St. Louis: America’s Most Efficient Inland Port
- March 13, 2025
The American Journal of Transportation highlights St. Louis as America’s Most Efficient Inland Port.
The St. Louis region has earned a reputation as the most efficient inland port district in the United States, according to recent data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) highlighted by the American Journal of Transportation. This distinction underscores the region’s critical role in the national freight network and its unmatched ability to move goods swiftly and cost-effectively.
Unmatched Efficiency in Freight Movement
Data from the USACE reveals that the St. Louis Metro Ports collectively moved 369,309 tons per mile, significantly surpassing the average of 92,863 tons per mile recorded across the other eight inland port districts. This means the St. Louis region’s barge industry is nearly four times more efficient than its counterparts, reinforcing its position as a key logistics hub.
Dan Lester, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Infrastructure Group at Ingram, emphasizes the strategic advantage this efficiency offers: “It creates great opportunities for all shippers either northbound to St. Louis or south to the Gulf. Add in the fact that 35-barge tows can go all the way from the Gulf to St. Louis, and it’s clear that this route is the best option.” (American Journal of Transportation)
A Vital Hub for Agricultural Commodities
The St. Louis region’s geographic location places it at the heart of America’s agricultural production. According to the article, fifty percent of U.S. crops and livestock are produced within a 500-mile radius of the St. Louis region. This includes approximately 80% of the nation’s corn and soybean acreage, a substantial portion of which is consistently handled by the region’s ports.
This proximity to major agricultural zones, combined with the region’s superior freight-handling capabilities, makes St. Louis a vital link in the supply chain. The ability to efficiently transport large volumes of agricultural commodities ensures that producers and shippers benefit from lower costs and faster delivery times.
The Future of Freight in St. Louis
As public and private investment continues to strengthen the region’s ports, river terminals, and associated infrastructure, St. Louis is poised to maintain and even expand its leadership as America’s most efficient inland port. This ongoing development not only benefits shippers and carriers but also bolsters the broader U.S. economy by facilitating the smooth and cost-effective movement of essential goods.
With its unparalleled efficiency, strategic location, and continued investment, the St. Louis region stands as a beacon of innovation and productivity in the world of freight and logistics.
Read the full article: St. Louis Region Maintains Top Spot as Nation’s Most Efficient Inland Port