Comparisons
GLS vs. DPD — Which Carrier for E-commerce and B2B Shipments?
GLS and DPD cover the same space — Central and Western Europe, e-commerce, B2B shipments. Comparison of prices, pickup point networks, notification systems, API integrations, and when to choose each.
Quick verdict
DPD
Winner for B2C e-commerce where recipient experience matters. Predict notifications (1-hour window) reduce failed deliveries significantly. Slightly pricier, but fewer re-deliveries.
DPD carrier profile →GLS
Winner for B2B shipments and high volume where price per parcel matters more than recipient notifications. Dense ParcelShop network is ideal for drop-off heavy operations.
GLS carrier profile →GLS and DPD are the two most comparable European parcel carriers — similar price point, similar coverage, often interchangeable for basic EU shipments. But they differ in the details that matter most in practice: delivery notifications, pickup point density, and B2B pricing structures.
1. Network coverage
Both cover the EU comprehensively. GLS has a slight edge in total country count (36 European countries including some Eastern European markets where DPD is less present). DPD has stronger infrastructure in France (it's owned by La Poste), UK, and Benelux.
| Region | DPD | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Western EU (DE, FR, IT, ES) | Strong | Strong |
| UK | Strong (DPD UK is major player) | Moderate |
| Eastern EU (PL, HU, RO, BG) | Good | Strong |
| Nordics (SE, NO, DK) | Present | Present |
| Non-EU (CH, NO, UK) | Yes | Yes |
2. Delivery notifications — DPD's key advantage
DPD's Predict system sends the recipient an SMS or email on the morning of delivery with a 1-hour delivery window. The recipient can reschedule or redirect the parcel before it arrives. This reduces failed deliveries — which cost the sender a re-delivery fee.
GLS sends a delivery notification, but without a specific time window. The recipient gets informed the parcel is coming that day. For B2C shipments where recipients may not be home, this is a meaningful difference.
3. Pricing comparison
Both are in the same price bracket for standard EU shipments. Without volume contracts, typical rates for a 5 kg parcel:
| Route (5 kg) | DPD | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Germany → France | approx. €11–15 | approx. €10–13 |
| Germany → Poland | approx. €9–12 | approx. €8–11 |
| Germany → Italy | approx. €13–18 | approx. €12–16 |
| Germany → UK | approx. €18–25 | approx. €17–23 |
GLS tends to be marginally cheaper, especially at volume. For B2B operations sending 50+ parcels per month, the difference adds up. Both carriers offer better rates via Eurosender or Sendcloud than direct booking.
4. Pickup point networks
GLS operates 50,000+ ParcelShops across Europe — petrol stations, corner shops, supermarkets where you can drop off or collect. DPD has a comparable Pickup network, but density varies more by country. In Germany, both have excellent coverage. In France, DPD benefits from La Poste's postal network.
5. Weight and size limits
GLS allows up to 40 kg per parcel, DPD up to 31.5 kg. For heavy industrial goods, GLS has a practical advantage. For standard e-commerce (under 15 kg), both are equivalent.
6. API and e-commerce integrations
Both offer REST APIs for label generation and tracking. DPD has slightly better out-of-the-box plugins for WooCommerce and Shopify. GLS is well-supported by multi-carrier platforms (Sendcloud, ShipBob). If you use a multi-carrier platform, the integration quality is roughly equal.
When to choose which
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| B2C e-commerce — recipients at home | DPD (Predict notifications) |
| B2B shipments to business addresses | GLS (price advantage) |
| High volume (>200 parcels/month) | GLS or negotiate DPD volume |
| UK destination | DPD (stronger UK presence) |
| Eastern Europe (PL, HU, RO) | GLS (broader network) |
| Heavy parcels (15–40 kg) | GLS (higher weight limit) |
Conclusion
For most e-commerce operations, DPD's Predict notifications make it the better choice — fewer failed deliveries means lower re-delivery costs and better customer experience. For B2B or price-sensitive operations, GLS's marginally lower rates and higher weight limit win. Both are solid alternatives to DHL Express or UPS at a fraction of the cost for non-urgent EU shipments. For the best price on either, compare via Eurosender or a multi-carrier platform like Sendcloud.
Quick facts
GLS vs. DPD — Which Carrier for E-commerce and B2B Shipments?
schedule Updated
Summary
GLS and DPD are two major European parcel carriers with nearly identical coverage in Western and Central Europe. DPD has a stronger B2C notification system (Predict — 1-hour delivery window via SMS/email). GLS is typically cheaper for B2B and high-volume shipments, with a dense pickup point network in Western Europe. For e-commerce, DPD is generally preferred for its superior delivery notifications. For B2B, GLS often offers better pricing. Both are significantly cheaper than DHL Express or UPS for EU shipments.
- DPD B2C notification
- Predict — 1-hour time slot SMS/email
- GLS pickup network
- 50,000+ ParcelShops across Europe
- DPD weight limit
- 31.5 kg per parcel
- GLS weight limit
- 40 kg per parcel
- DPD EU country coverage
- 27 EU + UK, Switzerland, Norway
- GLS EU country coverage
- 36 European countries
- Both carriers
- No guaranteed time-definite delivery (estimates only)
Data accuracy
Indicative information — verify at source
Weight limits, prices, country availability and conditions change over time. Values on this page are indicative — they help you choose the right carrier, not to calculate a binding price. Before shipping, always verify current conditions directly on the carrier's website.
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Official sources
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