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    Cargo ship Illinois Valley Regional Port District docked at sunset with colorful containers and crane machinery visible

    Illinois Valley Regional Port District

    Illinois
    East Coast

    Overview

    The Illinois Valley Regional Port District is a crucial multimodal logistics hub located in north-central Illinois along the Illinois River. Serving Bureau, Putnam, and LaSalle counties, the district spans 38.5 miles of riverbank and leverages its strategic access via Marine Highway 55 for efficient waterborne commerce. The port district benefits from excellent connectivity, including direct service by two Class I railroads (BNSF and Norfolk Southern), several Class II and shortline railroads, and a dense network of highways such as I-39, I-80, and US 6. The Illinois Valley Regional Airport (VYS, Peru, IL) adds an air transport component, enhancing the district’s appeal for intermodal operations. Key commodities handled include food products, coal, and petroleum, reflecting the area's agricultural and industrial strengths. Operations are structured to support both regional industrial employment and economic development, underpinned by advanced facilities and access to major inland shipping lines. This position makes the Illinois Valley Regional Port District a significant inland port system, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across multiple transportation modes.

    Facilities

    • Illinois Valley Regional Airport (VYS)
    • Starved Rock Lock and Dam
    • Intermodal rail terminals (BNSF, NS, IAIS, IR)
    • River barge terminals along Illinois River
    • Critical highway connections (I-39, I-80, US 6, IL-18, IL-26, IL-29, IL-71, IL-89, IL-251)

    Operating Hours

    Operating hours vary by facility and terminal; typical barge and terminal operations are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Illinois Valley Regional Airport is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Rand Logistics
    2
    American Steamship Company (ASC)
    3
    Lower Lakes Towing Ltd.

    Tools & Resources

    Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Illinois Valley Regional Port District.

    Location & Maps

    Find Illinois Valley Regional Port District on popular mapping services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Illinois Valley Regional Port District.

    What is the process and how long does customs clearance take for import cargo through US seaports?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, container discharge, customs review, release, dray pickup, and final delivery. Standard clearance may be same day to several days depending on documentation and exams.

    What is the process and how long does export cargo take through US seaports?

    Typical export flow is inland dray to terminal, terminal gate-in, documentation and filing, vessel loading, and departure. Timing depends on cutoff windows, bookings, inspections, and vessel schedule.

    For More Info

    Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.

    Container being moved

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