U.S. Barge Traffic By Commodity Type

Google AI says this about U.S. barge traffic (of freight) by commodity type:

Here are some commodities that are transported by barge in the United States:

Coal

In 2007, coal was the primary commodity moved by barge, accounting for 29% of all tonnages.

Petroleum

Petroleum was the second largest commodity group in 2007, accounting for 27% of all tonnages.

Crude materials

Crude materials, such as forest products, sand, gravel, ores, scrap, and salt, were the third largest commodity group in 2007, accounting for 18% of all tonnages.

Food and farm products

Food and farm products were the fourth largest commodity group in 2007, accounting for 12% of all tonnages.

Grain

Corn and soybeans are the major bulk grain commodities moved by barge along the Mississippi River.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is another farm product that is moved by barge.

Heavy bulk commodities

Heavy bulk commodities, such as cereal grains, processed agricultural goods, animal feed, fertilizer, and sand and gravel, are commonly moved by barge in the rural area of the Mid-America Port Commission Region.

Machinery and equipment

Large and bulky pieces of machinery or equipment, such as giant cranes, steam generators, automobile plant presses, military vehicles, and rocket boosters, are also transported by barge.