News Section | Upper River Services

PBS Documentary: Current State of Our Working River

Called ‘silent giants’ barges carry millions of tons of commodities through St. Paul on the Mississippi River. The river provides both jobs and an environmentally friendly option to move goods without adding trains to tracks, or trucks to roads. For the benefits provided by river shipping the need for investment… Read more »

PBS Documentary: Current State of Our Working River

Where We Look Best

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.

Minneapolis, St. Paul To Unite For ‘Pulling Together’

03/16/2017

Minneapolis and St. Paul will settle their age-old rivalry with an epic tug-of-war across the Mighty Mississippi, all in the name of charity. WCCO-TV, along with founding partners Central Roofing and Pearson’s Candy Company, is proud...

MnDOT Hastings Bridge Project

09/25/2012

Upper River Services partnered with Lunda/Ames JV to design and implement a process to move the pre-constructed, 6.5 million pound, Hastings bridge from land to barge. Upper River then positioned the bridge to be lifted...

Red Wing Shoes, “A Mighty Big Job”

11/11/2011

"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...

Red Bull Mississippi Grind

09/22/2011

After a grand kickoff in Minneapolis, Minnesota, five small town skaters (along with a roving cast of pros) will make their dream a reality as they launch a floating skate park down the largest river system in the United States ending their...