What is GLS US? The Regional Shipping Carrier Tailored for Western Businesses

For businesses operating in the western United States, finding an affordable yet reliable shipping solution can be a challenge. National carriers like FedEx and UPS dominate the market, but their one-size-fits-all pricing and service models may not align with the unique needs of regional shippers. Enter GLS US, a parcel delivery service designed specifically to cater to companies based in the western states.

But what exactly is GLS US? In short, it’s a regional carrier offering expedited ground shipping, overnight delivery, freight services, and more across nine western states.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of GLS US, from their service areas and transit times to pricing models and special offerings. We’ll examine the key advantages GLS US provides over national carriers for western shippers, as well as how to get started with their services. Whether you’re a small e-commerce business or a large enterprise, this guide will help you determine if GLS US is the right shipping partner for your needs.

GLS US Company Overview

GLS US has its roots dating back to 1999 when it was founded as Golden State Overnight (GSO), a regional delivery service focused on California. In 2017, GSO was acquired by GLS Group, a global logistics provider headquartered in Amsterdam. This acquisition paved the way for GSO’s rebranding to GLS US in 2019, signifying an expansion of its regional carrier services across the western United States.

Today, GLS US operates as a subsidiary of the international GLS Group, leveraging the resources and infrastructure of its parent company while maintaining a localized approach tailored to Western shippers. With over 23,000 employees and a dedicated fleet of delivery vehicles, GLS US has solidified its position as a leading regional carrier servicing the western states.

Some key facts about GLS US:

• Service Area: California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado (over 4,300 zip codes)
• Services Offered: Ground delivery, overnight options, freight shipping, logistics solutions
• Fleet Size: Undisclosed number of last-mile delivery vehicles and long-haul trucks
• Ownership: Subsidiary of GLS Group, owned by Royal Mail

While GLS US may not be a household name like FedEx or UPS, the company has established itself as a formidable regional carrier with a keen focus on meeting the unique shipping needs of Western businesses.

GLS US Service Offerings

At its core, GLS US provides a comprehensive range of shipping services designed to facilitate efficient and timely deliveries across the western states. Let’s explore the various options available:

Ground Delivery Service

The bread and butter of GLS US’s offerings is its standard ground delivery service. With transit times of 1-3 business days, this option often outpaces national carriers for regional shipments traveling less than 150 miles. For businesses operating within the western states, GLS US’s ground service can provide a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to cross-country ground shipping from national carriers.

Priority and Overnight Services

For time-sensitive shipments, GLS US offers expedited delivery options to ensure your packages arrive promptly:

• Priority Delivery Service (PDS): This service guarantees delivery by 10:30 AM the next business day for most areas within the western region.
• Overnight Delivery: If you need your shipment to arrive overnight, GLS US can accommodate you with their expedited overnight service.
• Saturday Delivery Service (SDS): Available in select areas, this option allows for Saturday delivery by 10:30 AM, ensuring your packages reach their destination even on weekends.

Freight Delivery Services

In addition to parcel shipping, GLS US provides freight delivery solutions, including Less-than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload services. This caters to businesses that need to transport larger, bulkier items or consolidated shipments across the western states.

Specialty Services

To meet the diverse needs of its customer base, GLS US also offers specialized services tailored to specific industries or requirements:

• Wine Shipping Solutions: With dedicated wine shipping expertise, GLS US ensures your precious vintages are handled with care during transit.
• Government/Law Firm Integrations: GLS US has developed customized shipping solutions to seamlessly integrate with the unique needs of government agencies and law firms.
• Custom Logistics/3PL Solutions: Businesses can leverage GLS US’s logistics capabilities to develop tailored third-party logistics (3PL) solutions for their supply chain needs.

With this comprehensive range of services, GLS US positions itself as a one-stop shop for western shippers, capable of handling everything from small parcels to freight shipments and specialized logistics requirements.

