MN 100: Ingram Barge Company

Posted by Nicole Ventimiglia

4400 Harding Road
Nashville, TN 37205-2290
Tel: (615) 298-8200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ingrambarge.com
CEO: Orrin H. Ingram

The Company:
Ingram Barge Company (IBCO) has been a quality marine transporter on America’s inland waterways since 1946, and has grown to become a leading carrier on America’s inland waterways. IBCO has superior customer service, state-of-the-art information systems, and training and safety practices that are second to none. A commitment to continuous improvement involving every associate sets Ingram apart from the competition and provides the best possible service and value for the transportation dollar. Other value-added services include Custom Fuel Services (CFS) which provide dockside and midstream fueling, water, lubes, slop services, filters, garbage, and degreasers. The midstream service allows boats to avoid time-consuming fuel stops. By purchasing fuel from major refiners such as Exxon, IBCO also ensures a consistent and competitively-priced source of fuel. Additionally, Continental Building Products – A Value-Added Partnership, involves the unloading dock at Silver Grove, KY, for Continental Building Products Corporation. The partnership is responsible for unloading barge-delivered gypsum that is used by the plant to produce wallboard (drywall). This operation is done in conjunction with a long-term barge freight contract and is an example of value-added partnerships with Ingram customers.

The Case:
In a nutshell, Ingram Barge Company moves bulk cargo, with quality service and a business approach rooted in safety. According to Ingram, and in order to excel in its core marine transportation, fueling and terminaling businesses, this starts by empowering every associate to continually improve service to customers, setting the industry standard for excellence. Teamwork is the cornerstone to its culture, and this supportive collaboration results in a positive and productive workplace. Ingram promotes a family culture where associates care for one another and take pride in our shared history and accomplishments. Beyond this, and no less important, the Ingram goals include Zero Harm to associates, the environment, customers, communities, and property. Ingram customers can instantly pinpoint the location of towboats and barges and estimate accurate times of arrival of their commodities. This helps both Ingram and the customer assure on time delivery of cargo, within budget, while complying with all environmental requirements. Ingram maintains in-house repair and fueling capabilities to also insure uninterrupted service to customers. A state-of-the-art information system, employing direct satellite communications with towboats that utilize electronic charting systems using Differential GPS and radar integration technology allows the firm to provide the best possible service and value for the transportation dollar. Finally, Training and Safety go hand in hand with stringent hiring practices at Ingram. An in-house deckhand training school that involves extensive safety training ensures uniform service, no matter which boat or barge is employed and a standardized transportation package.

The Fleet:
The Ingram Barge Company fleet includes nearly 4,000 barges powered by one of the industry’s best towboat fleets, consisting of more than 100 line haul vessels ranging up to 10,500 horsepower and another 40 boats under 1800 horsepower. It all adds up to superior customer service.

(As published in the August 2014 edition of Marine News - http://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MaritimeNews)

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