Mitigating Road Construction Cutbacks 

This service comes at an important time in our nation’s history.  Funding is tight and we struggle as a country with an increasingly aged and and therefore demanding infrastructure. For example, a 25 mile segment of Interstate-64 scheduled for a $400-million widening project was tabled indefinitely this fall - even though traffic demands in this corridor continue to grow.  Arrival of the 64 Express on the James River “Marine Highway,” comes just in time to allow a mode shift from truck to barge and that shift will help offset the increased traffic and lessen the importance of the deferred funding for the roads widening. 

Why the 64 Express Barge Line Makes Sense

Environmental Responsibility

The tugboats used in the operation of the barge service burn ultra low sulfur fuel in IMO compliant extremely efficient and environmentally friendly state of art Caterpillar equipped tugs.  In addition to reducing congestion on the roads, this service will reduce hydrocarbons and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions – emissions that combine to produce ground level ozone, which is linked to increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems such as asthma, even at relatively low levels.  Ground level ozone is the “trigger” for violations of the regional air quality standards established for the region by the Environmental Protection Agency.  For every container moved via barge, we'll reduce diesel fuel consumed by some 31 gallons.  Once the line develops to three times weekly service - the 64 Express via our truck/barge partnerships will reduce the fuel required to move our international cargo by over 500,000 gallons when compared to the all truck alternative.  Our truck/barge partnership does its' part to reduce fuel consumption for our country. 

Cost-Effective and Viable Alternative to Commercial Trucking

The Virginal Pilot predicted in 2005 that there will be a critical shortage of commercial truck drivers Nationwide.  In 2005 there was a 20,000 driver shortage in with a forecasted shortfall of 111,000 drivers by 2014.  Additionally, the truck fleet is oldest it has been since 1992, and as road traffic increases, our local industry’s efficiency and reliability is reduced.  These factors contribute to rising truck rates per TEU.  The 64 Express barge is competitive with current all truck rates.  Importantly, our service is in partnership with the local trucking community.  Our plan does not displace truckers - it simply moves them away from congested areas.  We work hand in hand with the trucking community to improve their efficiency by allowing them the opportunity to turn trucks more often away from congested bridges and tunnels.  

It is right for our highways and the people that travel them.