Ports/Barge

Intermodal

The Mississippi River provides convenient water access for oversized cargo, offering significant cost savings compared to landlocked locations that must depend solely on overland transportation.

The river's tributaries to the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico offer expeditious routes to Europe, where governments have made significant commitments to industries such as wind energy.

These waterborne resources are well integrated with other transportation infrastructure, particularly rail. The region has 46 private and four public barge terminals, with 23 offering direct rail access.


Barges

Location on the Mississippi River provides access to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and foreign ports.

  • Mississippi River: 9-foot channel, 10-month navigation season
  • The region features 50 barge terminals (46 private, four public)
  • 23 barge terminals are served by rail
  • Three barge terminals have highway access