Levels of the Mississippi River in Memphis have just hit a new all-time low record of -10.77 feet. Meanwhile, companies are not loading as much cargo onto ships — so they can travel safely and not bottom out — while fewer barges are included in each tow.
According to the American Commercial Barge Line, the industry has agreed to a 25-barge tow max size, which translates into around a 17-38% reduction in capacity.
Dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been helpful to keep the traffic flowing, but new challenging spots can surface any day.
“While the public and media generally understand that our economy depends upon viable international ocean shipping, trucking, and rail transportation, the essential role of our inland waterways is often overlooked,” said Peter Friedmann of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. “Our members depend upon adequate water levels in the Mississippi River system, to reach domestic and international export markets. The low water disruption of the supply chain will be felt not only by our U.S. producers of food, farm, and fiber but also by U.S. and international consumers as well.”
More on river level impacts:
How Low Will it Go? Harvest Barge Traffic Slows Due to Low River Levels
Low Mississippi Water Levels a Growing Concern for U.S. Exports and Basis Levels at and After Harvest
