Red Wing Shoes, "A Mighty Big Job" - Upper River Services

“A Mighty Big Job” focuses on a crew of barge workers from Upper River Services, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota, that assembles barges which move commodities to be shipped all over the world. Their jobs range from Captain to Repair Foreman to Dispatcher and more, but the common bond that unites them is the pride they have in their work and their fondness for the river.

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Recent News

The Waterways Journal Captain Profiles: Captain Tom Hanes, Upper River Services

02/12/2021

In February 2021, the Waterways Journal featured a number of captains who run tugs and towboats on the rivers. Our very own Tom Hanes was a featured captain.

So Minnesota: Impact of barge traffic on the state

09/24/2020

Many enjoy hitting the water in Minnesota on a boat. But for some, it's big business. A large part of our state's economy depends on barge traffic. Many don't realize the impact barge traffic has on Minnesota. "We are a silent giant...

Environmental Initiative Receives Federal Grant for Project Green Fleet

02/14/2018

As of April 2021, 67% of the vessels in our fleet have been repowered with newer, cleaner engines. This statistic does not include our newest vessel, the M/V Mendota, built using the same Tier 3 engines used to repower the other vessels.