Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Inland Waterway Transportation Services
Founded in 1985, River City Towing Services has established itself as a leader in marine transportation, specializing in the safe and efficient movement of petroleum and chemical products. Our fleet of 10,000-barrel double-hulled inland tank barges operates across major U.S. waterways, supported by over 100 years of combined industry experience. Certified under the AWO Responsible Carrier Program since 1999, we adhere to rigorous safety and environmental standards exceeding federal regulations. Our partnerships with RCP-certified companies enable tailored logistics solutions for diverse customer needs. We prioritize operational integrity, environmental stewardship, and employee safety, maintaining a 24/7 commitment to timely deliveries. Our teams expertise in coordinating barge movements from origin to destination ensures reliable service for clients in the oil and petrochemical sectors.Through continuous improvement initiatives, we align our operations with evolving industry best practices. Our mission emphasizes quality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term customer relationships built on honesty and integrity. This dedication extends to our workforce, fostering a culture of professional growth and safety accountability. By integrating advanced technologies like vapor recovery systems and spill rails, we minimize environmental risks while maximizing cargo efficiency. Our comprehensive approach to marine transportation reflects decades of industry leadership and client-focused innovation.
Services
Petroleum Transport
Chemical Product Transport
Barge Charter Services
Inland Waterway Logistics
Cargo Handling Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of combined marine transportation experience.
- Our fleet meets AWO Responsible Carrier Program safety standards.
- Double-hulled barges ensure secure petroleum and chemical transport.
- 24/7 operations coordinate nationwide inland waterway logistics.
- Customized charter options accommodate diverse cargo requirements.
Associations and certifications
- AWO Responsible Carrier Program
Services
Petroleum Transport
Specialized inland transportation of petroleum products via double-hulled tank barges. Our fleet complies with strict safety standards for secure cargo movement across major waterways. Services include scheduled deliveries and emergency response capabilities.
Chemical Product Transport
Certified transport of chemical products using barges equipped with vapor recovery systems and spill containment features. We maintain extensive cargo authority for Grade A and lower-risk materials across regulated waterways.
Barge Charter Services
Flexible charter options for short-term or long-term barge rentals. Services include bareboat charters and affreightment agreements with customizable day rates or tonnage-based pricing structures for specialized cargo needs.
Inland Waterway Logistics
End-to-end logistics coordination for barge movements across 10+ U.S. waterway systems. Our team manages route optimization, regulatory compliance, and multi-modal transportation integration for efficient cargo delivery.
Cargo Handling Solutions
Custom cargo handling with specialized equipment including steam coils and tank liners. We ensure proper containment and environmental protection during transport of liquid fertilizers, solvents, and industrial chemicals.
People
Larry Howell
Founder
Larry Howell established River City Towing Services in 1985, building a foundation of safety and reliability that continues to guide the company's operations across U.S. waterways.
Kevin Howell
President
Kevin Howell leads strategic operations and sales initiatives, leveraging decades of industry experience to maintain the company's position as a trusted marine transportation provider.
Cheryle Alexander
Chief Operating Officer
Cheryle Alexander oversees daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations while managing the company's fleet and logistics network.
Questions
What types of cargo do you transport?
We specialize in petroleum and chemical products including caustic solutions, solvents, lubricants, and liquid fertilizers. Our barges carry both Grade A and lower-risk cargoes.
Which waterways do you operate on?
Our services cover the Mississippi River system, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, Ohio River, Tennessee River, and other major inland waterways across 10+ U.S. states.
Are your operations certified for safety?
Yes, we've been certified under the AWO Responsible Carrier Program since 1999, exceeding federal safety and environmental protection standards through annual audits.
What charter options are available?
We offer bareboat charters for vessel-only rentals and affreightment charters with crewed operations, available in short-term or long-term agreements with flexible pricing.
Do you provide 24/7 emergency services?
Yes, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency response and urgent transport requirements across our service areas.
How do you ensure environmental protection?
Our double-hulled barges feature spill containment systems, vapor recovery technology, and strict compliance with environmental regulations to prevent accidents and minimize ecological impact.
