New Hampshire
Population & Demographics
State: New Hampshire | Capital: Concord | Population (2024 est.): ~1.41 million | Region: New England (Northeastern United States)
New Hampshire is a growing hub for manufacturing, technology, and cross-border trade. Its strategic location between Maine and Massachusetts, along with access to the Port of Portsmouth, makes it an important part of New England’s logistics and shipping infrastructure. The state’s efficient highway and rail systems allow containers and goods to move easily to regional depots, warehouses, and industrial centers.
Major Cities
New Hampshire’s economy is anchored by several dynamic cities that support trade, transportation, and industrial growth:
Manchester – Largest city; economic and logistics hub for southern New Hampshire.
Nashua – Major retail, technology, and manufacturing center near the Massachusetts border.
Concord – State capital; administrative and service center with growing construction activity.
Dover – Part of the Seacoast region; industrial and shipping support base.
Rochester – Manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing hub.
Portsmouth – Historic seaport and location of New Hampshire’s only deep-water port.
Keene – Manufacturing and regional trade center in southwestern New Hampshire.
Laconia – Construction and seasonal industry hub in the Lakes Region.
Claremont – Industrial and small business growth area near Vermont border.
Lebanon – Technology and healthcare hub tied to Dartmouth College and Upper Valley industries.
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Major Companies in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a diverse economy driven by manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and retail logistics.
Key Employers and Corporations:
BAE Systems (Nashua) – Aerospace and defense manufacturing; major exporter.
Fidelity Investments (Merrimack) – Financial services and regional operations.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (Lebanon) – Healthcare and life sciences.
DEKA Research & Development (Manchester) – Robotics and engineering firm.
Velcro USA Inc. (Manchester) – Global manufacturing and export company.
Timken Aerospace (Lebanon) – Precision manufacturing and defense components.
Sig Sauer (Newington) – Firearms manufacturing and international exports.
Hitchiner Manufacturing (Milford) – Metal casting and industrial components.
BAE Systems Electronic Systems (Hudson & Nashua) – Defense electronics and systems integration.
Eversource Energy (Manchester) – Regional utilities and infrastructure.
These companies rely on efficient containerized logistics for moving raw materials, finished goods, and specialized equipment through New Hampshire’s port and transport networks.
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Imports, Exports, and Container Transportation in New Hampshire
Primary Port: Port of Portsmouth (Portsmouth Harbor)
The Port of Portsmouth is New Hampshire’s primary seaport, located along the Piscataqua River. It serves as a vital gateway for regional imports and exports and is managed in part by the Pease Development Authority – Division of Ports and Harbors.
Imports: Petroleum, salt, road materials, bulk goods, construction materials, and general cargo.
Exports: Scrap metal, forest products, manufactured components, and some containerized goods.
Facilities: The Market Street Marine Terminal and nearby State Pier handle both general cargo and limited containerized freight.
Although not a high-volume container terminal like Boston or New York, Portsmouth plays an essential role in supporting regional logistics, bulk materials, and project cargo movements that feed into New Hampshire’s industrial and construction sectors.
Means of Transportation for Containers and Goods
New Hampshire’s infrastructure is well-suited to efficient container movement across land, sea, and air:
Trucking:
The I-95, I-93, and I-89 corridors provide excellent north–south and east–west coverage.
Most containers arriving through Portsmouth or nearby New England ports are trucked directly to inland depots, warehouses, or construction sites.
Rail Freight:
New England Central Railroad (NECR), Pan Am Railways (now CSX), and St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad provide freight services connecting industrial sites to ports and regional distribution hubs.
Rail transport is often used for heavy manufacturing and bulk materials.
Ports & Marine Transport:
The Port of Portsmouth supports breakbulk and containerized freight, primarily from short-sea and coastal shipping services.
Smaller facilities in Dover and Newington assist with specialty marine logistics.
Air Freight:
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) supports air cargo operations for time-sensitive goods such as electronics, medical devices, and perishables.
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Common Uses of Storage Containers in New Hampshire
Shipping containers are a popular choice for both businesses and homeowners across New Hampshire due to their versatility, mobility, and cost-effectiveness.
Most Common Applications:
Construction Sites:
Containers provide secure, weatherproof storage for tools, supplies, and machinery on commercial and residential job sites.Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities:
Used for storing raw materials, spare parts, and overflow inventory.Retail & Seasonal Storage:
Retailers use containers for extra inventory during peak seasons or for temporary expansion.Agriculture & Forestry:
Farmers and logging operations use containers for storing feed, fertilizers, and equipment in rural areas.Municipal & Emergency Services:
Local governments store road salt, emergency equipment, and disaster-response materials in containers statewide.Marine & Coastal Industries:
Containers are used in Portsmouth, Rye, and coastal towns for fishing equipment, boat gear, and marine maintenance.Residential & Personal Use:
Homeowners use containers for renovations, moving, or long-term storage of household goods.Events & Tourism:
Festivals, fairs, and seasonal attractions use containers for secure onsite storage and vendor setups.
Why Containers Work So Well in New Hampshire
Durability: Containers stand up to harsh New England winters, snow, and coastal moisture.
Security: Steel construction and locking doors protect valuable tools, materials, and equipment.
Mobility: Easy to relocate between job sites, ports, and warehouses.
Scalability: Flexible options — 10’, 20’, and 40’ units available for short- or long-term use.
Sustainability: Reusing shipping containers aligns with New Hampshire’s environmental and recycling initiatives.
New Hampshire’s strategic location, coastal access, and thriving industrial base make it an essential part of New England’s shipping and logistics network.
From the Port of Portsmouth’s international trade links to the manufacturing centers of Nashua and Manchester, containers play a key role in the state’s supply chain — providing secure, flexible storage and transport solutions for every industry.
Whether you’re managing a construction site in Concord, operating a business in Portsmouth, or expanding a warehouse in Nashua, shipping container rentals offer a smart, reliable, and cost-effective solution.