Parker's Towing Service

At Parker Towing Company, we are a family-owned business that has grown to become one of the largest barge lines in the United States. Our journey began in 1933 when our founder, Tim Parker, first stepped onto the deck of a barge on the Black Warrior River. From that humble beginning, we have grown to operate a fleet of towboats and over 400 open and covered hopper barges, as well as a fleet of 30,000 BBL tank barges.

Our corporate responsibility, reliability, operating efficiencies, cost competitiveness, and commitment to environmental protection are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in being a responsible carrier and a certified member of The American Waterways Operators: Responsible Carrier Program. We believe in maintaining a green environment and protecting our waterways.

Our History

Our story began in 1933, during the heart of the Great Depression, when Tim Parker started working as a deckhand on a barge. His talent for the river life was quickly apparent, and he obtained his pilot's license just three years later. He then used his savings to purchase the Heloise, an old sternwheel steamboat, with the help of a friend. This marked the beginning of Parker Towing Company.

In 1940, Tim secured a contract with the DeBardelaben Coal Company to push wooden barges loaded with coal from Coyle Mines to the coke plant in Holt, AL. Over time, Tim's wife, Thelma Ford, joined the business, keeping the books on their dining room table. Their sons, Tim Jr. and Bill, also became part of the company, further cementing the family's commitment to the business.

Mission & Core Values

Our mission at Parker Towing Company is to provide quality service to our customers while maintaining our commitment to safety, environmental protection, and reliability. We strive to be cost-competitive and efficient in our operations, ensuring that we remain the premier barge line in the industry.

Our core values include:

• Safety: We prioritize the safety of our employees, customers, and the environment.
• Reliability: We aim to provide consistent and reliable service to our customers.
• Efficiency: We continuously look for ways to improve our operations and reduce costs.
• Environmental Protection: We are committed to protecting our waterways and the environment.
• Customer Service: We strive to meet and exceed our customers' expectations.

Leadership

Our leadership team consists of experienced professionals who are dedicated to our mission and core values. They are committed to ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently, and that our customers receive the best possible service.

Video/Media

We are proud to share our story and our commitment to safety, environmental protection, and customer service through various videos and media. Check out our video library to learn more about Parker Towing Company.

Safety

At Parker Towing Company, safety is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment for our employees and ensuring that our operations do not harm the environment. Our goal is always zero injuries, and we achieve this through ongoing training, employee ownership in the process, innovative programs, and management commitment.

Sustainability

We believe in maintaining a green environment and protecting our waterways. As a certified member of The American Waterways Operators: Responsible Carrier Program, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in our operations.

Services

Parker Towing Company offers a range of services to meet our customers' needs. These include:

• Dry Cargo: We transport a variety of dry cargo commodities, including coal, steel, and steel-related products, aggregates, forest products, grain products, cement, and asphalt.
• Liquid Division: Our fleet of 30,000 BBL tank barges allows us to transport a range of liquid commodities, including petroleum products.
• Machine Shop: We operate machine shops in the Mobile, Alabama area, providing maintenance and repair services for our vessels and other equipment.
• Ports and Terminals: We manage terminals for loading and unloading barges at several locations in Alabama and Tennessee, providing an intermodal link between barges, trucks, and rail.

Contact

For more information about our services or to contact us, please visit our Contact page. We look forward to serving you and helping you meet your transportation needs.