GLS US Service Area and Coverage

One of the key advantages of GLS US is its strategic focus on servicing the western United States. While national carriers operate across the entire country, GLS US has honed its expertise and optimized its network specifically for the following nine states:

• California
• Arizona
• Nevada
• Utah
• Washington
• Oregon
• New Mexico
• Colorado

Within this region, GLS US covers over 4,300 zip codes, ensuring widespread availability of their services for businesses operating in major metropolitan areas as well as more remote locations.

But GLS US isn’t content with just servicing the western states. In an ambitious move, the company has announced plans to achieve nationwide coverage by June 2024. This expansion will be facilitated through strategic partnerships with other regional carriers and leveraging the United States Postal Service (USPS) network where necessary.

As a regional carrier focused on the western states, GLS US has a distinct advantage in providing faster transit times and more cost-effective pricing compared to national carriers for shipments within this region. However, with their sights set on nationwide coverage, GLS US is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the broader shipping landscape.

Shipping Rates and Pricing with GLS US

One of the primary draws of using a regional carrier like GLS US is the potential for cost savings compared to national carriers like FedEx and UPS. GLS US’s pricing model is tailored specifically to the needs of Western shippers, offering several unique advantages:

Competitive Regional Pricing

For shipments within the western states, GLS US boasts pricing that is often 10% or more below that of national carriers. This cost advantage is particularly pronounced for shipments traveling shorter distances within dense urban areas like Los Angeles, where GLS US’s “small haul” pricing model comes into play.

Small Haul Pricing Model

Unlike national carriers that charge flat regional rates, GLS US employs a unique “small haul” pricing structure. With this model, you only pay for the exact distance your package travels, rather than a broader regional rate. For businesses shipping within densely populated urban centers, this can result in significant cost savings compared to traditional regional pricing models.

Fewer Surcharges

In addition to competitive base rates, GLS US also minimizes the number of additional surcharges applied to shipments. This streamlined approach can further amplify cost savings compared to the myriad of accessorial fees commonly levied by national carriers.

No Dimensional Weight Pricing (Under 3 Cubic Feet)

For packages under 3 cubic feet, GLS US does not apply dimensional weight pricing, which can often result in higher shipping costs for lightweight yet bulky items. This policy is particularly beneficial for businesses shipping smaller products, such as apparel retailers.

Customized Rate Structures

Rather than a one-size-fits-all pricing model, GLS US works with businesses to develop customized rate structures tailored to their specific shipping needs and volume. This personalized approach ensures that companies can maximize cost savings while aligning with their unique operational requirements.

While pricing is undoubtedly a significant factor in choosing a shipping carrier, it’s important to note that GLS US’s competitive rates are complemented by a range of other benefits and services tailored to Western shippers.

Key Benefits of Using GLS US for Western Shippers

Beyond competitive pricing, GLS US offers several distinct advantages that make it an attractive choice for businesses operating in the western states:

Faster Regional Transit Times

As a regional carrier focused solely on the western U.S., GLS US can provide significantly faster ground transit times compared to national carriers for shipments within this region. With transit times of 1-3 business days, GLS US’s ground service often outpaces national carriers’ ground shipping options for shorter-haul deliveries.

Advanced Tracking and Visibility

In today’s age of e-commerce and heightened consumer expectations, providing accurate and timely tracking information is paramount. GLS US delivers on this front with real-time tracking updates and delivery confirmation complete with photo proof of delivery. This level of transparency and visibility helps ensure a positive customer experience and mitigates issues like porch piracy.

Flexible Pickup and Drop-off Options

GLS US understands the importance of convenience for businesses. To that end, the carrier offers a variety of flexible pickup and drop-off options to accommodate different operational needs:

• Scheduled Pickups: For businesses with a steady stream of outgoing shipments, GLS US allows you to schedule recurring pickup times that fit your schedule.
• On-Call, Same-Day Pickups: If you have a more sporadic shipping cadence or unexpected shipments, GLS US provides on-call, same-day pickup services (with a 1 PM cut-off time for most areas).
• Easily Accessible Drop Boxes: With hundreds of strategically located drop boxes throughout the western states, GLS US ensures you’ll never have to travel too far to drop off your packages.

