Hopper barge supplies stretched

The inland barge industry is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Ida, which hit Louisiana in late August. Damage was extensive to inland marine assets and recovery efforts were slowed by power outages, according to River Transport News. "(W)hile recovery efforts are proceeding, the industry is far from reaching any semblance of normalcy," RTN reported. Activity is below normal, which have caused imbalances in barge supply and demand. The covered hopper fleet and Lower Mississippi export grain trade remain the primary focus of the dry cargo market, RTN said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture data show 14 percent of the U.S. corn crop and 18 percent of the soybean crop had been harvested as of Sept. 26. (Source: Work Boat 10/05/21)