Fort Smith Port Authority

The Port of Fort Smith, operated by Five Rivers Distribution, is a pivotal inland river port located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers in western Arkansas. Encompassing 28 acres, it serves as a key multimodal hub with direct access to waterfront barge services, major interstate highways (I-40, I-540, US-71, US-64), and three Class I railroads (Union Pacific, BNSF, KCS). The port specializes in handling bulk cargo, with a strong emphasis on steel products such as coiled plate, wire rod, and bars, supporting both regional manufacturing and export activities. Modern transloading facilities enable efficient transfer between barge, truck, and rail, backed by climate-controlled and bulk warehousing. With value-added services such as U.S. Customs bonded warehousing, EDI-compatible inventory systems, trucking, and barge fleeting for up to 20 barges, the Port of Fort Smith plays an essential role in supporting industrial supply chains in Northwest Arkansas and providing reliable cost-effective logistics solutions for the region. Its presence considerably enhances the area’s economic development prospects by opening up access to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, thereby connecting Arkansas to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and global trade routes.