Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Inland Waterway Transportation Solutions
Parker Towing, founded in 1933, is a family-owned marine transportation leader operating across U.S. inland waterways. Our decades of experience enable us to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions for bulk commodities, including steel, coal, grain, and petroleum products. We maintain a modern fleet of towboats ranging from 1,000 to 4,200 horsepower, ensuring reliable cargo movement through advanced barge technology. Our specialized tank barge operations adhere to strict environmental and safety standards for liquid cargo transport. With stevedoring operations in Alabama and Tennessee, we integrate barge, truck, and rail logistics for dry bulk commodities. Our Whistler Machine Works division provides critical maintenance and fabrication services for marine and manufacturing industries in Mobile, Alabama.As a certified member of the American Waterways Operators: Responsible Carrier Program, we prioritize environmental stewardship alongside operational excellence. Our commitment to zero injuries drives continuous safety training and innovative risk management practices. Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we combine regional expertise with national-scale capabilities to meet evolving customer needs. Our dedicated professionals ensure competitive rates without compromising service quality through rigorous internal quality control systems.
Services
Cargo Affreightment
Tank Barge Fleet
Towing Services
Stevedoring Operations
Machine Shop Services
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We offer 90+ years of specialized experience in inland waterway transportation
- Our family-owned operation maintains strict safety and environmental standards
- We provide integrated logistics solutions connecting barge, truck, and rail networks
- Our modern fleet includes towboats up to 4,200 horsepower for heavy cargo capacity
- We operate a full-service marine machine shop for maintenance and fabrication needs
Associations and certifications
- American Waterways Operators: Responsible Carrier Program
Services
Cargo Affreightment
Our cargo affreightment service specializes in transporting bulk commodities via inland waterways. We handle steel, aggregates, coal, and petroleum products using modern barge fleets. With dedicated logistics coordination, we ensure timely delivery while maintaining strict safety protocols for hazardous materials. Our system optimizes cargo capacity and route efficiency for cost-effective transportation solutions.
Tank Barge Fleet
Tank barge operations focus on safe liquid cargo transportation across regulated waterways. Our fleet meets stringent environmental standards for petroleum and chemical products. Advanced containment systems and spill prevention protocols ensure compliance with federal regulations. We provide specialized handling for temperature-sensitive and hazardous materials through dedicated transport vessels.
Towing Services
Towing services include long-haul and regional barge movements across interconnected waterways. Our experienced pilots navigate complex river systems using modern navigation technology. We offer fleeting and harbor services for vessel positioning and temporary storage. The fleet's horsepower range accommodates various cargo volumes while maintaining maneuverability in confined water spaces.
Stevedoring Operations
Stevedoring services in Alabama and Tennessee facilitate efficient cargo transfer between barge, truck, and rail systems. Our terminals provide temporary storage and inventory management for dry bulk commodities. Specialized equipment handles materials like grain, cement, and forest products with minimal product loss. We maintain ISO-certified handling procedures for quality assurance.
Machine Shop Services
Whistler Machine Works offers fabrication and repair services for marine and industrial equipment. Our certified technicians perform precision welding, engine overhauls, and custom part manufacturing. Preventative maintenance programs extend equipment lifespan while minimizing downtime. We service both in-house fleet components and third-party industrial machinery for regional clients.
Questions
What types of cargo does Parker Towing transport?
We specialize in bulk commodities including steel, coal, grain, cement, forest products, aggregates, and petroleum products through our barge and tank vessel fleet.
How does Parker Towing ensure environmental safety?
As a Responsible Carrier Program member, we maintain strict environmental protocols including double-hull tank barges, spill containment systems, and regular crew training on ecological protection practices.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Our primary service area covers Alabama and Tennessee waterways with connections to the broader U.S. inland river system including Mississippi River tributaries and Gulf Coast routes.
Do you offer specialized marine maintenance services?
Yes, our Whistler Machine Works division provides welding, fabrication, and equipment repair services for both marine vessels and industrial manufacturing clients in Mobile, Alabama.
How does Parker Towing ensure operational safety?
We maintain a zero-injury goal through continuous safety training, equipment inspections, and patented risk management protocols that have established us as one of the industry's safest operators.
