# Covered Barge Fleet Shrinks as Grain Movement Slows - RFD-TV

> USDA's Grain Transportation Report shows the dry covered barge fleet fell 4.1% in 2025 to 12,827 vessels. The average covered barge age rose to 18 years, and steel costs have risen 23% since February 2025. Barged grain movement for the week ending June 13 totaled 516,550 tons, down 23% from the prior week.

- Date: 2026-06-23 · published 2026-06-23T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: logistics · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/16360-covered-barge-fleet-shrinks-as-grain-movement-slows-rfd-tv
- Commodities: [Barge Freight (St. Louis)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/BARGE.md)

## Why it matters

A shrinking, aging covered barge fleet with higher replacement costs can tighten barge availability and lift freight rates. Reduced weekly grain movement suggests near-term logistics strain on the river.

## Read by commodity

- BARGE: bullish ▲

## Sources

- rfdtv.com: https://www.rfdtv.com/covered-barge-fleet-shrinks-as-grain-movement-slows

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.