St. Louis Retains Title as Nation’s Most Efficient Inland Port
New data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) confirms that the St. Louis region remains the most efficient inland port district in the United States, moving 369,309 tons per river mile in 2022—nearly four times the average of other major inland port districts.
Efficiency in a Changing Industry
With the cost of barge construction rising and older vessels being retired, efficiency is more critical than ever. Dan Lester, SVP of Business Development for Ingram’s Infrastructure Group, emphasized the importance of operational effectiveness, noting that St. Louis’ infrastructure allows for rapid loading and unloading, creating capacity without additional capital investment.
“The St. Louis region’s efficiency, combined with ongoing dock improvements, presents a strategic advantage for shippers moving goods north or south along the Mississippi,” said Lester.
Key Players in the St. Louis Port System
St. Louis Metro Ports encompass five key facilities:
- America’s Central Port (IL)
- Southwest Regional Port District (IL)
- St. Louis City Port Authority (MO)
- St. Louis County Port Authority (MO)
- Jefferson County Port Authority (MO)
Together, these ports handle nearly 26 million tons of cargo annually along 70 miles of the Mississippi River. While not included in the Metro Ports designation, the Kaskaskia Regional Port District further bolsters the region’s freight movement, consistently processing over five million tons of cargo per year since 2017.
A Hub for Agricultural Trade
The St. Louis region sits at the heart of U.S. agricultural production, with 50% of the country’s crops and livestock grown within a 500-mile radius. About 80% of U.S. corn and soybean acreage falls within this area, making the region’s ports vital for grain exports.
A key contributor to this dominance is the Ag Coast of America, a 15-mile stretch of St. Louis’ port system featuring 16 high-capacity barge-transfer facilities capable of handling over 150 barges daily—the highest capacity on the Mississippi River.
Investing in the Future
To maintain its competitive edge, the St. Louis Regional Freightway has spearheaded over $2.3 billion in funded infrastructure projects, with an additional $5 billion in planned investments. Recent and ongoing improvements focus on:
- Enhancing port and interstate infrastructure
- Improving rail crossings and Class I railroad connectivity
- Strengthening multimodal freight operations
“These investments are critical to ensuring St. Louis remains a leader in inland shipping,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development.
With unmatched efficiency, strategic location, and continued infrastructure investment, St. Louis is cementing its role as the premier inland port for agricultural and industrial trade.
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