Forecast: Volume of Inland Waterway Freight Transport in the US

The inland waterway freight transport volume in the US is forecasted to decline gradually from 500.75 billion tonne kilometers in 2024 to 474.73 billion tonne kilometers in 2028. The series reflects a steady downtrend. In 2023, the volume stood at approximately 507 billion tonne kilometers, highlighting a consistent downward pattern over the forecasted period.

Year-on-year variations underline a decrease, with notable declines such as 1.32% between 2024 and 2025 and 1.87% between 2025 and 2026. This trend suggests a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.33% over the five-year horizon.

Future trends to watch for:

• Impact of infrastructural investments and technological advancements on efficiency and volume.
• Potential policy changes affecting maritime transport and competition with alternate freight modalities.
• Environmental regulations influencing operational practices within inland waterway transport sectors.
• Market demand dynamics and global trade shifts potentially affecting volume forecasts.