Improving water levels on the Mississippi River have led to a significant turnaround in tonnage on the Arkansas River this year. According to a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, tonnage on the Arkansas River was up almost 2% through October, compared to being down 4% through August.
Much of the increase in tonnage has been attributed to outbound shipments, with increases in shipments of sand, gravel, and rock being a driving force. Inbound shipments from off the river system have seen a decrease of 15%, while outbound shipments have increased by 13%.
The top five shipment categories on the river include sand, gravel, rock, chemical fertilizer, minerals and building products, iron and steel, and wheat. Marty Shell, owner of Five Rivers Distribution, which manages port operations in Van Buren and the Port of Fort Smith, noted that the third quarter of 2024 was positive for businesses using the river but expressed concern over proposed tariffs that could impact river traffic in 2025.
Looking ahead, Shell is hopeful for a good year in 2025 and plans to add additional warehouse space for the growing river tonnage. The Arkansas River system includes 18 locks and dams and five commercial ports, stretching 445 miles from the Mississippi River to the Port of Catoosa near Tulsa, Okla. With improved water levels and strong shipment numbers, the Arkansas River is poised for continued success in the shipping industry.
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