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Is shipping goods by barge good for the environment?

Sep 18, 2023
Barges can move cargo with less fuel than a truck or train. But environmental experts are skeptical of emissions calculations.
A 15-barge tow approaches a lock and dam complex near Granite City, Illinois. Environmentalists say the carbon emissions generated by transit through locks and dams need to be better understood.
Eric Schmid/STLPR

For a profitable barge line on the Mississippi, it is "still too expensive to grow"

Jul 25, 2023
"Even though our business is good, we're not seeing any growth," said Austin Golding, CEO of Golding Barge Lines in Mississippi.
Golding has also been working to improve work-life balance for his employees, saying, "When I ask you to come live at work, and work floats around the country, that's a big ask."
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Low Mississippi River water levels drive up shipping costs

Nov 15, 2022
The river is a critical pathway for all kinds of agricultural products, including grains and soy beans.
Barges, stranded by low water, sit at the Port of Rosedale along the Mississippi River.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Farmers feeling the effects as drought slows shipping on the Mississippi

Nov 9, 2022
Since the river isn't as deep as it normally is, some barges have had to lighten their loads.
Barges stranded by low water sit at the Port of Rosedale along the Mississippi River on Oct. 20, 2022.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Despite drought, this Iowa farmer had a record harvest

Nov 8, 2022
April Hemmes was in the "Goldilocks spot" when it came to weather.
April Hemmes on her farm in 2019. This year, she had a record soybean harvest despite a drought earlier in the year.
Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

Low water levels in the Mississippi River are disrupting the supply chain

Oct 24, 2022
Austin Golding says his family's barge business was able to plan ahead, but it's still costing the company money and productivity.
A tug pushes a barge down the Mississippi River through St. Paul, Minnesota.
Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images

Life on America's rivers

May 10, 2019
"They hate her when they're with her and they miss her when they're gone" said Melody Golding, author of a new book about America's riverboat pilots.
Cannelton Locks on the Ohio River
Courtesy of Melody Golding

For public good, not for profit.

What its like to ship all the goods slapped with tariffs

Aug 8, 2018
At the intersection of trade and tariffs ... the Mississippi River has seen it all.
A loaded barge is seen near the Mississippi River port of Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 15, 2012.
Robert MacPherson/AFP/GettyImages

Midwestern farmers are tied to a Gulf dead zone

Oct 9, 2017
Minnesota is trying to limit runoff carried by the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.
Soybeans are harvested near Worthington, Minnesota.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Mississippi River floods could have a major impact on shipping

Dec 31, 2015
Record rainfall and floods have already taken lives and damaged communities.