International shipments in the fashion industry represent a highly complex activity that requires specific solutions to ensure adequate product protection. In this context, instead of standard containers, Garments On Hanger (GOH) containers and pallets are increasingly being used, which are specially designed structures for shipping hanging clothing items. This innovative solution not only streamlines the logistics process but also ensures that your garments reach their destination in impeccable condition, ready to hit the racks.
In the realm of GOH freight forwarding, the mode of transportation is as pivotal as the systems employed. Sea freight, utilizing specialized containers, and airfreight, with its palletized systems, present distinct advantages and considerations for businesses navigating the intricacies of garment transportation. In this article by Savino Del Bene, we will delve into the benefits of GOH transport and warehousing and why it’s a must-have for businesses in the fashion industry.
What are Garments On Hanger containers?
Firstly, GOH containers are dry containers specifically designed to ensure optimal transportation of clothing items. Made of metal or plastic, they come in two different sizes: 20’ and 40’. Their uniqueness lies in the presence of hooks, which allow clothing to be shipped with the utmost protection using a string or bar system. The number of hooks can vary depending on the size and type of system used. These containers offer cost-effectiveness and high capacity, making them an ideal choice for businesses with significant volumes.
Two different types of GOH Containers: bar system and string system
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of Garments On Hanger containers. In these containers, you can use either the string system or the bar system. Depending on the type of clothing to be transported, one may be more advantageous than the other. In some cases, the best choice might even involve a hybrid combination of both configurations. Let’s take a closer look to understand their differences.
Bar System
In the case of the bar system, the GOH is loaded with rows of movable bars at flexible heights. These bars can be set up in a single or double-row configuration and spaced according to the types of clothing to be shipped. Each individual bar can support a weight \ ranging from a minimum of 300 to a maximum of 500 kg. The total number of bars can vary depending on the container’s size, the chosen configuration, and the space needed between the bars.
String System
When configured with the string system, the Garment On Hanger has a single row of horizontal bars at the top, all equidistant from each other. Ropes are tied to these bars, which are then hung vertically. These ropes are knotted (each with a minimum of eight and a maximum of twelve knots) in such a way that they can support multiple hanging garments. In this case as well, the number of bars can vary depending on the container’s size and the required space, while the number of ropes (twenty for each bar) remains constant.
Choosing between the bar and string systems
From the comparison between the two different GOH container systems, it’s clear that they have differences in terms of flexibility, configuration and available space. When choosing, the bar system is ideal for shipping heavier items such as jackets, coats and suits. The string system, on the other hand, is more suitable for transporting lightweight and thin clothing items. Often, the choice of the most suitable system is advised by the shipping company itself, which is responsible for devising effective solutions based on the needs of individual businesses. In this regard, Savino Del Bene also provides specific and tailored services for various vertical markets.
What are Airfreight GOH Pallets?
In the fast-paced realm of air transport, garments on hangers find their place within palletized systems. Air transport boasts unmatched speed and a more direct routing approach, features that make it the preferred choice for time-sensitive shipments.
There are various models of GOH pallets for air shipments, differing in size and load capacity, which vary according to the type of aircraft and the specific needs of the transport. Regardless of the individual models, however, all GOH palletization solutions offer safety and flexibility, as well as efficient space management. GOH pallets are indeed designed to fit perfectly into the fuselage of each aircraft, optimizing the available space and making loading and unloading operations faster.
The advantages of GOH freight forwarding
Let’s see in detail what are the advantages offered by GOH freight shipments:
- Preservation of quality: one of the primary advantages of GOH freight forwarding is the preservation of garment integrity. Unlike traditional shipping methods where garments are folded and packed tightly, GOH allows clothes to be transported on specialized hangers. This minimizes creasing, wrinkles, and damage, ensuring that your merchandise arrives at its destination in pristine condition. For the fashion industry, where presentation is everything, this can make a significant impact on customer satisfaction;
- Faster times: time is of the essence in the fashion industry, and GOH freight forwarding can significantly reduce transit times. By eliminating the need for garments to be unpacked, steamed, and pressed upon arrival, retailers can expedite the process from warehouse to store;
- Cost optimization: while GOH freight forwarding may seem like a premium service, it can actually be a cost-effective solution in the long run. The reduction in labor costs associated with unpacking and preparing garments for retail, coupled with the minimized risk of damaged inventory, can lead to substantial savings.
GOH warehousing: the garment sorting system
The optimal management of hanging garments is not only related to international shipping services but also concerns their sorting in terms of warehousing and logistics services. In this regard, the warehouses of Savino Del Bene feature a special Garment-on-Hanger (GOH) sorting system, which increases speed and accuracy in order processing compared to manual methods.
Sorting of garments within the warehouse: how it works
This system offers direct access to the merchandise, and its structure can be adapted to store garments on multiple levels. Specifically, hooks can be positioned on beams or tubes. Multi-level warehouses working with hanging garments implement the following transport solutions:
- Clothes racking on wheels: carts with hangers that are then loaded onto lifts to be moved to the corresponding level;
- Overhead conveyors: the movement of hanging garments can be automated with an overhead transport system. There are two solutions. In the first, the clothes are suspended on a cart that runs on rails mounted on the ceiling of each level. In the second, there is a towing system that automatically moves the hanging garments to the assigned level.
Garment-on-Hanger (GOH) Sorting System: what advantages does it offer
The use of this GOH system within warehouses is advantageous for operations handling large quantities of clothing, as it eliminates the need to remove garments from hangers. Specifically, this logistic solution ensures a more efficient workflow, higher productivity, simpler maintenance, reduced processing times, and greater order accuracy.
Conclusions
In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the fashion industry, maintaining an edge requires innovative solutions. The warehousing and transportation of Garments on Hanger (GOH) is a strategic choice for businesses looking to improve efficiency and preserve the quality of garments.
Does your company belong to this sector and are you interested in shipping and storing your goods through the most suitable Garments On Hanger solutions for you? To learn more about costs and procedures, you can contact Savino Del Bene for a consultation. With a longstanding presence alongside the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, we offer flexible and competitive shipping and logistics services for the fashion industry.
