INLAND PORTS MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL STRIDES

摘要

Transporting freight by water is the most energy efficient choice. Barges on the inland rivers can move one ton of cargo 647 miles per gallon fuel. A rail car would move the same ton of cargo 477 miles, and a semi-truck only 145 miles.Additionally, barges have the smallest carbon footprint among other modes, including rail and truck. To move an identical amount of cargo by rail generates 30% more carbon dioxide and 10 times more emissions by truck. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), to fill one barge full of dry commodities would require an equivalent of 15 jumbo rail cars or 60 semi-trucks. Towboats emit 35 to 60% fewer emissions than locomotives or trucks, which aid in decreased pollution.