300-barge boost: Turn Services swallows St. John Fleeting
Turn Services gains a 300-barge fleet site near Reserve, Louisiana, in a deal.
Turn Services has finalised its acquisition of St.
The newly acquired fleet site, located near Mile Marker 140/141, can accommodate up to 300 barges, including dry cargo, liquid, pressure, CDC, deck, and oversized vessels. This addition complements Turn Services’ existing operations, which span the Lower Mississippi River, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Houston Ship Channel, and Sabine-Sabine-Neches Waterway. The facility’s capabilities in fleeting, marine transportation, stevedoring, barge repair, and dock transfers will enhance Turn Services’ ability to serve customers within the Port of South Louisiana jurisdiction.
Turn Services’ takeover of St. St. John Fleeting strengthens its position as one of the largest independent fleeting and shifting operators in the country.
Gary Poirrier, Chairman of Turn Services, emphasised the strategic importance of the deal:
“This acquisition represents another important investment in the long-term growth of Turn Services and in the customers and industries we serve. St. St. John Fleeting has built an outstanding operation and a trusted reputation over five decades on the Mississippi River. We are proud to carry that legacy forward while bringing these assets and experienced team members into Turn Services and strengthening our ability to serve our customers.”
Gary Poirrier·Chairman of Turn Services
The facility’s ability to handle a wide range of barge types, including specialised vessels for liquid and oversized cargo, positions Turn Services to cater to a broader spectrum of clients, from energy companies to agricultural exporters.
What’s next for Turn Services and its customers
With the acquisition now complete, Turn Services is poised to integrate St. St. John Fleeting’s operations into its existing network. Todd Fuller, President of Turn Services, highlighted the immediate benefits:
“Adding this fleet into Turn Services’ operations strengthens our ability to serve customers at a critical location on the Lower Mississippi River. The acquisition expands our fleeting operations in the Reserve area and allows us to augment our cargo handling capacity within the Port of South Louisiana jurisdiction.”
Todd Fuller·President of Turn Services
Fuller also underscored the company’s commitment to maintaining the high standards set by St. St. John Fleeting:
“We look forward to building on the strong foundation established by St. St. John Fleeting, while continuing to deliver the level of safety, reliability, and service our customers expect.”
Todd Fuller·President of Turn Services
The acquisition aligns with Turn Services’ broader growth strategy, which has included previous takeovers such as Michoud Fleet in Louisiana and Marine Fueling Service’s operations in Texas. By consolidating its presence along the Lower Mississippi and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Turn Services is positioning itself to play an even larger role in the region’s maritime logistics sector. The company’s expanded network will enable it to offer more comprehensive services, from barge cleaning and repair to vessel operations, spanning from Baton Rouge to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
This is particularly critical for industries reliant on just-in-time delivery, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy.
Looking ahead, Turn Services is expected to continue investing in its infrastructure and service offerings. The company’s focus on safety, efficiency, and customer service will likely drive further innovations in barge operations, including the adoption of new technologies for tracking, maintenance, and environmental compliance. As the maritime logistics sector evolves, Turn Services’ expanded footprint positions it to meet the growing demands of a dynamic and competitive market.
For stakeholders in the Lower Mississippi River region, this acquisition signals a new chapter in inland marine logistics. With Turn Services now controlling a key 300-barge hub, the company is better equipped to support the region’s economic growth, ensuring that cargo continues to move efficiently along one of the nation’s most vital waterways.
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