ACL Keeps Fleet Moving from Cairo

Cairo, Illinois’ strategic location makes it the perfect site for American Commercial Lines (ACL) to service the 2,300 barges in its U.S. fleet and expand intermodal transport, according to ACL.  Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Cairo is the hub of America’s inland water system, providing direct access to all the major inland water routes in the U.S.

American Commercial Lines’ fleet of barges and towboats move much of the grain, steel, fuel and other commodities we use in the United States.  ACL is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation and manufacturing companies in the country and it provides services and maintenance to 2,300 barges and 100 towboats from a waterfront site just north of Cairo. The Cairo facility employs 140 ACL workers who ensure that ACL’s fleet is able to deliver their cargo on schedule.

“We’re honored to have American Commercial Lines here in Cairo as an employer and a member of our community,” said Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman. “We look forward to bringing more successful businesses like ACL to Cairo.”

More than 31,000 barges made their way past Cairo in 2013. According to ACL facility manager Mark Glaab, there is a clear opportunity to expand intermodal transport in Cairo and leverage the area’s unique access to rail, highway and river transport.

“Cairo’s strategic location gives ACL a business advantage,” said State Representative Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg). “We’re proud to have ACL here in Southern Illinois and we are committed to helping more businesses profit from the resources Cairo has to offer.”

The Cairo Economic Development committee provides support for businesses interested in locating to Cairo. As part of the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone, businesses located in Cairo are eligible for federal tax credits and support from USDA Rural Development.