This flexibility in pickup and drop-off options can streamline logistics and save time for busy shippers, further enhancing the overall value proposition of using GLS US.

Specialty Services and Industry Expertise

As mentioned earlier, GLS US offers a range of specialized services tailored to specific industries and use cases. From wine shipping solutions to custom integrations for government agencies and law firms, GLS US demonstrates a commitment to understanding the unique requirements of different verticals.

This industry-specific expertise can be invaluable for businesses that require more than just a one-size-fits-all shipping solution. By partnering with a carrier that truly understands its operations and challenges, companies can optimize their logistics and ensure their shipments are handled with the utmost care and attention.

How to Get Started with GLS US

If the benefits of using GLS US as your western shipping partner have piqued your interest, getting started is a straightforward process:

1. Sign Up for a GLS US Account: The first step is to contact GLS US and initiate the account creation process. This will typically involve providing information about your business, shipping needs, and volume projections.
2. Negotiate Custom Rates: Once your account is established, GLS US will work with you to develop a customized rate structure that aligns with your specific shipping requirements and volume.
3. Integrate with Shipping Software (Optional): To streamline your shipping operations, GLS US integrates with various multi-carrier shipping software platforms like Shippo. This allows you to access GLS US rates, print labels, and manage shipments directly from within your existing workflow.
4. Start Shipping: With your account set up, negotiated rates in place, and any necessary software integrations completed, you’re ready to start taking advantage of GLS US’s regional shipping services.

Throughout the onboarding process, GLS US’s knowledgeable team is available to answer any questions and ensure a smooth transition to their platform.

Is GLS US Right for Your Business?

After exploring the ins and outs of GLS US, it’s clear that the regional carrier presents a compelling option for businesses operating within the western United States. However, whether GLS US is the ideal shipping partner for your company ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

GLS US is an excellent choice if:

• Your business is located in the western U.S.: With a service area spanning nine western states, GLS US’s regional focus and infrastructure are optimized for shippers in this region.
• You prioritize faster regional transit times: GLS US’s ground service often outpaces national carriers for shipments traveling shorter distances within the western states.
• Cost savings are a priority: The carrier’s competitive regional pricing, small haul model, and minimized surcharges can result in significant cost savings compared to national options.
• You value flexibility and convenience: With scheduled pickups, on-call options, and easily accessible drop boxes, GLS US caters to the diverse operational needs of Western businesses.
• You require specialized shipping solutions: Whether it’s wine shipping, government integrations, or custom logistics solutions, GLS US’s industry-specific expertise can be invaluable.

If your business operates outside western states or needs nationwide/international shipping, a national carrier like FedEx or UPS may be a better option.

The decision to partner with GLS US depends on your business’s shipping needs, operations, and location. Understanding GLS US’s advantages and services helps you choose the best carrier for your company’s growth.

Conclusion

GLS US has firmly established itself as a regional powerhouse in the world of parcel delivery and logistics, catering specifically to the needs of businesses operating in the western United States. With a strategic focus on nine western states, GLS US offers a compelling combination of faster regional transit times, competitive pricing models, flexible service options, and industry-specific expertise.

Whether you’re an e-commerce retailer, manufacturer, or service provider, partnering with GLS US can provide a tailored shipping solution that aligns with the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in the Western U.S. market. From expedited ground delivery to specialized services like wine shipping and custom logistics solutions, GLS US demonstrates a commitment to understanding and exceeding the expectations of its customers.

As the company continues to expand its nationwide presence, GLS US is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the broader shipping landscape, offering businesses of all sizes a viable alternative to traditional national carriers. By leveraging its regional strengths, innovative pricing models, and customer-centric approach, GLS US is poised to redefine the shipping experience for Western businesses and beyond.