Shipping

For shippers seeking a lower-carbon, cost-efficient option, barge transportation offers unmatched environmental and economic advantages. A single towboat moving up to 1,500 tons of freight can replace approximately 60 trucks or 15 rail cars. A full tow on the MKARNS is a maximum of 12 barges. Through the Port of New Orleans, the Port of Houston, and other Gulf Ports, barge service provides direct access to global shipping lanes and markets across the U.S. inland waterway system. At the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, barge freight is handled around the clock within a 1.5-mile, 12-foot-deep slack-water channel. Towboat operators manage inbound and outbound moves and provide quotes for freight and stevedoring. See below for transloading operators. Watco Companies handles barge transloading at the main dock. Port of Catoosa barge rates and tariffs are available online. Barge service is recommended for high-volume, non-time-sensitive shipments.