Taking A Look At America's Diverse Towboat Fleet Taking A Look At America's Diverse Towboat Fleet
Taking A Look At America's Diverse Towboat Fleet

If cargo is king, ports are its cupbearers, barges its royal carriages and towboats the unsung Trojans powering America’s inland waterways. The fleet of towboats operating on the navigable waterways… Read More

Most of us have watched the Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life.” The film recounts the story of building and loan executive George Bailey, who feels overwhelmed and under-appreciated,… Read More

We’ve often highlighted the myriad opportunities awaiting young people on this nation’s waterways—not only the ability to earn a good salary without a degree, but a life of teamwork and… Read More

In just the past few years, the barge industry has had to contend with a number of unscheduled lock and dam closures, including those at Wilson Lock, Holt Lock and Demopolis Lock in Alabama. It also… Read More

More About The Mv. John Paul

November 21, 2025

By John R. Miller After reading the Old Boat Column about the W.C. Shepard (later known as the John Paul) in the November 17 issue of The Waterways Journal, I wanted to add that pool… Read More

Giving Thanks For The Rivers

November 21, 2025

Life aboard a towboat is governed by strict rhythms—of standing watches, of regular duties, of the river’s currents, the constraints of locks and the demands of cargo movements. Most inland… Read More

By Frank Boyland, National Accounts Director, Civient The U.S. Coast Guard’s new cybersecurity rule, 33 CFR Part 101 Subpart F, represents a significant shift in how maritime operators must identify,… Read More

The superior quality of U.S. soybeans and corn is recognized around the world, and barge transportation plays a role in that. U.S. soybeans typically have fewer foreign materials, less breakage… Read More