Wisconsin Paper Group Marks 90 Years of Shipping Excellence

Jan. 29, 2024 - A Fox Valley-based shipper’s association has been helping its members realize a competitive advantage for 90 years and counting. In 1934, a group of 13 enterprising paper mill executives started the Wisconsin Paper Group to provide their paper companies with the best possible shipping services. Wisconsin Paper Group was the first not-for-profit shipping cooperative in the nation and remains the only shipper’s association of its kind nine decades later.

“By starting the Wisconsin Paper Group, the individual members of the association could guarantee faster and more frequent deliveries of their products at a lower cost,” said Tim Metten, President of Wisconsin Paper Group, located at 634 Muttart Road, Neenah, Wisconsin. “Today, this cost-saving mindset benefits all members by keeping freight rates lower than individual companies could achieve on their own.”

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, WPG will host an event summer 2024, with the details published on the WPG LinkedIn and Facebook profiles.

The Wisconsin Paper Group, also known as The WPG Shippers Association, acts as an extension of their members’ logistics teams. Members tender orders for less-than-truckload and shared truckload shipments to WPG for consolidation into multi-stop or single-stop truckload deliveries.

“Every shipment is important to us, and we treat it as our own. Our passion is transportation,” Metten said.

WPG utilizes linehaul carriers and regional distributors to deliver freight throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In addition to ground transportation, WPG also provides Air Freight services and warehousing services.

Originally, WPG handled paper. Through the years, WPG expanded its commodity base to include packaging, plastics, and other paper-related cargo. In 2000, WPG expanded further, handling fabricated metal, primary metal, lumber and wood, furniture and fixtures, nonperishable food and kindred products, machinery, and transportation equipment.

“While much has changed in manufacturing, transportation and logistics, the primary goal of our organization remains the same, even after 90 years. By using a cooperative approach, Members send as much volume as possible through our consolidation network to build more efficient loads, driving down costs,” Metten said.

The Wisconsin Paper Group was established in 1934, uniquely formed as a not-for-profit shipper’s association. Today, WPG represents over 100 Wisconsin and Upper Michigan companies.

SOURCE: The Wisconsin Paper Council (newsletter)