The inland waterways of the United States are a unique resource shared by only 24 states. These waterways provide direct access for international markets and are ideal locations for industry and distribution cent ers. Fifteen percent of all cargo is carried on the inland waterway system. Major products that move on Arkansas waterways are grains, steel, fertilizers, petroleum and petroleum products, aggregates, paper, coal, chemicals and wood products. American jobs depend on economical transportation of raw materials to fuel the economy of the nation.
Waterways provide that means.
Ports, or Maritime Multimodal Industrial Centers, are natural industrial sites for concentrating basic industries to minimize movement of heavy cargoes over highways and railroads. Receipt of raw materials, manufacturing, warehousing, intermodal transfers and distribution can all occur within port areas. Click here for United States Map of the inland waterway system. Click here for types of products on Arkansas waterways .