What is Garment on Hanger shipping?

Garment On Hanger (GOH) is a logistics solution the fashion and apparel industry uses to ensure the safe delivery of goods.

In this guide, we delve into Garment On Hanger containers and provide insight into how they differ, when they might be used, and more.

What are Garments On Hanger shipping containers?

Garment-on-hanger shipping containers (also known as GOH containers or GOH boxes) are used to facilitate a GOH shipment. These containers are built to allow clothes to hang naturally with minimal quality loss or shape change so that goods can be shipped by sea. 

They are largely used for shipping high-quality garments and apparel that may get damaged through conventional shipping containers.

Once these GOH containers arrive at the destination, they can then be unpacked directly onto the in-shop display.

Key features and characteristics of GOH containers

1. Hanging bars across the container

Horizontal hanging bars and racks run across the length of the GOH container. These bars and racks allow for clothes to be easily hung with minimal effect on the shape or wear of the clothing, maintaining product quality and integrity. 

As mentioned above, it is expected that clothes will be able to come straight from these bars or racks into your warehouse.

2. Ventilation systems

Ventilation is very important for helping delicate clothes survive long journeys. 

Ventilation systems in GOH containers allow for improved airflow, which helps to reduce the risk of mildew or mould ruining the garments. This is especially critical for high-end or delicate fabrics that could be damaged by excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.

3. Improved security features

GOH Containers use enhanced locking mechanisms, so your goods are fully secure during transportation.

4. Streamlined handling and gentle loading

High-end fashion logistics can involve complex handling procedures. At origin and destination, handling staff can be trained specifically in the handling of luxury or delicate fashion items, ensuring garments are treated gently during loading, unloading, and sortation.

Bar System and String System with GOH containers

GOH containers use two different systems for storing garments: The Bar System, and the String System.

Each system is designed to handle specific shipping requests, and having a good understanding of each will help you to make the right decisions when it comes to shipping your garments and other apparel.

When you discuss shipping with your shipping company, they will likely suggest a container system for you, unless you already have your preference.

Bar System

The Bar System is where a GOH container gets loaded with rows of movable bars, which can be placed at a number of different heights. Bars can be spaced to facilitate the size and type of clothing, and can support weights from around 300 to 500 kg each.

Bars used in a GOH container are also set up in a single or double-row configuration. This allows for greater control of how many goods can be stored within a single container.

The amount of bars that can be used depends largely on the chosen container size and configuration. Whether you have chosen to set up single or double-row bars will also affect how many bars can be used.

When to use the bar system?

The bar system is ideal when you have heavier clothing items like coats, suits, or jackets. 

String System

GOH containers with a string system have single bars that run down the top of the container and sit equidistant from one another.

On these bars, ropes are tied and hung vertically with knots that allow for between 8 and 12 garments to be hung.

There can be twenty ropes for each bar, and the number of bars can vary depending on the size and configuration of the container.

When to use the string system?

The string system is perfect for carrying lots of lightweight clothing items.

Make sure to allow for the additional time for your sea freight supplier to source the relevant GOH container you need. It’s always worth checking on equipment capacity when you have a shipment to move.

Airfreight GOH pallets

When speed is of the essence, air freight is often the first choice for shipping, with airfreight GOH pallets available for garments.

Much like GOH containers, GOH air freight containers come in many sizes and configurations to meet your needs. They offer great levels of flexibility while keeping clothes safe. They also provide space for each item, and due to the nature of the containers, allow for easy loading and unloading.

A consideration with airfreight GOH containers is that load capacity and size will vary depending on the aircraft and any other needs it may have. When you discuss your garment or apparel shipment with your shipping company, they will help you to make the best decision for your airfreight.

Why use GOH?

There are a number of advantages to using Garment On Hanger, including:

Faster delivery to shopfront: GOH freight forwarders like SEKO can help to protect your garments and allow them to be ready for purchasing much faster. By using GOH freight forwarders, you can greatly cut down transit times, as well as the time unpacking, steaming, or pressing clothes, saving time and money.

Garment safety and preservation: Freight forwarding services that specialise in GOH shipments can greatly reduce the risk of your garments being damaged in transit, while also cutting out issues like creasing or damage to fragile elements of the garment. GOH shipping is much safer than traditional garment shipping, which relies on clothing being tightly folded and packed to use the space efficiently.

Reduced long-term costs: GOH freight forwarding services can also reduce long-term costs by improving the speed and efficiency of delivery. Long-term cost reductions come in the form of savings on the aforementioned unpacking, steaming, and pressing, as well as time loading and unloading. You could also save through the reduced risk of damage to the garments, so less is spent on replacing goods damaged in transit.

GOH Warehousing

Where Garment On Hangar products are concerned, warehousing also plays a large role. SEKO’s warehouse in Milton Keynes has a GOH mezzanine specifically built to allow for clothes to be stored as safely as they were delivered.

How garments are sorted with GOH Warehousing

GOH shipment spaces in warehouses have specific functions and layouts that allow clothing to be stored neatly:

Overhead Conveyors

GOH warehouse spaces use overhead conveyors to move hanging garments from one location to another. This allows for easy transportation with fewer risks around handling.

Overhead conveyors are used in two ways:

1. Rails mounted to the ceiling hold a cart that runs along them on rails. Clothes are hung from the cart, allowing many individual garments to be moved simultaneously.
2. If garments need to be moved between warehouse levels, towing systems ensure they reach their destination intact.

Advantages of using a GOH sorting system

There are many advantages to using a GOH sorting system within warehouses, including:

• Improved order accuracy
• Reduced processing time
• An efficient workflow
• Less risk of damage to clothes
• Reduced need for physical handling
• Improved productivity around garment storage

Speak to SEKO about GOH freight forwarding today

SEKO has over 30 years of experience in international shipping, with retail and garment shipping as a speciality.

Explore our Fashion and Retail services to learn more about how SEKO can help you, or if you’re ready to get in touch, contact our team today.

Make an Enquiry

GOH Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose GOH shipping over standard packaging?

GOH shipping preserves the integrity of garments by preventing wrinkles and creases that may occur during traditional packaging and transportation. It’s ideal for high-end fashion items or garments meant to be displayed immediately upon arrival.

How do GOH containers help in reducing garment damage during shipping?

GOH containers minimise garment handling and reduce creasing or folding by allowing clothes to hang naturally. With features like ventilation systems, and enhanced durability, they ensure that garments remain wrinkle-free and in pristine condition throughout their journey.

What type of garments is the Bar System best suited for?

The Bar System is ideal for heavier garments such as coats, jackets, and suits. The bars in the container can be adjusted to handle varying sizes and weights of clothing, providing support for garments that need to maintain their shape and structure during transit.

When should I select the String System for GOH shipping?

The String System is perfect for lighter garments like shirts, dresses, and blouses. It allows for multiple items to be hung vertically on ropes, maximising space without compromising the quality of the clothing.