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    Darkened cargo ships rest in a river channel illuminated by numerous harbor cranes reflecting on the waters surface

    Paducah - McCracken County Riverport

    Kentucky
    Gulf Coast

    Overview

    Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority is a vital inland port facility located at the strategic confluence of the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers in western Kentucky. Its unique position makes it the northernmost ice-free riverport in the United States, providing shippers with year-round access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the heartland of America. The port specializes in handling containerized, break-bulk, bulk, and liquid cargoes, utilizing advanced equipment, including one of the largest flat-top cranes in North America. As a central multi-modal hub, the riverport offers direct connections to major interstate highways and Class I railroads, enabling efficient logistics solutions and expediting delivery to over 65% of the U.S. population within a day’s drive. The facility also features a federally designated Foreign Trade Zone (#294), giving shippers significant customs and tariff advantages. The port’s expertise in cargo handling, barge-line repair, and its commitment to sustainable, cost-effective transportation has made it an indispensable resource for manufacturing and distribution throughout the U.S. inland waterways system.

    Facilities

    • Sennebogen 870 crane with 26-ton capacity
    • Bulk storage and transloading areas
    • Foreign Trade Zone #294
    • Class I rail connections (CN, BNSF)
    • Intermodal transfer yard
    • Fleet of loaders, forklifts, trucks, and portable conveyors
    • Regional shipyards and barge repair services

    Operating Hours

    Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; closed weekends and major holidays.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Ingram Barge Company
    2
    American Commercial Barge Line
    3
    Kirby Corporation
    4
    ACL Transportation Services
    5
    Marquette Transportation
    6
    ARTCO (American River Transportation Company)
    7
    Crounse Corporation

    Tools & Resources

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

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Paducah - McCracken County Riverport.

    Location & Maps

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Paducah - McCracken County Riverport.

    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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