Lake Carriers Association

About

The Lake Carriers Association (LCA) is the trade organization for U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes. Its 16 member companies manage a fleet of 56 self‑propelled lakers and tug‑barge units, ranging from 494 to 1,013.5 feet, that collectively transport over 115 million tons of cargo annually. The primary commodities are iron ore, limestone, and coal, with additional shipments of cement, salt, sand, and grain, primarily on Jones Act routes between U.S. ports. LCA advocates for members on legislative and regulatory issues, provides industry statistics on cargo volumes, and highlights the fleet’s modern, self‑unloading technology—capable of discharging up to 70,000 tons in ten hours without shore assistance—and its low carbon footprint relative to other transport modes.