Choosing the best barge fleeting location for your empty and loaded barges is a decision that will impact your company – not just operationally, but also financially. If you blindly choose a location, you run the risk of spending too much, being in a poor location, or even damaging your fleet or cargo. To ensure you get the best, you need the right information. The Inland River Guide is a great resource to help you locate a facility, but even while using the guide, you should also consider the following seven factors to make a smart barge fleeting choice.
1. Location and Proximity
Location is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a barge fleeting facility. You not only want to consider the mile marker location of the facility, but you also want to make sure it’s near a specific project location or near a certain waterway or interchange. You may also want to consider its proximity to additional services, such as a barge cleaning facility.
2. Size
There are a many different types of barges, so you should choose a barge fleeting facility that can accommodate your specific barge type. If your barge is too large, you will need to find a different facility. Always make sure ahead of time that your barge will fit in that fleeting facility so that you do not waste your own time or money.
3. Availability
Not every facility can hold the same number of barges or offer the same availability. Always make sure that the specific date and time you need will be available when you need it, and then ensure that the facility has enough space to accommodate the number of barges you will need fleeted.
4. Insurance
Your barge is extremely valuable, both with and without the cargo. Choosing a reputable barge fleeting facility that offers insurance is extremely important to give you and your customers peace of mind. While you always hope that your barge and cargo remain safe, knowing that it’s all insured while in someone else’s care is one thing you never want to overlook.
5. Cost
Every company has a budget, and it’s very important that you stick to it. Always consider cost when looking for a facility to accommodate your barge. Not only should you compare the overall cost, but you should consider exactly what you’re getting for that cost. Is it close to your desired area? Do they offer any additional services included with the price? All of this will ensure you make the smart choice for your bottom line.
6. Open or Closed Fleet
Barge fleeting locations generally fall into one of two types: an open fleet or a closed fleet. An open fleet (sometimes also referred to as public fleet) is a location that is similar to a public parking lot. Open fleets allow barge companies to drop barges as needed, assuming adequate space is available. These fleets will generally have boats available to assist taking barges off tow into the fleet or taking them to a line boat to add them to a tow. Closed fleets are usually privately owned and managed. They will operate differently than open fleets, and you’ll typically need to call their dispatch ahead of time to make sure they have room and to understand the rate structure.
7. Relationship
If you’ve been in the business for a decent amount of time, or if you typically work in the same area, chances are you’ve built a solid relationship with a certain company. Building these relationships makes it easier for you to locate a trusted facility when you need it most.
No matter the inland waterway, it’s always important to ensure you’re making the right choice for fleeting. Making location, size, availability, insurance, and cost a priority will typically allow you to build a better relationship with a local company you can rely on for years to come. At Middle River, we offer multiple barge fleeting facilities near Chicago that are convenient and strategic throughout central and northern Illinois. Contact our team today to learn more.
