WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. covered barge fleet used for grain movement declined in 2025, adding another transportation concern for farmers, elevators, exporters, and river shippers.
USDA’s weekly Grain Transportation Report cites the Inland River Record Barge Fleet Profile, which shows the dry covered barge fleet totaled 12,827 vessels at the end of 2025. That was down 552 vessels, or 4.1 percent, from the previous year.
The report says covered barges declined more than dry open barges and tank barges. The average age of covered barges also rose to 18 years, compared with 13 years from 2012 through 2016.
Fleet replacement is challenged by steel costs. USDA says the producer price index for hot-rolled steel bars, plates, and structural shapes has risen 23 percent since February 2025.
For the week ending June 13, barged grain movement totaled 516,550 tons, down 23 percent from the previous week.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Grain producers should watch river capacity, barge availability, and freight costs as an aging fleet adds logistics risk.