Idaho

Population & Demographics

State: Idaho | Capital: Boise | Population (2024 est.): ~1.95 million | Region: Northwestern United States

Idaho, known for its mountain ranges, agricultural valleys, and growing industrial base, has become a strong market for container logistics, rentals, and modular storage solutions. Though landlocked, Idaho’s strategic access to major highways, railroads, and nearby Pacific ports makes it a key distribution point for both domestic and international freight.

Major Cities

  1. Boise – State capital and largest city; hub for logistics, construction, and tech.

  2. Meridian – Rapidly growing suburb of Boise with commercial and residential development.

  3. Nampa – Industrial, agricultural, and distribution center.

  4. Idaho Falls – Major hub for energy research, agriculture, and warehousing.

  5. Twin Falls – Agricultural and food processing region.

  6. Pocatello – Manufacturing, distribution, and education center.

  7. Caldwell – Part of the Boise metro area; agricultural and logistics base.

  8. Coeur d’Alene – Tourism, construction, and light industrial storage.

  9. Post Falls – Manufacturing, construction, and warehouse logistics.

  10. Lewiston – Inland port city connected to the Pacific Ocean via the Snake and Columbia Rivers..

  • Imports, Exports, and Container Transportation in Idaho

    Container Movement and Access

    Although Idaho does not have a direct seaport, it maintains efficient intermodal container access through neighboring states and inland ports. Containers are typically transported by truck and rail to Pacific ports or distribution depots.

    Primary Transportation Methods:

    Trucking: Major highways (I-84, I-15, I-90) link Idaho to ports in Portland, Tacoma, and Seattle.

    Rail Transport: Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines provide intermodal freight access to West Coast ports.

    Inland Waterway: The Port of Lewiston, Idaho’s only seaport, allows barge transport via the Snake River to the Port of Portland on the Pacific Ocean.

    Air Freight: Boise Airport handles time-sensitive and high-value containerized cargo.

    Key Imports:

    Machinery and equipment

    Consumer goods

    Industrial supplies

    Construction materials

    Electronics and components

    Key Exports:

    Agricultural products (potatoes, grains, sugar beets, and dairy)

    Food processing products

    Chemicals and fertilizers

    Lumber, paper, and wood products

    Semiconductor components and electronics

  • Major Companies in Idaho

    Idaho is home to a diverse mix of agricultural, industrial, and technology-driven companies. Many depend on secure containerized storage and logistics networks for their operations.

    Micron Technology (Boise) – Semiconductors and global electronics manufacturing

    Simplot Company (Boise) – Agricultural, food processing, and fertilizer production

    Albertsons Companies (Boise) – National grocery chain and warehouse logistics

    Lamb Weston (Eagle) – Frozen food and potato processing

    Idaho Power Company (Boise) – Energy and infrastructure operations

    Chobani (Twin Falls) – Major food production facility

    Clif Bar Baking Company (Twin Falls) – Food manufacturing and packaging

    WinCo Foods (Boise) – Grocery distribution and warehousing

    Boise Cascade (Boise) – Lumber, paper, and building materials manufacturing

    Hecla Mining Company (Coeur d’Alene) – Mining and mineral export operations

    These companies rely on storage containers for warehousing, secure on-site storage, and modular expansion of facilities.

  • Common Uses of Storage Containers in Idaho

    1. Agricultural & Farm Storage

    Storing seeds, fertilizers, tools, irrigation equipment, and seasonal produce.

    Used for mobile farm offices or cold storage for perishable goods.

    2. Construction & Industrial Sites

    Secure storage of tools, materials, and machinery on job sites.

    Modified containers used as mobile offices or equipment shelters.

    3. Manufacturing & Warehousing

    Temporary or overflow storage for raw materials and finished products.

    On-site logistics for packaging and inventory management.

    4. Retail & Seasonal Storage

    Containers used for temporary merchandise, pop-up shops, and outdoor supply storage.

    Retailers use them for holiday inventory overflow.

    5. Residential & Moving

    Homeowners and contractors use containers for renovations, relocations, or property expansion.

    6. Municipal & Emergency Services

    Local governments use containers for disaster preparedness, emergency equipment, and road maintenance tools.

    7. Energy & Mining

    Storage for drilling equipment, chemicals, and safety supplies in remote operations.

    8. Event & Tourism Industry

    Containers converted into mobile bars, ticket booths, or merchandise kiosks for fairs, festivals, and outdoor venues.

Why Containers Work So Well in Idaho

  • Durable & Weatherproof: Designed to withstand Idaho’s snowy winters, high winds, and dry summers.

  • Secure: Lockable steel containers protect tools, inventory, and equipment.

  • Versatile: Suitable for agricultural, industrial, residential, and commercial uses.

  • Portable: Easily relocated between farms, job sites, and depots.

  • Cost-Effective: More affordable than constructing new storage buildings.

  • Scalable: Great for growing businesses or temporary projects.

Idaho’s blend of agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics industries makes it a strong market for container rentals, purchases, and modifications. With access to rail, trucking, and inland port systems, containers move efficiently between Lewiston, Boise, Twin Falls, and neighboring Pacific ports.

From farm storage and industrial sites to manufacturing and emergency response, shipping containers in Idaho provide secure, flexible, and affordable storage solutions statewide.