International parcel shipping for companies

Anyone marketing their goods outside Austria knows the challenge: international parcel shipping places special demands on planning, processes, and precision.

Whether you regularly ship to EU countries, send parcels to Switzerland, or supply markets in Asia and North America – export shipping requires reliable processes and, if necessary, professional customs clearance.

Here you will learn how international parcel shipping works, the advantages of partnering with GLS, and which services support you along the way.

Export shipping with GLS – Your benefits

export shipping with GLS
Fast, transparent, personal – export shipping with GLS

Shipping internationally requires a reliable partner – one who knows the right routes, simplifies processes, and meets deadlines. GLS offers business customers tailor-made international parcel shipping that combines speed with flexibility.

Your benefits at a glance:

Reliable shipping solutions

GLS delivers your parcels safely to their destination – across Europe and worldwide.

Short transit times, high delivery quality

Benefit from well-established processes, Europe’s densest parcel network, and dependable partners.

Full transparency

With GLS tracking, you can monitor your shipment status at any time.

Expert customs support

We assist you with all questions regarding shipping documents and customs clearance.

Personal assistance

The GLS team is at your side with experience and individual service.

Ship internationally with GLS

Sometimes it’s just across the nearest border, sometimes to the other side of the world. With GLS, your parcels reach every destination – reliably, efficiently, and without detours. That’s how easy international parcel shipping can be when you work with the right partner.

In Europe, GLS operates in more than 40 countries with its own entities. Did you know that no other parcel service runs such a dense network? Fewer handovers, fewer detours, more control – that’s what reliable international logistics that simply works looks like.

shipping worldwide with GLS
Across the globe, your parcels arrive safe and sound with GLS. Picture: freepik

Beyond Europe, GLS is also strongly positioned. With its own companies such as GLS US and experienced partners in markets like the Far East, your parcels reach their destination worldwide. Clearly defined processes, coordinated transit times, and competent customs support ensure that your shipments arrive reliably – even across continents.

How international parcel shipping works

Every step counts when shipping abroad. To ensure everything runs smoothly, you need solid preparation, clear processes, and someone who knows the details. GLS supports you from the very beginning – from the first click to final delivery.

International shipping process at a glance:

  1. Step 1

    Prepare shipment

    Create shipping labels via YourGLS or directly through your ERP system. For shipments outside the EU, you’ll also need documents such as a commercial invoice and customs tariff numbers – our team will support you if required. More details can be found in our Export Guidelines.

  2. Step 2

    Hand over the parcel

    GLS collects your shipments at your premises or accepts them at a nearby GLS location.

  3. Step 3

    Export customs clearance

    For shipments outside the EU, GLS communicates with the relevant customs authorities and manages professional customs clearance – based on your data and documents.

  4. Step 4

    Delivery

    GLS delivers your shipment to the recipient.

  5. Step 5

    Track your shipment

    Track your parcels at any time – with transparent shipment status and proof of delivery.

Parcel shipping to European countries

For Europe-wide shipping, GLS offers EuroBusinessParcel – a powerful solution for business customers. The product stands for reliable transit times, standardized quality, and nationwide delivery in over 40 countries – mostly through the GLS network.

EuroBusinessParcel: Maximum parcel dimensions & weight

Width: max. 80 cm
Height: max. 60 cm
Length: max. 200 cm
Girth: max. 300 cm (circumference plus longest side)
Weight: max. 40 kg

parcel shipping europe size and weight

Thanks to the dense GLS network and optimized linehauls, parcels reach their European destinations quickly:

  • Within 24–48 hours in metropolitan areas
  • Within 72–96 hours in more remote regions

Discover the delivery time for your region in the overview.

Regular delivery times map

More service when it matters.

Parcels are as diverse as their recipients – which is why international shipping sometimes needs that little extra. The solution: optional services that go beyond standard delivery and perfectly complement the EuroBusinessParcel.

international shipping flexible delivery

The ideal solution for B2C shippers. We inform recipients across Europe of the expected delivery date and provide a wide range of flexible alternatives, such as ad-hoc delivery to another address and many more.

international shipping delivery driver with parcels in hands

Ordered with joy, but doesn’t fit? No problem. Whether pick-up at the original delivery address or return via around 40,000 ParcelShops and ParcelBoxes – excellent service made simple, Europe-wide.

Looking for the right services for your shipping needs? Our team is happy to guide you – and offer a wide range of further options for parcel delivery across Europe.

Shipping worldwide with GLS

With GLS GlobalBusinessParcel, you can ship parcels and important documents worldwide. Major cities like New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore are reachable within just a few days’ standard transit time. Handling takes place through our own airfreight office at Frankfurt Airport – for maximum transparency, fast customs clearance, and seamless intercontinental connections. Country-specific shipping requirements may apply for global shipments. We are happy to support you. Our Export Guidelines provides additional assistance and security when preparing worldwide exports.

worldwide parcel shipping with GLS
Wherever your business takes you – to the USA, Asia or Australia – GLS is by your side for global shipping.

Export customs clearance – When your shipment leaves the EU

Once parcels leave EU territory, customs clearance is required. To ensure smooth processing, the right documents are needed – e.g., a commercial invoice with customs tariff numbers, details of goods value, and the chosen delivery condition.

GLS supports you with proven processes and an experienced team. We take care of communication with the authorities – based on your documents and information. An overview of the most important requirements and preparations can be found in the
Export Guideline.

Export shipping: Downloads & further information

When shipping internationally, it takes more than good processes. You need the right documents in advance, giving you clear information and reliable guidance. Here’s everything at a glance.

international shipping downloads

Useful documents to download:

Request advice on international parcel shipping with GLS

With GLS, you can scale your international shipping – reliably, efficiently, and with personal support. We accompany your growth abroad with tailored solutions, expert advice, and a network that grows alongside your business.

We only need a few details from you – promise. Complete the form now, and our team will be in touch within one business day.

Ship from Austria to Europe’s most important export destinations. Find out how GLS makes your international parcel shipping easier – with short transit times, personal support and, when required, professional customs handling.

export to Germany Brandenburger Tor

Send parcels to Germany with GLS – fast, reliable and nationwide. Courier quality at parcel rates ensures predictable delivery and efficient logistics. Your advantage: direct linehauls from many Austrian regions, 24- to 48-hour transit times and stable processes in Austria’s most important export market.

parcel delivery Switzerland

Ship parcels to Switzerland with GLS – fast and hassle-free, including a fixed import structure, 48-hour delivery times and the option of consolidated customs clearance. Your advantage: Our experienced customs team ensures smooth procedures, less effort and transparent shipping costs.

Woman with parcel in hands
 

For those who ship to EU countries only occasionally – whether as a private sender or a business with smaller volumes – GLS-ONE is the ideal solution. Create your shipping label online, drop off your parcel at a GLS ParcelShop – and you’re ready to go. Send parcels to Germany, the Benelux countries, Denmark and many other EU destinations from just €10.90.