Grain Barge Tonnages Drop in 2018

In 2018, total annual grain barge shipments along the locking portions of the Mississippi, Arkansas, and Ohio rivers were 37.98 million tons, 7% lower than last year and 5% lower than the 3-year average.

According to theUSDA Grain Transportation Report, total soybean movements in 2018 were 1.67 million tons, 24% lower than 2017 and 18% lower than the 3-year average; mainly due to reduced sales to China.

Total wheat movements in 2018 were 12.82 million tons, 20% lower than last year and 22% lower than the 3-year average.

On the other hand, the total corn movements were 22.24 million tons, 5% higher than last year and 6% higher than the 3-year average. .