Commercial barge traffic triples on Erie Canal as gas prices rose

(AMSTERDAM, N.Y.) — Commercial cargo traffic on the Erie Canal tripled in 2008, the Daily Gazette newspaper of Schenectady reported. At least 58 commercial transits were made this season, up from just 16 last year. Officials said high fuel prices made it cheaper for shippers to use barges, especially for oversized loads. The Erie Canal recently completed its 183rd season.
 
Click here to view the newspaper’s story.
By Professional Mariner Staff