Trip Pilot

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the United States, with a proud legacy that dates back to 1915 when it began moving coal on the Kentucky River. ACBL continues to be a leader in providing economical, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions through its extensive fleet and highly skilled workforce. With its operations spanning multiple strategic locations, including Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA; Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX; and Jeffersonville, IN, ACBL offers a range of career opportunities both on the river and in support roles. The company is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment emphasizing safety, professional growth, and employee well-being. ACBL provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities, making it an employer of choice in the maritime industry. The Trip Pilot role at American Commercial Barge Line is a vital position responsible for the safe navigation and effective management of vessels through challenging waterways of the Western Rivers and Lower Mississippi River systems. As a Trip Pilot, you will be entrusted with ensuring that all work during your watch complies fully with ACBL safety policies and practices, maintaining safe navigation standards for the vessel at all times. This includes giving clear instructions to crew members to properly perform their duties and overseeing their performance to guarantee a safe and efficient operation. You will serve as the designated vessel security officer as per the Vessel Security Plan and ensure all hazardous cargo information is communicated and understood by crew members to uphold safety requirements. In addition to compliance and safety oversight, the Trip Pilot plays a crucial supervisory role, participating in crew management, maintaining vessel budgets, and fostering cost-efficient practices onboard. The role demands maintaining radio watch, completing necessary log entries, reporting hazardous cargo movements, and enforcing company policies and safety management systems. The Trip Pilot must be adaptable to operate in all weather conditions, capable of traveling to various vessel and training locations, and be proficient in the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with the U.S. Coast Guard, lock personnel, land-based employees, and vessel crew. ACBL values experienced pilots who bring a strong track record of managing large tows—preferably 20 or more barges—and those who meet stringent U.S. Coast Guard physical and licensing requirements, including a Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license. The position involves working on schedules such as six hours on and six hours off watch, piloting or riding crew boats to access the towing vessel, and compliance with perpetual licensing and security credential maintenance such as a TWIC card. This full-time role offers tremendous professional growth and the chance to be part of a leading maritime company dedicated to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

• Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required
• experience running on the Lower Mississippi River with 30 or more loaded barges
• must meet USCG physical examination requirements
• must be able to travel to and from vessel/training locations via air or car travel
• must possess a valid driver’s license
• must be able to work 6 hours on 6 hours off watch
• experience pushing barges (tows of 20 or more preferred)
• must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel
• must be able to work in all weather conditions
• must maintain valid USCG licensing
• must maintain an active TWIC