St. Louis Port Authority

The St. Louis Port Authority supervises and promotes economic development for the Port of St. Louis, a key segment of the nation's inland waterway trade system. Located at a strategic 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, often called the 'Ag Coast of America,' the port is recognized for its exceptional grain handling and barge-transfer capabilities. The St. Louis region moves nearly a quarter of all freight on the river system between Minneapolis and Cairo, Illinois—testament to its efficiency, flexibility, and connectivity. Notably, it is the northernmost lock- and ice-free port on the Mississippi River, allowing nearly year-round operations. Supported by over 200 private terminals, the port handles an estimated 105 million tons of cargo annually, encompassing agricultural products, bulk commodities, containers, and oversized shipments. Its robust multimodal infrastructure, including Class I rail carriers, river, and highway access, creates seamless logistics solutions for market access across the Midwest and beyond. The Port Authority actively partners with regional and private stakeholders to deliver redevelopment projects, logistics support, and compliance services, strengthening its pivotal role in the U.S. supply chain.

Facilities

• Multiple river and barge docks
• Container-on-barge terminals
• Barge fleeting areas
• Grain handling and transfer terminals
• Bulk commodity terminals
• East St. Louis port facilities
• Transit sheds
• Heavy-lift equipment stations
• Customs brokerage offices
• Private terminals (over 200 in region)

Operating Hours

Varies by facility; key facilities operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week