Waterline / Market Evidence / River Barges

Recorded weekly barge market quotes

USDA one-month-ahead grain barge market-rate indications across selected Mississippi and Ohio river regions. These are published price observations, not carrier availability or an executable quote for your shipment.

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Matching recorded indications

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Interpretation: The reported rate is a percentage of each river region’s 1976 tariff benchmark. Waterline displays both that original percentage and a derived approximate USD per metric ton. These indications represent southbound inland grain barge service for the following month, not a Great Lakes vessel quote, contract price, complete Chicago-to-destination shipment, or capacity commitment. No unrelated river price is applied to the planner’s routes.

Reported week	Origin river area	Rate for month	Published % of tariff	Derived USD/short ton	Derived USD/metric ton	Original source
2024-12-03	Cincinnati	Jan 2025	397.1%	$18.62	$20.53	USDA source ↗
2024-12-03	Lower Ohio	Jan 2025	397.1%	$17.71	$19.52	USDA source ↗
2024-12-03	St. Louis	Jan 2025	378.8%	$15.11	$16.66	USDA source ↗
2024-11-26	Cairo-Memphis	Dec 2024	334.2%	$10.49	$11.57	USDA source ↗
2024-11-26	Cincinnati	Dec 2024	421.3%	$19.76	$21.78	USDA source ↗

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Data: USDA AMS — Downbound Grain Barge Rates: One Month Future Rates. Converted figures use USDA’s regional 1976 tariff benchmarks and 1.102311 short tons per metric ton. A reported period is not a binding carrier quote. Original records may later be revised.