Barge America Management
Robert L. Gardner, Founder, President & CEO
Bob’s business philosophy is simple – Embrace Change & Success will Follow. With over 63 years of experience within United States Inland Waterways from operational level through top level leadership, Gardner knows that Success stems from the ability to innovate, adapt and expand Transpiration. Born in Smithland, Kentucky, Robert Gardner attended Vanderbilt University, later graduating from Western Kentucky University with multiple degrees in Industrial Technology and Mathematics before joining Cargo Carriers (Subsidiary of Cargill) in Louisiana. There, Gardner worked in every facet of operations, including dispatching, maintenance, supervision and fuel operations. He went on to serve as Vice President of Alter Barge Lines and Flowers Transportation. Gardner later moved into the Presidential role of Conti Carriers and Terminals, Inc., a subsidiary of Continental Grain plus Dakota Barge Service. After orchestrating the sale of Conti to ACBL, Robert joined them as Vice President of Special Projects and Business Development, focusing on international affairs. Plus, previously and currently in communicative positions within U.S governmental and State control Transportation leaderships.
In addition to his diverse work history, Gardner holds his eleventh USCG issue of a Master of Towing Vessels and First-Class Pilot of Steam or Motor Vessels of unlimited gross tons. In addition, Robert served as a private consultant, industry advocate and member of several U.S. Boards of Directors. In 1998 Gardner formed Barge America and launched a novel barge-leasing concept that expanded into an assorted portfolio of businesses.
In Gardner’s long and diverse career, he has practiced most all the processes that exist between Carriers, Shippers and Federal Agencies. He was a member of The American Waterways Operators for 45 contiguous years, registered US lobbyist for three years and led an aggressive media campaign as an advocate of the barge and towing industry for two years.
Gardner says: "I can't believe it; but I likely possess more end to end, side to side and top to bottom experience in the inland barge industry than any other living person."
(more)
Bob’s business philosophy is simple – Embrace Change & Success will Follow. With over 63 years of experience within United States Inland Waterways from operational level through top level leadership, Gardner knows that Success stems from the ability to innovate, adapt and expand Transpiration. Born in Smithland, Kentucky, Robert Gardner attended Vanderbilt University, later graduating from Western Kentucky University with multiple degrees in Industrial Technology and Mathematics before joining Cargo Carriers (Subsidiary of Cargill) in Louisiana. There, Gardner worked in every facet of operations, including dispatching, maintenance, supervision and fuel operations. He went on to serve as Vice President of Alter Barge Lines and Flowers Transportation. Gardner later moved into the Presidential role of Conti Carriers and Terminals, Inc., a subsidiary of Continental Grain plus Dakota Barge Service. After orchestrating the sale of Conti to ACBL, Robert joined them as Vice President of Special Projects and Business Development, focusing on international affairs. Plus, previously and currently in communicative positions within U.S governmental and State control Transportation leaderships.
In addition to his diverse work history, Gardner holds his eleventh USCG issue of a Master of Towing Vessels and First-Class Pilot of Steam or Motor Vessels of unlimited gross tons. In addition, Robert served as a private consultant, industry advocate and member of several U.S. Boards of Directors. In 1998 Gardner formed Barge America and launched a novel barge-leasing concept that expanded into an assorted portfolio of businesses.
In Gardner’s long and diverse career, he has practiced most all the processes that exist between Carriers, Shippers and Federal Agencies. He was a member of The American Waterways Operators for 45 contiguous years, registered US lobbyist for three years and led an aggressive media campaign as an advocate of the barge and towing industry for two years.
Gardner says: "I can't believe it; but I likely possess more end to end, side to side and top to bottom experience in the inland barge industry than any other living person."
(more)