offer the customer an easy return via ParcelShop
Print Return Label
The return label is automatically delivered as a second PrintData document in the API response and stored in Business Central. Print it and include it in the parcel.
FlexDelivery β Recipient Chooses Delivery Options
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Field | Flex Delivery |
| API Name | FlexDeliveryService |
With FlexDelivery, the recipient can decide how and when the parcel is delivered:
- Redirect to neighbor β Deliver the parcel to a neighbor
- Drop-off authorization β Leave the parcel at a safe location
- ParcelShop redirect β Redirect to the nearest ParcelShop
- Preferred date β Postpone delivery to another day
Prerequisite
The recipient needs a valid email address or mobile number. GLS sends a notification through which the recipient can communicate their delivery preference.
When to Use?
- For B2C shipments (private customers)
- When you want to increase the first-attempt delivery rate
- As a service feature for demanding end customers
Guaranteed24 β Guaranteed 24h Delivery
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Field | Guaranteed 24 |
| API Name | Guaranteed24Service |
GLS guarantees delivery on the next business day. In case of non-compliance, a refund is provided.
When to Use?
- Time-critical shipments with guaranteed transit time
- When the recipient needs a binding delivery commitment
- Spare parts express for business customers
Surcharge & Availability
Guaranteed24 incurs a surcharge and is not available for all destinations. Check availability via the AllowedServices endpoint.
AddresseeOnly β Delivery to Named Recipient Only
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Field | Addressee Only |
| API Name | AddresseeOnlyService |
The parcel may only be handed over to the named person. No neighbor delivery, no drop-off authorization, no ParcelShop.
When to Use?
- Valuable shipments (jewelry, electronics)
- Confidential documents
- Age-restricted goods (when required by law)
Deposit β Drop-off Authorization
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Shipment |
| Fields | Deposit + Place of Deposit |
| API Name | DepositService |
The driver may leave the parcel at a predefined location if the recipient is not available.
How to Configure Deposit
- Enable Deposit
- Enter the Place of Deposit β a description of the drop-off location
Examples of Drop-off Locations
| Place of Deposit | Description |
|---|---|
Mailbox |
Drop into the mailbox |
Garage |
Leave in front of the garage |
Back entrance |
Leave at the back entrance |
Terrace behind the house |
On the terrace behind the house |
Practical Tip
Choose a clear and sheltered drop-off location. The driver must be able to find the location based on the description.
Cash on Delivery
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Parcel |
| Fields | Cash Service + Cash Amount + Cash Currency + Cash Reason |
| API Name | Cash |
With cash on delivery, the GLS driver collects the invoice amount from the recipient and transfers it to the shipper.
How to Configure Cash on Delivery
| Field | Required | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash on Delivery | β | Enable | β |
| Cash Amount | β | COD amount | 149.99 |
| Cash Currency | β | Currency | EUR |
| Cash Reason | Optional | Payment reference | INV-2024-00123 |
When to Use?
- First orders from new customers without credit check
- When prepayment or direct debit is not possible
- High-value goods where payment on delivery is desired
Validation
The Cash Amount must be greater than 0 when cash on delivery is enabled. Otherwise, the connector returns a validation error.
GLS-specific Feature
Cash on Delivery is a GLS-specific service that other shipping carriers like DHL, UPS, or DPD do not natively support in the connector.
AddonLiability β Additional Insurance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | Parcel |
| Fields | Addon Liability + Liability Amount + Liability Currency + Parcel Content |
| API Name | AddonLiability |
Increases the transport liability from GLS beyond the standard amount.
How to Configure Additional Insurance
| Field | Required | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addon Liability | β | Enable | β |
| Liability Amount | β | Insurance amount | 2500.00 |
| Liability Currency | β | Currency | EUR |
| Parcel Content | Recommended | Content description | Label printer GoDEX RT730i |
When to Use?
- High-value goods (electronics, machinery, etc.)
- Shipments whose value exceeds the GLS standard liability
- Fragile or sensitive goods
Validation
The Liability Amount must be greater than 0 when AddonLiability is enabled.
Content Description
The Parcel Content description helps GLS with damage claims. Describe the contents as precisely as possible.
Service Combinations
You can activate multiple services simultaneously. However, note that not all combinations are sensible or permitted:
Sensible Combinations
| Combination | Scenario |
|---|---|
| FlexDelivery + Deposit | Recipient chooses delivery type, drop-off as fallback |
| Cash on Delivery + AddonLiability | High-value COD shipment |
| Guaranteed24 + AddresseeOnly | Urgent delivery only to the named recipient |
Non-sensible Combinations
| Combination | Reason |
|---|---|
| ShopDelivery + Deposit | Shop and drop-off contradict each other |
| ShopDelivery + AddresseeOnly | Shop is not a personal recipient |
| Deposit + AddresseeOnly | Drop-off β no personal handover |
Use AllowedServices
Use the AllowedServices endpoint to check in advance which service combinations are available for a specific route.
VAS Subpage in the User Interface
The services are displayed on the shipping label as an embedded subpage:
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β GLS Shipping Label β
β β
β [Shipment Data / Recipient / Parcel Data] β
β β
β ββββ Value Added Services ββββββββββββββββ β
β β Shipment Options: β β
β β Shop Delivery: [ ] No β β
β β ParcelShop ID: [ ] β β
β β Shop Return: [ ] No β β
β β Flex Delivery: [ ] No β β
β β Guaranteed 24: [ ] No β β
β β Addressee Only: [ ] No β β
β β Deposit: [ ] No β β
β β Place of Deposit: [ ] β β
β β β β
β β Parcel Options: β β
β β Cash on Delivery: [ ] No β β
β β Cash Amount: [0.00 ] β β
β β Cash Currency: [EUR ] β β
β β Cash Reason: [ ] β β
β β Addon Liability: [ ] No β β
β β Liability Amount: [0.00 ] β β
β β Liability Currency:[EUR ] β β
β β Parcel Content: [ ] β β
β ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ β
β β
β [Create Label] β
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change services after the fact?
No. Services are set when the label is created and submitted to GLS. To change services, you must cancel the label and create a new one.
Do services incur additional costs?
Most services (Guaranteed24, AddresseeOnly, Cash on Delivery, AddonLiability) incur surcharges. The exact costs depend on your GLS contract.
Can I check if a service is available for the destination country?
Yes! Use the AllowedServices endpoint. The connector queries this automatically and displays the available services.
What happens if I activate a service that is not available?
GLS returns an error in the HTTP response headers (e.g., "Service not allowed for this route"). The label creation fails, but you can deactivate the service and try again.