Waterway transport significantly reduces transportation costs for bulk items, making it a more cost-effective option compared to other modes like trucking or rail.

Large loads of coal, grain, and chemicals can be transported by barges and ships for less money per ton-mile than by vehicles or railroads. The overall cost of moving items is decreased by this bulk transport efficiency, especially for bulk or large commodities. Businesses gain from cheaper transportation costs when they use waterways, which can result in lower consumer prices and increased competitiveness in international markets.