Estimated Value of Barge Freight Rates for Commodities Shipped on the Missouri River and Implied Freight Savings
Abstract
The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri conducted a survey of 39 terminals and businesses along the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa to the mouth of the river at St Louis during the first quarter of 2004. The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the economic value of barge traffic—freight rates on the river relative to alternative transportation (train and truck). Terminals reflecting the greatest volume of business were specifically surveyed for shipment of products associated with grains and oilseeds, fertilizer, cement, asphalt, and sand and gravel. As a result, this survey should not be viewed as a complete set of business along the river; however, considerable effort was made to insure that all regions of the river were adequately represented.