Wisconsin

Population & Demographics

State: Wisconsin | Capital: Madison | Population (2024 est.): ~5.9 million | Region: Midwest / Great Lakes


Wisconsin’s strategic location along the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River positions it as a key hub for industrial shipping, containerized logistics, and supply chain operations. With a strong manufacturing base, including food processing, machinery, and paper products, Wisconsin relies on ports, rail networks, and interstate highways for importing and exporting goods.

Major Cities

  1. Milwaukee – Largest city; major port and industrial hub with access to Lake Michigan shipping.

  2. Madison – State capital; government and distribution logistics.

  3. Green Bay – Manufacturing and shipping, including the Port of Green Bay.

  4. Kenosha – Industrial and logistics operations near the Illinois border.

  5. Racine – Manufacturing and warehouse distribution.

  6. Appleton – Industrial and business logistics support.

  7. Waukesha – Corporate offices and industrial storage.

  8. Eau Claire – Manufacturing and warehousing hub.

  9. La Crosse – Mississippi River port access and industrial shipping.

  10. Sheboygan – Great Lakes port and manufacturing operations.

  • Major Companies in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin hosts leading corporations across food production, manufacturing, paper, technology, and logistics:

    Johnson Controls (Milwaukee) – Building systems and industrial logistics.

    Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee) – Automotive manufacturing and global exports.

    Kohl’s Corporation (Menomonee Falls) – Retail distribution and warehousing.

    Fiserv (Brookfield) – Technology and corporate logistics.

    Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee) – Industrial equipment and shipping.

    A.O. Smith Corporation (Milwaukee) – Manufacturing and export of water heating and treatment products.

    S.C. Johnson & Son (Racine) – Consumer goods and containerized logistics.

    Kimberly-Clark (Neenah) – Paper products and global distribution.

    Miller Brewing Company / Molson Coors (Milwaukee) – Beverage production and supply chain management.

    Bemis Company (Shawano) – Packaging manufacturing and shipping.

    These companies rely on containerized storage and transportation to manage raw materials, products, and equipment efficiently.

  • Imports, Exports, and Container Transportation in Wisconsin

    Major Ports

    Wisconsin benefits from ports along Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, which support containerized and bulk cargo:

    Port of Milwaukee – Handles containerized cargo, industrial goods, and bulk shipments.

    Port of Green Bay – Supports containerized and bulk cargo for regional industries.

    Port of Superior / Duluth-Superior – Access for larger containerized shipments and intermodal freight.

    Mississippi River Ports (La Crosse, Prairie du Chien) – Bulk shipments and project cargo.

    Typical Imports:

    Machinery, electronics, consumer goods, chemicals, and industrial materials.

    Typical Exports:

    Dairy and food products, machinery, paper products, chemicals, and manufactured goods.

    Means of Transportation

    Trucking:

    Interstates I-94, I-90, I-43, I-41, and I-39 connect ports to warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial hubs.

    Rail Freight:

    Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific, CSX, and BNSF provide intermodal container transport and regional freight connections.

    Marine Shipping:

    Ports along Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River support containerized and bulk cargo, linking Wisconsin to national and international markets.

    Air Freight:

    Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and regional airports in Madison, Green Bay, and Appleton handle high-value, time-sensitive cargo.

  • Common Uses of Storage Containers in Wisconsin

    1. Construction & Industrial Projects

    Containers provide on-site storage for tools, materials, and equipment for construction projects in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison.

    2. Manufacturing & Warehousing

    Factories and distribution centers use containers for raw materials, inventory overflow, and equipment storage.

    3. Retail & Seasonal Storage

    Retailers and wholesalers use containers for seasonal inventory, temporary warehouse space, and pop-up shops.

    4. Municipal & Emergency Storage

    Cities store road maintenance equipment, snow removal supplies, and emergency response materials.

    5. Marine & Port Storage

    Ports along Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River use containers for cargo, industrial materials, and project shipments.

    6. Residential & Personal Use

    Homeowners and contractors rent containers for renovations, moving, or temporary storage.

    7. Events & Entertainment

    Containers serve as secure storage for festivals, fairs, sporting events, and outdoor concerts.

Why Containers Work So Well in Wisconsin

  • Durable: Steel construction withstands harsh Midwest weather, snow, and rain.

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

  • Flexible & Mobile: Easily transported between ports, warehouses, and construction sites.

  • Cost-Effective: More affordable than building permanent storage structures.

  • Scalable: Suitable for industrial, municipal, commercial, and residential needs.

Wisconsin’s strategic location along the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, combined with robust transportation networks, makes it a key state for container logistics and storage solutions. From Milwaukee and Green Bay ports to industrial sites, warehouses, and distribution centers statewide, containers provide secure, versatile, and cost-effective storage for businesses, municipalities, and residents alike.

Whether managing a construction project, manufacturing facility, or port operation, container rentals in Wisconsin offer the flexibility, reliability, and security needed to meet all storage and shipping demands.