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    A large cargo ship sits in the Natchitoches Port waterway with numerous cranes rising behind it under a dusky sky

    Natchitoches Parish Port

    Louisiana
    Gulf Coast

    Overview

    The Natchitoches Parish Port is a strategically positioned multi-modal port facility located on the Red River in northwestern Louisiana. As the only slack water port on the Red River, it serves as a significant logistics and industrial hub for the region, providing access to river, rail, and highway transportation networks. The port spans nearly 700 acres, with more than 400 acres available for future development, making it an attractive site for industrial investment and expansion. Critical transportation infrastructure, including over five miles of rail network—served by Kansas City Southern Railroad—and direct connections to U.S. Highways 71 and 84 as well as Louisiana Highways 6 and 486, facilitates efficient cargo movement. Barge traffic at the port averages over 120,000 tons annually, with overall tonnage exceeding 540,000 tons, underscoring its significance in regional trade. Recent investments and ongoing upgrades position the port as a critical node in Louisiana’s broader logistics chain, enhancing its capacity to serve larger markets via waterway access to the Mississippi River and beyond. This port’s multi-modal capabilities and certified industrial sites highlight its critical role in regional and state economic development.

    Facilities

    • 62,000 square foot transit shed
    • 12,000 square foot concrete barge dock
    • 1100' x 50' rail to truck transloading area
    • General cargo dock (320-foot long)
    • Wood chip loading facility (truck dump, radial stacker, storage pad, barge dock)
    • Covered and lighted rail dock (99' x 65')
    • Over 5 miles of internal rail track

    Operating Hours

    Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    ADM Logistics
    2
    Blessey Marine Services
    3
    Ingram Barge Company
    4
    Kirby Corporation
    5
    Canal Barge Company

    Tools & Resources

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    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Natchitoches Parish Port.

    Location & Maps

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Natchitoches Parish Port.

    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

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    Container being moved

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