(image source:f Tennessee-Tombigbee Tourism)

  Barge Transportation is one of the most advantageous modes of transporting the nation's raw materials. In 1993 alone, more than 48.2 million tons of raw materials were moved by barges through the waters of the Tennessee River.  The Shoals Area of North Alabama boasts its own ties to the industry. The Florence-Lauderdale Port Authority is comprised of volunteers and an appointed board to oversee operations. The port is a public entity, but several private companies manage their own terminals.
      

The port's largest import is coiled steel. The steel is brought by barge to the port for the A.J.Gerrard Strip Steel Company located in Florence, Alabama. The steel is broken down to various degrees of strength and is shipped out by truck to customers. This process provides approximately 200 jobs for the Shoals Area.

Salt Barges are also a common site at the port. Cargill Salt Terminal is located right on the river in Florence, Alabama. The company mixes the salt with potash for cleaning aluminum. The salt is stored in a wooden building to avoid corrosion and the mixing process is completed right at the port site.

The Tennessee River also provides resources for daily activities. For example, sand is harvested from the bottom of the river and brought in by barge before being shipped by train to areas in the state of Tennessee. The "river sand" is used in road paving projects because of its high silicone content. "River gravel" is also collected and sorted into various grades of rock for filament.

(Source:  Florence-Lauderdale Port Authority)