PROSPECTS FOR CONTAINER-ON-BARGE SERVICE ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Container-on-barge service represents an intermodal transport operation that takes advantage of high-capacity, low-cost inland waterways for the shipment of containers to coastal ports for transfer to ocean-going vessels. The feasibility of container-on-barge service between inland cities in the Midwest and the Port of New Orleans via the Mississippi River system is examined. It is concluded that, because of the significantly longer transit time for containers shipped by barge, relative to rail service, container-on-barge service will be unable to compete for time-sensitive cargoes. To succeed, the container-on-barge service will need to attract neobulk and relatively low-value containerized shipments and reposition empty containers.