Tonnage is the primary metric system used by the inland river system.

Through the IWR, the Navigation and Civil Works Decision Support Center (NDC), exercises its Federal responsibility for establishing and maintaining a variety of water transportation automatic information systems that include databases and statistics pertaining to waterborne commodity and vessel movements, domestic commercial vessel characteristics, port and waterway facilities, lock facilities, lock operations, and navigation dredging projects, and helps ensure that USACE decisions are based on the best available data.

Barge lines are to report the commodity movement, unless the barge is contracted as chartered and, in that case, it is the terminal operator who is to report.

Ultimately the operator is responsible for ensuring their vessels are reported, but that doesn't necessarily mean they do the reporting - they may delegate that reporting to whoever is moving the barge, but not always.

Penalties for not reporting:

Other than the fact that reporting tonnages keeps our waterways open and maintained, there is a $5,000 fine for not reporting. A letter from the Corps can be found here. Failure to provide statements required are subject to the following penalties:

• For each and every offense, a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two months.
• A civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation.
• Denial of passage through locks and canals.

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals has prepared a monthly reminder for usage by our Members to share with port tenants and barge companies that serve their facilities. You can access that reminder letter here.