The Industry Today

Today's fleet of nearly 4,000 modern tugboats and towboats and more than 27,000 barges offers a combined carrying capacity of over 89 million tons. Employing more than 30,000 Americans on its vessels alone, the fleet moves over 800 million tons each year of raw materials and finished goods along the nation's inland and coastal waterways.

Most commodities moved by barge are those that lend themselves to bulk shipment. Petroleum and petroleum products account for the largest portion of all cargo shipped by barge, at 32 percent. Coal is second-largest, representing 24 percent of barge tonnage, followed by crude materials such as wood and lumber, sand, gravel, stone and metals, and then grain and grain products. Other products shipped by barge include industrial chemicals, sulfur, fertilizer, and paper products. Cumbersome cargoes that cannot easily be shipped by other means are often moved on open deck barges, including nuclear reactors, drilling platforms, and even space shuttles. And all products and people that move through the nation's ports are aided by the fleet of able tugboats devoted to assisting ships with docking, towing and fire fighting requirements.

The industry is chiefly characterized by its commitment to its customers. Shippers utilizing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry find a vigorously competitive environment, resulting in unique adaptations and customized service. From barges designed and built to fit specific shipper requirements to the modern "tractor-tug" with a 360-degree propulsion feature which allows it to safely assist the largest ships sailing today, the industry competes within itself and with other modes of transportation to bring the greatest value to its customers.

As a natural result of providing the best possible service, the industry has distinguished itself as a leader in marine safety and environmental protection. The Responsible Carrier Program, designed by AWO members, is recognized as one of the premier safety programs in the maritime industry. Encompassing virtually every aspect of vessel operations, the program serves as a code of practice for tugboat, towboat and barge companies. AWO member companies voted in 1998 to require a commitment to compliance with the Responsible Carrier Program as a condition of membership, making AWO the first major transportation trade association to require commitment to a safety standard from companies wishing to join.

The tugboat, towboat and barge industry comprises the largest segment (fully 80%) of the U.S.-flag fleet. Vital to the transport of equipment and supplies to the theater of battle, the U.S.-flag fleet has worked in support of our military during every major conflict this century.

Most importantly, the industry allows the United States to take advantage of one of its greatest natural resources - the nation's 25,000+ mile waterway system. The industry safely and efficiently captures the inherent benefits of water transportation to move bulk commodities, thus allowing these goods to be competitive both domestically and on the world market. Through service to its customers and the nation, the tugboat, towboat and barge industry plays an important role in American life. And through service to the industry, AWO likewise provides value to the men and women who so ably ply our nation's waters.

Inland Liquid Cargo Tank Barge

297 Feet Long 1,000,000 Gallon Capacity Carries: Petroleum Products, Petroleum, Fertilizer, Chemicals, Orange Juice

Open Dry Cargo Barge

195 Feet Long 1,530 Ton Capacity Carries: Coal, Steel, Ore, Sand, Gravel, Lumber

Covered Dry Cargo Barge

195 Feet Long 1,500 Ton Capacity Carries: Grain, Soy Beans, Coffee, Salt, Sugar, Paper Products, Packaged Goods

Coastal Ocean Going Tank Barge

550 Feet Long 225,000 Barrel Capacity Carries: Petroleum and Petroleum Products