Gulf barge freight rates continued toshow a firmer tone in the nearbys on the assumption that
changes in the Gulf posted prices will encourage increases in
both PIK-and-roll activity and barges shipments, with a total
of 21 barges traded this morning on the ST Louis Merchants'
Exchange call session, versus nine yesterday, dealers said.
    Quotes included -
 - This week Mississippi River (Granite City, MLA if P/O)
traded at 175 pct of tariff, five percentage points above
yesterday's bid.
 - Next week Mississippi (Alton/Granite City, MLA if P/O) bid
five points higher at 175 pct, offered at 190.
 - Five barges each week April MidMississippi River
(Dubuque/south) traded at yesterday's bid of 170 pct.
 - April Illinois River (ex Chicago) 160 pct bid, offered 10
points higher at 170.
 - May same section 140 pct bid, offered five lower at 145.
 - May MidMississippi River (Dubuque/south) bid 2-1/2 points
higher at 142-1/2 pct, offered at 145.
 - June/July lower Mississippi River (Memphis/Cairo) offered at
120 pct, no bids.
 - June/Aug upper Mississippi River (Lacrosse/Savage) offered
at 150 pct, no bids.
 - Oct/Nov MidMississippi (Dubuque/south, L/H Nov
Clinton/south) 170 pct bid/177-1/2 offered - no comparison.
 - December Illinois River (ex Chicago) 122-1/2 pct bid/127-1/2
offered - down 2-1/2 points on offer.
 Reuter
