5 Major U.S Inland Waterway Corridors

The U.S boasts one of the most extensive and commercially viable inland waterway corridors or networks, spanning over 25,000 miles. These waterways are important for shipping bulk commodities such as raw materials, coal, petroleum and grain, forming the backbone of the industrial and agricultural economy of the country.

This article discusses 5 primary inland waterway corridors in the U.S that stand out for their strategic importance, cargo volumes and connectivity. They not only move millions of tonnes of cargo every year, but also support regional economies and decrease congestion and emissions by providing low-cost, energy-efficient transportation.

1. The Mississippi River Corridor

This inland waterway covers 2,350 miles and has a few important ports, including St. Paul, St Louis, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Memphis.

The Mississippi River is the spine of the U.S inland waterways network. Right from its headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico, it is the most commercially important waterway in the U.S.