Great Lakes Shipping

Great Lakes shipping involves the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes and connecting waterways in North America. Large cargo ships, called lakers, move commodities like iron ore, coal, grains, and limestone between ports in the U.S. and Canada. This vital maritime network supports industries, provides an economical and efficient way to move large quantities of goods, and helps reduce road and rail congestion. Shipping on the Great Lakes is seasonal, mostly from spring to late fall, due to winter weather and ice conditions. It plays a crucial role in regional and national commerce, linking inland resources to global markets.