Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Port Milwaukee Named Great Lakes ‘Pacesetter’

[ August 22, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. (GLS), an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has awarded Port Milwaukee the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for the 16th time.

The award recognizes ports in the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway whose activities increased international tonnage.

Port Milwaukee in 2024 increased international tonnage through the Seaway by 70 percent, shipping more than 324,000 tonnes of international freight. Leading cargo categories included dry bulk commodities such as salt, cement and aggregates, alongside liquid bulk shipments.

The port also sustained its role in supporting agricultural exports, including soybeans and animal feed. Its handling of steel, breakbulk, and oversized project cargo strengthen regional manufacturing, construction, and logistics.

“This recognition reflects our strong commitment to growing Milwaukee’s role as a hub for global commerce, job creation and economic prosperity for the State of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter said the Pacesetter Award was the result of port staff and partners collaborating “to elevate and demonstrate the diverse capabilities offered at Port Milwaukee.”

GLS serves the supply chain for regional manufacturers, growers and producers to access global markets supports 150,000 U.S. jobs, US$26 billion in economic activity, and US$19 billion in business revenue annually.”

Tags: Great Lakes St. Lawerence Seaway Development Corp., Port Milwaukee