Arkansas River Shipping Tonnage Increases in 2024
In 2024, tonnage shipped on the Arkansas River totaled 12.446 million tons, a 1.95% increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by a 13% increase in sand, gravel, rock shipments, and 8% and 41% gains in wheat and soybean shipments, respectively. While December tonnage was slightly below the previous year, river activity surged in the fourth quarter, with shipments in the final three months up 15.8% compared to 2023.
Top shipment categories in 2024 included sand, gravel, rock, chemical fertilizer, minerals, building products, iron, steel, and wheat.
Marty Shell, owner of Five Rivers Distribution based in Van Buren, noted an 8% increase in tonnage for 2024. He expects a strong 2025, with river and rail volumes both on the rise despite uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Bryan Day, executive director of the Port of Little Rock, reported a 27% decrease in barge tonnage in 2024, offset by a 26% increase in rail activity. Despite this, Day predicts increased barge and rail tonnage in 2025, based on conversations with industry partners.
The Arkansas River system, which includes the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), spans 445 miles with 18 locks and dams. The river supports commercial ports in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Muskogee, and the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, facilitating transportation and trade in the region.
Source
Photo credit talkbusiness.net