Warehouse and Distribution

Public Storage Warehouse Keeper Program

Licensed warehouse keepers offer consumers more protection because they are bonded and regularly inspected.

Information Sheets (8 page PDF)
Public Warehouse Keeper License form (4 page PDF)

License Required

Under ch. 99, Wis. Stats., a person who stores the property of others for hire must be licensed by the department. The license expires annually on June 30 and must be renewed each year. The department has 40 days in which to grant or deny a license.

No license is required for any of the following:

• A common carrier transporting property for periods not greater than 30 days.
• A municipal corporation.
• A person who operates a grain warehouse.
• A cooperative storing farm products or merchandise for members.
• A person who stores dairy products manufactured by that person.
• Any facility not charging a storage fee or any form of consideration (ATCP 97.01(10)).

A license may be denied, suspended, revoked, or issued conditionally if the warehouse keeper violates the requirements of ch. 99, Wis. Stats., or if security held on the warehouse is canceled or does not comply with the statute.

A key to determining whether a business that stores property needs this license is the definition of “Store for hire” found in Wis. Admin. Code 97.01(10). If the warehouse keeper rents “…designated storage space to a renter who has access to that space during normal business hours and who is responsible for the safekeeping of the property stored I that space” no license would be required. This refers to mini/self storage – Ch. 704.90.

Filing of Security

Under ch. 99, Wis. States., a public storage warehouse keeper must file security with the department. Security may be filed in any of the following forms:

• Continuous Surety Bond (1 page PDF)
• Liability Insurance Policy (2 page PDF)
• Letter of Credit (on bank letterhead) (1 page Word Doc)
• Personal surety bonds or other third party guarantees.
• Insurance for Storage of Wearing Apparel (1 page PDF)

An insurance policy that protects the apparel against environmental damage while it is in storage.

Records Requirement

Public warehouse storage keepers must keep records of all property received for storage, and all warehouse receipts issued. These records are to be made available to the department for inspection, as well as to those holding an interest in the stored property.

Disclosure Requirements

A public storage warehouse keeper must:

• Post a conspicuous sign on the main entrance of each warehouse building.
• Notify the person whose goods are being stored of any liability limits on loss or damage before a commitment to store the goods is made.
• Issue a warehouse receipt that identifies the goods placed in storage, the location of the warehouse in which the goods are stored, the terms and conditions of storage, and the date the items were brought to the warehouse for storage.

For further information contact the Trade Practices office at (608) 224-4933 or (608) 224-4925.