The Mississippi River serves as a major transportation route for goods like grain and petroleum.

The Mississippi River is one of the most vital transportation corridors in the United States, particularly for moving bulk goods like grain, petroleum, coal, and chemicals. Stretching over 2,300 miles, it connects the heart of the country’s industrial regions with the Gulf of Mexico, providing a cost-effective means of transporting large quantities of cargo. Barges traveling along the river help reduce shipping costs compared to road and rail transport, benefiting industries such as agriculture and energy. This waterway is essential for U.S. trade, playing a key role in both domestic and global supply chains.