Pine Bluff Jefferson County Port Authority

The Pine Bluff–Jefferson County Port Authority operates one of Arkansas's most important inland river ports, strategically located on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Established in 1963, the authority oversees a 372-acre Harbor Industrial District featuring a 20-acre public terminal with multimodal capabilities, connecting river, rail, and trucking options for shippers throughout South and Central Arkansas. This port is a key infrastructure asset for regional distribution and logistics, supporting industries with barge transloading, warehousing, dry bulk storage, and a fully sprinkled 230,000-square-foot industrial warehouse. Rail service is provided by Union Pacific, with reciprocal switching via BNSF, maximizing access for manufacturers and distributors. The port's designation as both a Foreign Trade Zone and Opportunity Zone provides significant economic incentives, enhancing its role in fostering industrial growth and facilitating international and domestic trade operations. Notably, the terminal is operated by Watco Companies, ensuring efficient cargo movement while providing flexible warehousing and value-added services. This unique combination of facilities, services, and location solidifies the port’s significance as an integrated logistics hub for the region.