CATOOSA, Okla. – After decades of handling the shipping needs for manufacturers and farmers across the region, record cargo tonnage is something to celebrate.

In April, the Tulsa Port of Catoosa set a new record. The multimodal shipping facility moved almost 80,000 tons of soybeans, which is the largest volume of soybeans ever shipped through the Tulsa Port during any month of April.  In comparison, this time last year, just under 50,000 tons were shipped.

“The increase we saw in soybean shipping totals speaks directly to both the great crop that our hardworking farmers are producing right now as well as the convenience, speed and navigability of the Port,” said Rick Reimer, Oklahoma Soybean Board representative. “The Tulsa Port is an absolute partner with the Oklahoma Soybean Board, and they are integral in our ability to get our product to market.”

The record soybean shipment reflects another strong month of total barge tonnage for the Tulsa Port. In April 2018, total barge tonnage for the Port was 245,778.

“When our shipping partners are successful, the Tulsa Port is successful,” said Port Authority Board Chairman, Chip McElroy. “This is a strong indication of the agricultural economy, and its resources like the waterway that make it possible to efficiently transport this crop.”

Because it is Oklahoma’s premier inland river port, the Tulsa Port offers a “highway of water” for products to reach anywhere in the world. “It’s one thing to produce a crop,” Reimer said. “It’s another to get a great market price on shipping. Being able to ship using the Tulsa Port waterway opens up the opportunity for us to be able to reach markets throughout the country and beyond that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.”

The Tulsa Port’s involvement with the soybean industry goes beyond distributing the crop outside of Oklahoma and offering farmers affordable shipping. The Oklahoma Soybean Board utilizes the Tulsa Port for educational purposes, tours, and occasionally uses the Port as a meeting place for board business.

“We enjoy working with the Oklahoma Soybean Board,” McElroy said. “Not only are they an important and valued shipping partner, but they also understand the value of the Port and show it off to the members of their organization and other partners.”

About the Oklahoma Soybean Board
The Oklahoma Soybean Board and the soybean checkoff work to increase the profitability of soybean production in Oklahoma. The soybean checkoff helps facilitate market growth and creation by funding and directing marketing, research and commercialization programs. By building demand both at home and abroad, the soybean checkoff helps ensure a strong and profitable future for U.S. soybean farmers.

About the Tulsa Port of Catoosa

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is a singular combination of a multi-modal shipping complex and 2,000-acre industrial park resulting in an annual economic impact of $300 million to Oklahoma. The complex hosts roughly 71 companies and employs over 3,200 Oklahomans.

Located at the head of navigation for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in Northeast Oklahoma, it is one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the United States. The Tulsa Port’s unique position allows companies to move millions of tons of bulk freight by barge each year at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of rail or truck. Just a few of the bulk freight industries utilizing the Tulsa Port include portions of fertilizer distributors, industrial gas suppliers, wheat growers and manufacturers of consumer goods.

The Tulsa Port is managed and operated by the City of Tulsa–Rogers County Port Authority and provides development services through Tulsas Port of Catoosa’s Facilities Authority.

To find out more about the Tulsa Port, visit www.tulsaport.com or follow the Port on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.