Indiana
Population & Demographics
State: Indiana | Capital: Indianapolis | Population (2024 est.): ~6.9 million | Region: Midwest
Indiana is a major transportation and logistics hub in the Midwest due to its central location, extensive interstate highways, and rail networks. With access to ports on the Great Lakes and Ohio River, Indiana supports a thriving manufacturing, agricultural, and distribution economy. Containerized shipping and storage play a vital role in the state’s supply chain infrastructure.
Major Cities
Indianapolis – Largest city and capital; hub for logistics, distribution, and industrial operations.
Fort Wayne – Manufacturing and warehousing center.
Evansville – Industrial hub and access to the Ohio River for shipping.
South Bend – Manufacturing and transportation logistics.
Carmel – Corporate offices and industrial parks.
Fishers – Business and light industrial operations.
Bloomington – University town with warehousing and distribution.
Hammond – Northern industrial and port access near Lake Michigan.
Gary – Great Lakes port and industrial shipping.
Muncie – Manufacturing and logistics support.
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Major Companies in Indiana
Indiana hosts major corporations in manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and food processing:
Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis) – Pharmaceuticals and global distribution.
Cummins Inc. (Columbus) – Engines, industrial machinery, and exports.
Anthem Inc. (Indianapolis) – Corporate logistics and administrative operations.
Allison Transmission (Indianapolis) – Automotive manufacturing and containerized shipping.
Berry Global (Evansville) – Packaging and industrial products.
Kimball International (Jasper) – Furniture manufacturing and distribution.
Indiana Packers Corporation (Monon / Evansville) – Food processing and warehousing.
Steel Dynamics (Butler) – Steel production and intermodal exports.
Rolls-Royce North America (Indianapolis) – Aerospace parts and logistics.
Navistar International (Lisle / Indianapolis area) – Truck manufacturing and freight support.
These companies rely on containerized storage and transport to handle raw materials, finished goods, and equipment efficiently.
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Imports, Exports, and Container Transportation in Indiana
Major Ports
Indiana has access to inland and Great Lakes ports that support containerized and bulk cargo movement:
Port of Indiana – Burns Harbor (Lake Michigan) – Deep-water port handling bulk and containerized goods, including steel, machinery, and industrial materials.
Port of Indianapolis – Inland shipping via rail and truck distribution, supporting local manufacturing and imports/exports.
Ohio River ports (Evansville, Mount Vernon area) – Supports bulk cargo, containerized shipments, and regional trade.
Typical Imports:
Industrial machinery, electronics, consumer goods, chemicals, and vehicles.
Typical Exports:
Steel, automotive parts, manufactured goods, agricultural products, and industrial equipment.
Means of Transportation
Trucking:
Extensive interstate network including I-65, I-70, I-69, I-74, and I-64 ensures rapid transport of containers to warehouses, depots, and distribution centers.
Rail Freight:
CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National provide intermodal and container freight services across the Midwest and beyond.
Marine Shipping:
Ports on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River accommodate containerized and bulk cargo, connecting Indiana to regional and international markets.
Air Freight:
Indianapolis International Airport handles high-value, time-sensitive cargo for national and global distribution.
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Common Uses of Storage Containers in Indiana
1. Construction & Industrial Projects
Containers are used on job sites statewide to store tools, equipment, and construction materials.
2. Manufacturing & Warehousing
Factories and distribution centers use containers for raw materials, inventory overflow, and equipment storage.
3. Retail & Seasonal Storage
Retailers use containers for seasonal stock, temporary expansion, and event setups.
4. Municipal & Emergency Storage
Cities and towns store road maintenance equipment, emergency supplies, and public works materials.
5. Marine & Port Storage
Ports along Lake Michigan and the Ohio River use containers for cargo, industrial materials, and project shipments.
6. Residential & Personal Use
Homeowners and contractors rent containers for renovations, moving, and temporary storage.
7. Events & Entertainment
Containers are used for secure storage at festivals, fairs, and outdoor sporting events.
Why Containers Work So Well in Indiana
Durable: Steel construction withstands all weather conditions, including snow, rain, and industrial wear.
Secure: Lockable containers protect tools, materials, and inventory.
Flexible & Mobile: Easily transported between ports, warehouses, and construction sites.
Cost-Effective: More affordable than permanent storage solutions.
Scalable: Perfect for industrial, municipal, commercial, and residential needs.
Indiana’s central location, port access, and robust transportation network make it a key state for containerized logistics and storage solutions. From the Port of Indiana at Burns Harbor to distribution centers in Indianapolis, Evansville, and Gary, containers provide secure, versatile, and cost-effective storage for businesses, municipalities, and residents.
Whether you’re managing a construction site, warehouse, or industrial project, container rentals in Indiana offer the reliability, flexibility, and convenience needed to meet storage and shipping demands statewide.