Floyd Mechling Retires From Union Mechling

Floyd A. (Bud) Mechling has retired as chairman of the board of Union Mechling Corp. He will continue to serve as a director of the Pittsburgh, Pa.-based barge line until May of next year, and will serve as a transportation consultant to Dravo Corporation, Union Mechling's parent company.

Prior to being named chairman in 1977, Mr. Mechling served as president of the Dravo subsidiary for three years. Union Mechling, the nation's third largest common carrier barge line, was formed in 1973 when Dravo acquired A.L.

Mechling Barge Lines, Inc. and merged the organization with Union Barge Line, already a Dravo subsidiary.

The executive's retirement concludes an active career of more than 40 years. Beginning as a deckhand in his father's business, he became one of the barge industry's most respected executives and leaders. A frequent speaker at transportation forums, he has held various offices for every major industry or industryrelated association. He was a founding member of the American Waterways Operators, Inc., and served as a member of the board of directors and was chairman of the organization for one year.

Beginning his career in 1937 as a deckhand, Mr. Mechling was familiar with all aspects of waterways commerce. His contributions to increasing the capacity and improving the efficiency of river transportation are numerous.

He also is a leader in association activities involving the industry.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the National River Academy in Helena, Ark., and served as chairman of the institution for the first five years of its existence. He is also a frequent representative of the industry in its relations with Congress and various regulatory agencies. He was active in the development of a study that led to the 1973 change in the barge mixing rule by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Mr.

Mechling's affiliations with leading transportation industry organizations will continue during his retirement.

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