Steel Products Prices North America

September 30, 2014
Barges Added to List of Transportation Woes
Written by Sandy Williams
Barge availability is becoming an issue on U.S. waterways. According to the MID-SHIP Report, demand for barges to move record grain production is putting upward pressure on shipping costs. MID-SHIP also reports berth congestion for some breakbulk facilities along the Mississippi River due to strong steel shipments.
Availability constraints in trucking and rail are adding to increased barge demand. The trucking industry has been dealing with a shortage of drivers and regulations that restrict driver hours. Rail capacity has been usurped by oil due to the boom in the shale oil industry. An attractive alternative from rail and road is America’s river system.


